PumpkinFest Party
Pumpkinfest is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a celebration of the humble Cucurbita pepo that makes it’s way onto our porch steps each fall. Let us not forget though that this simple squash is native to North America and has an abundance of uses beyond mere decoration. With a bucket list trip to Sleepy Hollow on the calendar, we needed a party plan that was quick to set up after our return from seeing the famous pumpkin-hurler. Pumpkinfest allowed us to do just that and use pumpkins to their fullest potential in crafts, as decorations, and on the menu.
The Invitation
We created a short film that included some stop motion animation with pumpkins and advertised the party date scribed onto a pumpkin. Guests received a link to the video along with a password for a secret landing page that included all of the party FAQs.
The Decor
You guessed it. Pumpkins. Because we travelled in October, the party setup needed to be simple. We pulled paper lanterns, orange and black string lights, and bunting out of storage to make all of the spaces festive. Simply using carboard, we cut out and painted a giant jack-o-lantern to go over a doorway. Of course, real pumpkins were easy additions throughout with the bonus that they can be eaten or composted at the end of the season.
We did splurge on one new addition-a pumpkin arch. We hand carved more than two dozen foam jack-o-lanterns then added holes in the back for zip ties. They were all tied on to a PVC frame that was attached around our porch opening. Flickering lights were fed in through the back of each pumpkin. Negative space was filled in with black colored silk foliage we had in storage to help the pumpkins stand out more.
the Activities
This party focused heavily on activities that helped keep a larger crowd dispersed in multiple spaces. One room had a movie screen setup with classic monster movies and a certain great pumpkin film on rotation. In another room, a checkerboard was set up with pumpkins versus gourds as the playing pieces. Outside around a fire pit, multiple stations were set up for guests to choose a medium for a make and take craft- squeegee art canvas, painted rocks, mini pumpkins, wooden pumpkins, and tie-dye. In other areas of the lawn, we put out a pumpkin bowling area and cornhole. Lastly, a pumpkin punch game was affixed to the porch with candy or toys inside each cup for trick or treaters.
The Music
The Menu
Apologies to the pumpkin spice haters, but the theme was pumpkin. The assignment was to make sure that every dish was either shaped like a pumpkin or included Cucurbita pepo in the ingredient list as an homage to the food that has sustained generations.
Pumpkin curry hand pies
Pumpkin madeleines
Pumpkin dumplings
Pumpkin swirl brownies
Orange themed charcuterie tray with pumpkin butter
Pumpkin spice espresso martini jelly mold
Pumpkin soda
Pumpkin beer
Pumpkin hot toddy (self serve style in a slow cooker to stay warm)
“Pumpgin” mule with jack-o-lantern shaped dehydrated persimmon slices to garnish
Pumpkin pie martini with pumpkin marshmallows to garnish