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9 Brilliant Ways to Use Pumpkins at Your Halloween Party This Year

These next-level pumpkin ideas put the "trick" in trick-or-treat.

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Pumpkin Hack Collage

When it comes to throwing a spooktacular Halloween bash, we take decorating and preparing the perfect menu very seriously. Whether this is your first time playing hostess, or you're looking for new ways to impress your guests this year, these pumpkin hacks will take your party to the next level.

1

Create a Serving Bowl For Punch

Squash, Serveware, Natural foods, Calabaza, Produce, Ingredient, Vegan nutrition, Orange, Local food, Whole food,
Michael Partenio

Skip the punch bowl and pour apple cider inside a pumpkin instead. Not only does this idea look adorable, the pumpkin flavor will infuse your drink with tasty fall goodness, too.

Get the tutorial.

2

Serve Food in Pumpkin Dishes

Food, Produce, Orange, Ingredient, Natural foods, Vegan nutrition, Whole food, Local food, Vegetable, Common persimmon,
Getty Images

Stuff your pumpkins—and your guests—with this clever recipe that's as adorable as it is delicious.

Get the recipe from Delish.

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3

Cook a Whole Pumpkin to Make Puree

Calabaza, Squash, Orange, Vegetable, Pumpkin, Produce, Winter squash, Ingredient, Gourd, Natural foods,
Courtesy of Bless This Mess

Instead of buying canned pumpkin at the supermarket, put a whole pumpkin in your slow cooker to create your own puree. Your guests will be impressed at how fresh your sweet and savory pumpkin recipes taste.

Get the recipe from Bless This Mess.

4

Easily Peel Pumpkins for Cooking

Yellow, Food, Ingredient, Cuisine, Orange, Sweetness, Kitchen utensil, Produce, Kitchen knife, Recipe,
Courtesy of From Brazil to You

Cooking a pumpkin first will make peeling off the skin easier and faster. This method ensures no pumpkin-y goodness goes to waste, as often happens when you use a knife to cut off the rind.

Get the recipe from From Brazil to You.

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5

Freeze Pumpkin for Later

Yellow, Food, Ingredient, Mason jar, Orange, Preserved food, Food storage containers, Fruit preserve, Canning, Food storage,
Courtesy of Clever Pink Pirate

When you're cooking for a large group, you're bound to have leftover scraps from recipes. Save puree for later by freezing it in bags or containers.

Get the recipe from Clever Pink Pirate.

6

Turn a Pumpkin into a Keg

Squash, Glass bottle, Bottle, Calabaza, Drink, Vegetable, Drinkware, Alcohol, Orange, Alcoholic beverage,
Courtesy of Celebrations

Create a festive beverage dispenser by attaching a spigot to a pumpkin. Fill it with pumpkin ale or the fall-themed cocktail of your choice.

Get the tutorial.

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7

Cool Beverages

Pumpkin, Wine bottle, Yellow, Calabaza, Bottle, Winter squash, Glass bottle, Wine, Drink, Still life,
Courtesy of Everyday Dishes

Fill a scooped out pumpkin with ice for the perfect place to cool beverages at your next party. For the best results, look for a pumpkin that can lay flat on its side.

Get the tutorial from Everyday Dishes.

8

Turn a Pumpkin into Your Party Menu

Vegetable, Whole food, Natural foods, Produce, Ingredient, Squash, Local food, Vegan nutrition, Calabaza, Pumpkin,
Courtesy of Better Recipes

Cover a pumpkin in chalkboard paint for the perfect spot to display the evening's menu. Last minute changes? No problem—the words will be easily changeable.

Get the tutorial from Better Recipes.

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9

Make a Serving Bowl for Dip

Squash, Vegan nutrition, Whole food, Vegetable, Natural foods, Ingredient, Produce, Calabaza, Winter squash, Pumpkin,
Courtesy of Handmade in The Heartland

Keep your party guests full and satisfied by leaving a tasty dip on display in pumpkin bowls.

Courtesy of Handmade in The Heartland.


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