A grand front entry portico or a vintage wrap around deck will never go out of style. Even unique entry doors can make a home stand out 365 days a year.  However, the playing field can be leveled when it comes to the holiday season! While various decorations are popular in December, Halloween brings out the best in scary ghouls and carved pumpkins. What better way to greet trick or treaters (aside from the candy they know they’re about to get!

Fall is the season of the pumpkin! While anyone is capable of ordering a pumpkin spice latte or a piece of pumpkin pie, the carving of a pumpkin might prove a bit more difficult for the less artistically inclined. Below you will find a few simple steps that will allow you to line your porch with pumpkins of all different varieties. 

Step 1: The first step is getting the right “canvas”! Look for a pumpkin that is full, firm, and lacks many cuts

Step 2: At the top of the pumpkin, draw a circle that your first can fit through with a felt tip marker. This will allow you to easily scoop out all of the seeds inside the pumpkin

Step 3: Draw your design! While you may be tempted to go with the craziest design you can think of, a novice should start with mostly drawings mostly based around triangles as the cutting process will be simpler.

Step 4: Give the pumpkin an overall gentle clean to improve the aesthetic.

Step 5: Illuminate your pumpkin. Most people seem to use a tea cup sized candle inside of a small glass to keep the flame from blowing out on a windy night

And don’t forget—the pumpkin seeds can be roasted for a nice festive fall treat!