When it comes to decorating for Halloween, whether for a party at home or in a child’s classroom, people usually resort to items like cardboard cutouts of black cats and witches’ hats, plastic spiders in “home-spun” webs of cotton, and, of course, traditional Jack-o-Lanterns. While there is nothing wrong with these age-old symbols of the holiday, another option is to utilize nature’s autumnal bounty and create garlands, candy dishes, candleholders, and bowls from gourds and squash.
Facts About Gourds and Squash
Unlike pumpkins, gourds have hard shells, which make them easier to carve; plus, gourds last longer than pumpkins, meaning that decorations can be prepared well in advance of planned events. Moreover, gourds can be dried and preserved almost indefinitely, so they are reusable on subsequent Halloweens.
Squash, on the other hand, like its close cousin the pumpkin, isn’t very tough-skinned, which means it’s a bit messier to carve, so people are advised to use a gentle hand during the carving process and also spread plenty of newspaper on the work area. Then again, winter squash comes in a variety of shapes, from round to elongated to scalloped to pear-shaped, with flesh that ranges from golden-yellow to brilliant orange, making it ideal for creating beautiful and unique decorations not just for Halloween but Thanksgiving as well.
Note: Not all squash varieties are suitable for drying and long-term preservation, so unless people are sure they are purchasing a variety that is suitable, it’s best they plan for short-term display of these decorations.
Whimsical Gourd Garlands
Gourds can be strung together to create whimsical garlands to hang from trees in the yard or garden, around porches or patio awnings, or even inside the home.
How to Make Garlands:
- Measure the distance to be covered with the garland and decide how far apart gourds will be spaced.
- Purchase enough gourds to span that distance.
- Be sure to select a variety of gourds in different shades and patterns.
- Select a drill with a small bit, approximately 1/8 inch.
- Drill a hole in each gourd at the base of its neck and above where the gourd’s body begins to expand outward.
- String a cord through each gourd, knotting the cord on one side so the gourd will remain in place.
Ornamental Gourd Candy Dishes
These colorful containers will be a hit with everyone. Just fill them with Halloween candies, for example, candy corn or Red Hots, and display them on tabletops or grouped together in a tray decorated with autumnal foliage.
How to Make Candy Dishes
- Gourds should be relatively round with fairly flat bottoms so they will not topple over when set on surfaces.
- Cut off the neck of each gourd.
- Using a grease pencil, draw a circle the size of the desired opening.
- Cut out the circle with a small craft saw or sharp carving knife.
- Scoop out the gourd, removing all pulp and seeds.
- Using plastic wrap, line the inside of each gourd.
- Fill each gourd with candies.
Colorful Miniature Pumpkin Candleholders
Miniature pumpkins, also known as Jack Be Littles, are members of the squash family (Family Circle, 2004). They are also the perfect size to hold tea lights (small candles) and look lovely clustered as a centerpiece in the dining room or adoring a hallway table. Other possible varieties for this project include Carnival, Sweet Dumpling, and Gold Nugget squash. (Whatscookingamerica.net)
How To Make Candleholders
- Choose an appropriate number of miniature pumpkins.
- Place a tea light atop each pumpkin and outline it with a grease pencil.
- With a sharp knife, cut around the drawn outline.
- Scoop out pulp and seeds.
- Line each pumpkin two-thirds of the way with aluminum foil (The foil lining shouldn’t show above the candle)
- Insert tea lights.
Sensational Squash Serving Bowl
To make a serving bowl, a large squash is preferable, for example, Fairytale, Cinderella, or Turban squash. In fact, the Turban squash is especially suitable since, according to whatscookingamerica.com, “A larger variety of the buttercup squash, the turban has a bright orange-red rind. The turban-like swirl on its blossom end is a fanciful variegated orange, red and white.” Moreover, unlike some varieties, it can be used to serve hot dishes, even soup, without lining it beforehand with aluminum foil.
To Make Serving Bowl:
- Select an appropriately sized squash, based upon its intended purpose, for example, to serve a mountain of chips or merely a small fruit compote.
- Using a grease pencil, outline a circle around the top of the squash.
- With a small craft saw or sharp serrated knife, cut out the circle.
- With a large metal spoon or sculpting tool, scoop out the pulp and seeds.
- Line the squash with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Fill with desired snacks or food.
These unique and whimsical decorations will be a bit hit with family and friends alike and put everyone in the mood for Halloween.
Readers might also want to check out Easy Halloween Desserts for some recipes that will be the hit of any Halloween party.
References:
- Family Circle, “Gorgeous Gourds,” November 1, 2004
- Gourds: Ornamental Gourds, retrieved October 5, 2009 from about.com
- Squash Glossary: Summer & Winter Squash, retrieved October 5, 2009 from whatscookingamerica.net
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