Choose Your Light

Now that the carving is done, it's time to breath some life into your pumpkin. And that means adding some light. You have a variety of options to choose from:

• Candles. This traditional light provides a gentle flicker that makes your design seem to dance. For smaller pumpkins, choose a tea light. For larger spaces, consider a pillar candle, which offers more stability than a narrow taper. If you are lighting the candle from the top, use a long kitchen match or a butane grill lighter to avoid burns.
• Battery Lights. Long-lasting battery powered lamps are a safer alternative to candles, especially if you are using your pumpkin indoors. To simulate candlelight, look for units that are programmed to flicker like a real flame.
• Holiday Lights. Medium- and large-sized pumpkins can be illuminated with a short (50 bulb) string of mini-sized indoor-outdoor holiday lights. Choose clear bulbs for a traditional look, or experiment with single-color bulb strings for an unusual glow.

For extra tips and photos of some of the steps described in our guide, view our pumpkin carving slideshow.

More Pumpkin Fun

• More Pumpkin Crafts
• More Pumpkin Carving
• Halloween Crafts
• Thanksgiving Crafts