The pumpkin. A cultivated winter squash, most commonly applied to round, orange-coloured squash varieties (thanks Wikipedia).

The pumpkin is synonymous with HALLOWEEN. Have you carved your pumpkin yet? The important question is: “Do you carve your pumpkin from the TOP or the BOTTOM? Over the past couple of years there’s been a trend leaning toward carving your pumpkin from the bottom. Traditionally, most people would carve open the top and go to town.

According to ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ online….the trend is shifting toward the suggestion of carving it from the BOTTOM. Why? You can make the hole larger (for easier scooping). There’s no risk of the lid shriveling and collapsing. AND, it will actually make your pumpkin last longer.

Cutting out the bottom of the pumpkin can create a flatter surface for a candle or light to rest on. You could even carve a divot in the base to hold your candle container securely. Just make sure your carving allows enough ventilation for the candle, and consider adding a small hole to serve as a chimney near the stem.

If you prefer, cut a rectangle, a square, or any shape you like. Just make sure the edges aren’t visible when the pumpkin is viewed from the side.

AND, how about this? Professional pumpkin carvers (yes, they do exist), often cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin because it offers a larger canvas and an easy way to insert large LED lights.

Whichever way you carve your pumpkin…remember……………………..HAVE FUN!