It’s that time of year again—pumpkin pickin’ season is here!!! Whether you’re preparing for a neighborhood pumpkin carving contest or just looking to create the perfect front porch ensemble, we've got you covered. Follow these tips to make sure your jack-o-lantern turns heads this year: Pick the Perfect Pumpkin It all starts with selecting the right canvas—a great pumpkin! When visiting your local pumpkin patch, pay close attention to size. Make sure it’s large enough to fit a candle or light inside. Don’t forget to give the pumpkin a little knock—if you hear a hollow sound, you’ve found the perfect pumpkin to carve! Feel free to also place the pumpkin on a flat surface to check for any wobbling. A steady pumpkin is much easier to carve, especially if you want to create a symmetrical design. Use a Dry-Erase Marker Ready for some clean, and professional-looking lines? Try swapping your permanent marker for a dry-erase marker when outlining your design. This way, any mistakes can be easily wiped away, giving your pumpkin a clean finish. You can also create a stencil for your design and then use the dry-erase marker to transfer over the design! How to Cut Open Your Pumpkin Surprisingly, there’s more than one way to cut open a pumpkin! Traditionally, people cut around the stem at the top to scoop out the insides, but here are two other techniques to try this season: Cut from the bottom: This allows you to place the pumpkin over a candle that sits directly on the ground for a secure fit. Cut a square in the back: This method provides easy access for placing a candle inside without disturbing your design. Try out different methods and see which works best for you! Break out Your Ice Cream Scooper Forget getting messy with your hands—grab your ice cream scooper! It’s perfect for removing seeds and carving out the inside of your pumpkin with ease, leaving you with smooth surface to work on. Get Creative Beyond the Jack-O-Lantern Who says you have to carve a jack-o-lantern? This year, why not try something different? You can etch a unique design, paint your pumpkin in vibrant colors, use craft supplies, food dye, or even use it as a vase for a beautiful fall flower arrangement. You can take your pumpkin design to the next level — the sky's the limit when it comes to decorating this year!Get inspired and make your pumpkin the spooktacular star of the season! Grab your pumpkin, friends, and family, turn on some fun music, and get decorating. Happy pumpkin carving!