Pumpkin Carving Tips & Decorating Ideas
Published on 4th Nov, 2025
Get ready for some Halloween fun! Pumpkin carving is a classic tradition, and we've got some great tips to help you create the perfect pumpkin. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, these simple tricks and different decorating ideas will make all the difference.
Pumpkin Carving Top Tips
Ready to get creative? Pumpkin carving is a cracking bit of fun for the whole family, but a few simple tricks can make all the difference. Here are our top tips for a spooktacular pumpkin!
Pick a good 'un: Choose a pumpkin that's firm, with a flat bottom so it doesn't wobble. No soft spots or blemishes (unless you want to get creative by incorporating imperfections into your design).
Cut from the bottom: It might sound daft, but cutting a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin makes it much more stable to carve and lets the candle sit flat inside.
Scoop it out: Get stuck in! Use a big metal spoon or an ice cream scoop to scrape out all the seeds and stringy bits. Give the walls a good old scrape until they're about an inch thick.
Draw your design: Grab a whiteboard or felt-tip pen and draw your spooky face or design straight onto the pumpkin. This way, you can rub it out and try again if you make a mistake.
Small saw, big difference: The little carving saws you get in the Halloween pumpkin carving kits are your best friend! They're much easier to use than a big knife and give you more control.
Start in the middle: When carving, start with the smaller, more intricate bits in the middle of your design first. That way, you're not trying to carve around a big hole.
Push the pieces out: Don't pull! Once you've carved a piece, gently push it out from the inside of the pumpkin.
Keep it fresh: After you've finished carving, rub a little bit of petroleum jelly on all the cut edges. It helps stop the pumpkin from drying out and going wrinkly.
Light it up safely: If you're using a real tea light, make sure you don't leave it unattended. For a safer option, a battery-powered tea light is perfect for little monsters.
Use those leftovers: Don't bin the pumpkin innards! Make the most of them with our delicious recipe ideas. You can easily roast the seeds by giving them a good wash, toss in a little oil and salt, and roast in the oven for a tasty snack. Or, for a warming treat, check out our pumpkin recipes you can make out of the pulp.
Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
We've got plenty of fun ideas from traditional carving to funky alternatives that are great if you want to try something different this Halloween. Watch the videos and follow our tips to create your own magical masterpiece for October 31st.
The 'Hedgekinhog' Pumpkin
You can make this creepy-cute Hedgekinhog for Halloween using:
Raisins (no pinching)
LED fairy lights (battery operated)
A drill (for the grown-up bit)
Give it a go...
Please decorate your pumpkin on a suitable, protected surface - and ensure adults only use the drill.
Slice a side of the pumpkin off and carve out all the pulp
Drill 'spike' holes - equally spaced across the pumpkin (this bit is for the over-18s)
Place LED battery fairy light bulbs through the holes from the inside
Add the small pumpkin for the head, using cocktail sticks to attach it
Use two raisins for the eyes using toothpicks to stick them on
Turn the lights on and bring your Hedekinhog to life
The 'Scary Starry Night' Pumpkin
Make a 'fright night light' to remember using:
Cookie cutter - star shaped
Toffee hammer
A drill (for the grown-up bit)
Ready, steady, glow...
Please decorate your pumpkin on a suitable, protected surface - and ensure adults only use the drill.
Cut the lid off the pumpkin and hollow out the centre
Place the cookie cutter on the pumpkin and tap with the toffee hammer
Cut out as many stars as you like
Drill 'twinkle' holes - equally spaced across the pumpkin (this bit is for the over-18s)
Place LED tea lights inside the pumpkin
Turn the lights on and enjoy star-gazing on 31st October.
The 'Crying Crayons' Pumpkin
Add even more colour to Halloween with:
Hair we go...
Please decorate your pumpkin on a suitable, protected surface.
Glue each crayon to the top of the pumpkin - equally spaced
Wait for the glue to dry - have a Halloween snack while you wait
Use the hairdryer to slowly melt the crayons
Step back and marvel at the multi-coloured magic
The 'Glitter-Ball' Pumpkin
To make this Halloween party pumpkin you'll need to get your claws on the following:
Glitter – any colour
A paint brush
Let the fun begin...
Please decorate your pumpkin on a suitable surface, which is protected from the glitter and glue.
Paint strips of the PVA glue onto sections of the Pumpkin
Sprinkle glitter on the glued strips
Wait to dry and dust off excess glitter
Stand back and enjoy your glittery masterpiece
Turn up your favourite Halloween hits and get the party started
The 'Mummy Magic' Pumpkin
Make some Mummy Magic with the following:
Wrap it up in minutes...
Please decorate your pumpkin on a suitable surface for carving.
Carve the entire pumpkin and take out the insides.
Slice it into equal sections.
Jumble the sliced pieces of pumpkin.
Slice some eyes and a mouth.
Add coffee beans for eyes and place tea lights inside.
Turn off the lights and get spooked.
So there you have it, your ultimate guide to pumpkin carving and decorating! We hope these top tips and fun ideas help you create a spooktacular masterpiece this October. Whether you’re after a traditional carved jack-o'-lantern or a creative new design, we’ve got everything you need.
Don't forget to pick up your pumpkins, carving kits, and all your decorating bits and bobs from Morrisons online or at your local store. Happy carving!