Pumpkin Punchbowl and Witches' Brew

My list of Halloween party ideas includes carved pumpkin centerpieces and punchbowls that are so charming they spice up every party table-whether it's a Halloween party or it's a fall bridal shower. They are perfect when it comes to creating a festive atmosphere. Pumpkins go a long way as a decorating tool. And don't forget fall leaves; together pumpkins and fall leaves add a brilliant touch of color to any Autumn decor.

Autumn is a magical time of year. It also seems to be here one day and, sadly, gone the next. To make sure I get to view Autumn's brilliant colors every day for as long as possible, I bring fall's bounty inside. By following the directions below, you, too, can give your table some added oomph for the season.

The first suggestion that comes to mind is to throw a Halloween party. Or, if you're already planning a bridal shower or baby shower during this festive season, why not make it a themed party and put your decorating skills to work by using pumpkins and gourds and anything else you can find outside?

Since every table-whether it's set for a party of twelve or a table for two-needs a centerpiece, let's make a Pumpkin Centerpiece Punchbowl.

Pumpkin Punchbowl materials:

• Huge orange pumpkin…as large as you can find (nice and round, not flat on any side, and not too tall or you won't be able to reach into it for a drink)

• Carving knife

• Large ladle

• A dozen plastic surgical gloves

• Wooden skewers or metal hooks (like those used in the kitchen to hold cups and mugs)

• Punch glasses

Directions

• Wash surgical gloves

• Fill surgical gloves with water. Tie the end like you would tie off a balloon and freeze

• Cut or break dowels into 3" pieces so that you have enough pieces to hang each punch glass

• Use a grease pen to mark the pumpkin in a "scallop" design about ¼ of the way down from the top, or mark a straight line around the pumpkin This will be the top of the bowl.

• Carefully cut the desired design-or straight line-following the grease pen marks in a circle around the pumpkin, remove the lid and set aside. Remember, this will be a bowl, so don't make the cutouts too far down on the bowl or your punch will spill out.

• Carefully scoop out as much of the loose pulp as possible, but leave a generous thickness to the pumpkin shell.

• Use a small cookie cutter, such as a star, cat, or moon, to cut through the Pumpkin about 2" from the top. Be very careful, as this is tricky and many a punchbowl has been ruined at this stage in the game.

• Make cutout designs all the way around. Be sure to leave enough room for your punch glasses to dangle between each cutout.

• Between each cutout, insert a piece of dowel or insert hooks. These sticks or hooks are to hold the punch glasses. If you're using hooks, choose the type used in kitchens to hang mugs, and screw the hooks in at a slightly downward angle for a stronger hold. Make sure they are at intervals that are wide enough to prevent the cups from touching.

• Place the lid on a plate near the punch bowl for use as a place to insert fruit or marshmallow kabobs; guests will love adding the kabobs to their drinks. Marshmallows can also be decorated as ghosts.

Your punchbowl is now ready to be filled.

Add Witch's Brew of Ginger Ale, frozen orange juice or pineapple juice, and/or apple juice. Use about six Fuji and Granny Smith apples for a sweet-and-sour mix. Use a melon-baller to scoop balls of apple out, and then insert a whole clove into the center on the cut side of each apple ball. Float each apple ball within a pineapple slice. Add a couple of cinnamon sticks or nutmeg for a robust Autumn scent and taste.

For added color, you can also float the cookie cutouts, cut side down, in the punch.

Finally, bring out the frozen hands. I usually take the plastic surgical gloves off the ice and just float the frozen hands, but you can leave the gloves on. Refresh the punchbowl as the evening wears on. Once the fingers are melted off, it's time for a new hand in the punchbowl.

If this party is for adults, you might want to create an alcoholic potion rather than this mild Witch's Brew.

Tips

• Warm punch ingredients beforehand for a spicier flavor, but do not boil. Cool punch before pouring it into the pumpkin.

• If this is a party for children, punch glasses are not recommended. Rather, use Styrofoam cups or plastic party cups.

• Keep a plate on the table specifically for the punch ladle, especially if this is a large pumpkin, as the ladle will be swimming in your Witch's Brew, and you'll end up with more hands in the punch than you had bargained for.