Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas That Look Ghoulishly Good

It's no secret that we love Halloween and a good carved pumpkin really takes the cake. But forget the same old pumpkin decorating ideas you've been doing year after year and take a zombie crawl to the spookier, sophisticated, or fun side of pumpkin decorating. Mix up your DIY Halloween decorations with one of these easy ideas from our roundup that's full of inspirational designs that are so much cooler than the standard, grinning jack-o'-lantern. (Don't get us wrong, in a pinch there is nothing better than simple triangle eyes and a nose.)

Spend a weekend with the kids making a boo-tiful DIY pumpkin marquee, an easy Mason jar-inspired pumpkin, or pumpkin lanterns that'll help light the way for future trick-or-treaters. Or, rather than an expected orange display, gray, white, terrazzo, or even plaid carved creations make for much more creative fall porch decorations. Another idea? Put your pumpkins to good use this year around the house in a purely genius new way, how about trying a DIY ice bucket, candy jar, pumpkin purse, or even a terrarium.

There are plenty of ideas for beginners in this roundup, so no matter your skill level, you're guaranteed to have the best-looking creation on the block. To hone your skills before you get started don't miss our expert's pumpkin carving tips. You've never seen pumpkins like this before, and each project is just as scary (or sweet) as the next. Happy haunting and carving!