Once you've hollowed out and carved the pumpkin, lighting it is a very important step in creating an atmosphere. Traditionally, a candle is inserted into the pumpkin, but there are also other possibilities to light it. This article will guide you, giving you some tips for lighting up your Halloween pumpkins.
Steps
Step 1. Finish carving your pumpkin
When doing this, don't forget to create an access that allows you to add lighting.
- Creating an orifice in the bottom is ideal for ensuring that the pumpkin stays lit on windy nights. The peel of the pumpkin will protect the candle and prevent it from going out.
- Alternatively, remove the top portion of the pumpkin and reserve it for use as a cap. This is the traditional solution.
Step 2. Use candles
Candles are the most traditional form of lighting a pumpkin and are still widely used today. br>
- For pumpkins with a simple orifice at the base, light the candle first.
- Place the pumpkin directly on top of the candle, already placing the candle in the place where you want your Halloween decoration to be.
- If the pumpkin has a hole in the upper part, with its special cap, put the sail inside the pumpkin without lighting it. Make sure the inside surface of the pumpkin, the one on which you place the candle, is well leveled to prevent it from falling. Do not light the candle before inserting it, you could burn yourself after placing it.
- Light the candle. Don't try to reach it with a lighter. Use a long match and insert it into one of the cut out parts until it reaches the wick of the candle.
- By using this simple method you will avoid burning yourself.
Step 3. Make a hole to act as a chimney to let the heat escape from inside
If you didn't, the heat would burn the pulp, make a hole in the pumpkin and start cooking the vegetable. To avoid this, light the candle and let it burn for a few minutes. You will then be able to see where the hottest area is created, on top of the pumpkin.
- With the carving knife, remove the hottest piece from the top from the pumpkin.
- This will create a small chimney from which excess heat will escape.
Step 4. Use a battery-charged light
If you are concerned that the flames could cause harm to pets or children, an artificial light is a safe and cost-effective alternative. You won't have to worry about leaving it unattended and the wind won't be able to shut it down.
- There are many types of battery lights on the market. Some are white, but there are also red ones and can mimic the effect of a candle inside the pumpkin.
- Children love rainbow lights. It is a good idea to make a monstrous pumpkin with a supernatural effect.
- Insert the light into the pumpkin through the available orifice.
Step 5. Consider other types of lights as well
Use your creativity and use other lights you may have around the house, such as a lantern, lamp, bicycle LEDS, spotlights, etc. Just make sure you hide all the cables connecting the light source well.
Turn on your light and stick it into the pumpkin
Step 6. Enjoy your lighted pumpkins
Don't forget to take night photos in the appropriate way, because they are successful and you can keep a memory of your beautiful decoration.
Advice
- Candles, food warmers and votive lights are very traditional. Nonetheless, battery-powered lights are safer, especially if there are small children and if the wind blows hard. These lights exist in various colors, even with a vibrant effect that brings an optimal result.
- If you are using candles to light the pumpkin, rub cinnamon or nutmeg on the inside walls. Pumpkin will release a great pumpkin pie smell!
- For larger pumpkins, you could combine several artificial lights to create interesting effects. For example, you could place 2 flickering lights and 2 rainbow lights thus generating an original "fire" effect.
- If you use a candle, light it and let it burn for a minute or two. Then remove the cap: you will see a dark spot on top due to the smoke from the candle. This way you will know where to chop to create your fireplace.
- Orange and black candles are ideal for Halloween.
Warnings
- Keep the lit candle away from garden leaves and dry grass, they could catch fire.
- Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water close at hand.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Carefully place the candle in the pumpkin so it cannot fall and start a fire. Use large, flat-bottomed candles.
- Do not touch the flame: you will burn yourself and hurt yourself.
- Make sure the flame can't reach carpets or curtains.
