Choosing Pumpkins for Halloween Decor

Pumpkins are one of the most popular symbols of Halloween, representing not only the autumn harvest but also Halloween décor. The old Irish tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-O'-Lanterns, which was once done using large turnips, still goes on today. Look nearly anywhere during the Halloween season and you're certain to see them, pumpkins lazing about one's landscape with smiling or scowling faces, some with no face at all. Pumpkins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pumpkins also range in color, from yellow, orange, and even white. Choosing pumpkins for Halloween décor is no easy task, especially if you're looking for some to carve. While most people want nothing more than an ordinary pumpkin with a simple Jack-O'-Lantern design, other people want their pumpkins to make a statement. These are the ones who look for the perfect pumpkin, if there is such a thing. These are the people who take Halloween decorating to the extremes, but all in good fun and with extraordinary results.

To make choosing pumpkins easier, it always helps to have a general idea about their purpose. Will you be carving them? If so, the type of design should accommodate the pumpkin's size and shape. For instance, your design may require a tall and narrow pumpkin as opposed to a smaller round one. Small and medium-sized pumpkins work well for the more traditional Jack-o'-Lantern faces. However, designs that are more complex may require a larger sized pumpkin. Carved pumpkins can add drama to your Halloween décor. Create a variety of Jack-O'-Lanterns and scatter them throughout the lawn. Set them in trees. Tuck them between plants in the garden. Don't forget to light them up after dark to create that ominous effect. Perhaps you're not into carving. That's ok. Pumpkins can be used simply for aesthetic purposes. These too look great scattered around the yard or placed along walkways and porches. Create stunning displays by gathering bales of hay and place them in the lawn or garden. Surround them with corn stalks and pumpkins accented with Indian corn and small decorative gourds.

Whatever the purpose, pumpkins should not have any visible bruising or other irregular spots. Bruised pumpkins can shorten the amount of time you'll have to show it off so keep this in mind when choosing them. Also, try to choose pumpkins that are smooth and uniform. These usually sit up better. Of course, if you're merely choosing pumpkins for Halloween décor other than carving, this probably won't be much of an issue. Once you've chosen the perfect pumpkins for all of your decorating needs, you'll want to take care not to damage the pumpkins before getting them home. Although I've seen many people do it, including me, picking up pumpkins by the stems is not really a good idea. This not only increases the chances of having the stems break off, but you also run a greater risk of dropping them. However, there are instances when the stem does break or perhaps that 'perfect' pumpkin doesn't have much of a stem to begin with. What happens then? Occasions such as these usually call for ingenuity. For example, you could choose to carve the bottom out instead, placing the pumpkin over its light source. Alternatively, you could find another use for pumpkins like these. Perhaps it would serve a better purpose by turning it into a festive looking container for fall mums.

Pumpkins are an absolute must for Halloween decorating. However, choosing pumpkins for Halloween décor doesn't have to be stressful. Planning your design needs and becoming familiar with various pumpkin varieties ahead of time can often make the process both fun and easy.