Q: My boyfriend and I are moving into a condo that we are buying. The closing date is on October 9th which is also his 21st birthday. On October 25th I'm having a little surprise get together for him with a few close friends. I want to bring my siblings (ages 7, 8, and 9) pumpkin picking on October 18th. Is that too soon to carve the pumpkins? I really wanted the place to look 'festive' with cool jack-o-lanterns for his 21st birthday party on the 25th. If we carve the pumpkins on the 18th, will they last until the 31st? THE OTHER alternative is that I have the kids carve the pumpkins on Friday the 24th so that they're ready for display by Saturday the 25th. What do you think?
A: Well, here in Florida it would never last until Halloween. I usually carve mine a few days before halloween and they are already getting gross. But, if it's cool you should be fine. Whenever your pumpkin is not on display you can dunk the whole thing into a giant bowl of ice water and store in the fridge (assuming it's not too big, obviously) It will keep longer. Also smear vaseline on the cut edges, that will keep them from shriveling and making your design look funny and will also prevent mold.