A few fang-tastic ideas to help keep your little monsters eerily quiet this Halloween

Halloween just wouldn't be Halloween without a spooky jack-o'-lantern on the doorstep, and what better way to keep the kids entertained for a few hours than scooping out a giant orange vegetable? Whether you're a beginner or expert, we've got some tips to help you carve your next pumpkin masterpiece.

Picking your pumpkin

Look for a sturdy thick stem, which is an indication that the walls of the pumpkin will be thick as well. The thicker the stem, the heavier the pumpkin, and the better it is for carving or sculpting. 

Cut from the bottom

Some debate this tip, but many self-proclaimed pumpkin carving professionals say cutting from the bottom prevents the sides from caving in later. So, we say take all advice you can to make your masterpiece last as long as possible.

Plan your design

It might sound simple but drawing what you will eventually cut, by way of eyes, nose, and mouth, will determine where you need to remove most of the insides. These parts will be the thinnest, in order to facilitate cutting the final shapes.

Use an ice cream scooper

Such a hot tip. You can try knives, spoons, and even forks but nothing works as well as a simple ice cream scoop. Make sure you get out all of the seeds and stringy goodness that’s inside. Using an ice cream scooper to scrape the walls really thin will help out a lot.

Monster crafting

If sticky pumpkin juice isn't something you fancy cleaning up for the next few days, we suggest some simple crafting. These fun monsters are colorful, easy to make, and require minimal effort. Egg boxes coloured paper or cards, pens and pencils, or paint if you prefer, glue and a great imagination. The steps are self-explanatory and you'll have great fun with kids of all ages doing this not-so-scary activity.