Jack-o-Lantern Carving and Display Ideas

Carve no more than 5 days before October 31. Soak the carved pumpkin in a bleach-and-water solution (1 tablespoon per gallon) for 30 minutes, dry it, then rub the cut edges with petroleum jelly. Store overnight in the fridge if possible.

LED lights, always. Real candles damage the lid, smell like burnt pumpkin within 20 minutes, and are a porch fire risk. Use battery LED tea-lights with a flicker setting for the same warm glow without the hazard.

Three to seven for a typical porch. Vary the carving style: one scary, one classic-grin, one detailed pattern. Group them at different heights, on the steps, on a hay bale, on the railing post, never in a straight line.