Photo Courtesy of Brett L on Flickr
The first day of Autumn is here. Where did the summer go? The weather is feels different, the days are getting shorter and my thoughts turn to the planning of our annual Pumpkin Party. Originally we started doing this event as a way to rejoice in the changing of the season (which in Northern California is not really noticeable till the end of October) and to celebrate Halloween without all the gory costumes, hoopla and CANDY! We had so much fun that it has now become a much anticipated tradition with our friends and family.
The basic ingredients for our fabulous Pumpkin Party are -
- One large pot of Pumpkin Stew (made once a year for this special day)
- Corn bread
- Beer , wine and apple cider
We usually have munchies that are orange or seasonal like – carrots, orange bell peppers, dip, tortilla chips and salsa, pumpkin shaped sugar cookies and my fave – candy corn!
All attendees are requested to show up in costume. Decorations include scarecrows (made with Grandad’s old paint clothes), spider webs, indian corn, gourds and any other fall ornamentation we run across. Of course the most important accoutrement …..everyone must bring their own pumpkin for carving and showcasing in the Jack-o-Lantern extravaganza.
Other things are added or deleted depending on the year and the attendees. We have had costume contests, apple bobbing, cookie decorating, made sugar skulls in honor of Día de los Muertos and built straw bale forts. This year the kids want to create a haunted house. Hmmm.
But the main event is always the carving of the pumpkins which is done outdoors on long tables before the sun sets. Than all attendees have huge bowl of stew, enjoy some good conversation and wait until dark. Then we all head out doors and the lighting of the Jack-o-Lanterns begins. We all ohh and ahhh over everyone’s masterpieces. People use stencils but many do some incredible pumpkin art freehand. It is quite inspiring.
The Pumpkin Party is an easy party to put together. It easily adapts to different ages and works with a small number of people or a larger crowd. It is a great way to enjoy the changing of the seasons and the company of family and good friends.
Happy Fall!
Ginger Knows is my personal blog. The opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are not that of my company, my employees or my kids :)
The kids and I are so excited to participate in our very first Harvest Party! Can’t wait!!!!!