A Pumpkin Lantern - To Light The Way?

Answer 1

When autumn's leaves begin to turn a riot of colors, pumpkins are ready for harvesting. They are sold at rural farm markets as well as popular shopping outlets and grocery stores. There are naturally grown pumpkins as well as commercial vinyl types. The real fun is creating the most unusual pumpkin lantern in your neighborhood. Both naturally grown and commercial vinyl pumpkins make wonderful decorations for the entire autumn season. Choose pumpkins in varied sizes to design an unusual pumpkin lantern setting for your sidewalk or driveway.

Preparing A Pumpkin Lantern

Using a naturally grown pumpkin, plan several designs for the pumpkin face. Carve a hole about 2 inches in diameter at the top of the pumpkin. Remove seeds and contents inside the pumpkin. Instead of discarding these, place the seeds in a brown bag and add salt. Then, bake on an oiled baking sheet until golden brown. This is a great and healthy snack while you are carving a pumpkin lantern. Don't forget that the pulp inside the pumpkin makes a great pie or cake. Retain the top of the pumpkin that was carved so it can be replaced once a candle or light is placed inside.

Create A Pumpkin Lantern

Once the pumpkin's face has been carved, it's time to make the pumpkin lantern. This can be done several ways. The first pumpkin lanterns were made by drizzling hot wax into the bottom of the pumpkin and quickly inserting a thick candle or taper. There is actually an easier way to do this. Look for a small, decorative candle holder and insert the candle into the holder in the center bottom of the pumpkin. Go creative and use candelabra that hold two or more candles neatly inside the pumpkin. This is a more dramatic effect. There are also small battery-operated lights that can be used instead of candles.

Designing A Pumpkin Lantern Scene

Look for colorful fallen leaves in different sizes and shapes. Use these as the base for a pumpkin lantern scene. Dried corn stalks and corn cobs are also visibly enhancing. These work well centered on lawns, front steps or between sidewalk plantings.

Answer 2

A pumpkin lantern is a festive and traditional decoration for Halloween, typically carved with a spooky or fun face and illuminated from within by a candle or light source. It is used to light outdoor pathways and create a spooky ambiance for trick-or-treaters and party guests during the Halloween season.