Leafy Pumpkins

Step 1: Using a large leaf (or a leaf pattern enlarged to fit your pumpkin), transfer design onto the center of an intact pumpkin.
Step 2: With a pencil draw a complementary shape to frame the leaf design, preferably leaving at least 1/2 inch of space on all sides of leaf edges.
Step 3: Use a scraping tool to peel away flesh between leaf shape and its frame. With the same tool, carve leaf veins in a freehand pattern.
Step 4: Arrange multiple silhouetted pumpkins along the center of an outdoor table. Add stones or leaves to complete the setting.

Globe lanterns

Invert a glass globe that normally goes over an electric ceiling light fixture, tuck a tea light inside, and you've got a holiday lantern. Choose a globe that fits over the porch light and you can greet trick-or-treaters in an orange glow.

Nail It

This fall we decided our Halloween would take a decidedly adult spin as we swapped out bright orange jack-o'-lanterns for the sophisticated—but still ghostly—soft hues of ivory and gray pumpkins studded with gleaming silver and broze nailheads.

Pumpkin bouquet

Welcome trick-or-treaters with a cheerful grouping of harvest- season pumpkin flowers. These daisies, roses, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums are just as easy to carve as a ghoulish face. The tricky part: Instead of cutting all the way through to the core, peel away the tough outer layer and allow the pith underneath to remain. The contrasting shades of orange will stand out during the day and glow golden at night.