22 Essentials for Your Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party

Kate Reid
Oct 21, 2015

Carving pumpkins is one of the BEST parts of Halloween. So why not turn it into an even bigger part of your All Hallows’ Eve celebration by hosting a pumpkin carving party? Call up your best pals — make sure they know to BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) — and start planning your shindig. Since hosting can be a lot of pressure, we’ve rounded up these essentials to help you nail a memorable partay.

1. BYOP Invitation ($10): Make your party official and ensure guests save the date by creating your own clever invite, or peruse the web to find one like this cute Etsy “BYOP” (bring your own pumpkin) invite. (via StudioAMDesign)

2. Halloween Photo Prop Party Pack ($22): What’s better than a photo booth with props? NOTHING, that’s what. Make your own photo booth area for your pumpkin carving party and put together some fun props like Halloween costume masks, feather boas and all that jazz.

3. DIY Apron With Secret Pocket: No one wants pumpkin guts on their outfits. Make sure your guests are outfitted prior to carving with some fun aprons. You can go DIY crazy with aprons like this colorful beauty, or opt to purchase them if it’s easier. (via Brit + Co)

4. Printable Pumpkin Carving Templates: How cool is this Beyoncé pumpkin carving template? Give guests the option to draw on their own designs or carve using a variety of templates you’ve pre-printed. There are tons of free templates online, but this list of 40 is a great starting place. (via Brit + Co)

5. Pineapple Pup Costume: Don’t forget to dress your furry friends! They deserve to be part of the fun too. (via Brit + Co)

6. No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas: Go the extra mile and offer crafty alternatives for decorating pumpkins (carved or un-carved). How epic are the gold foil confetti pumpkins above? (via Brit + Co)

7. Chic Gold Leaf Pattern Pumpkins: Metallic pens are another great decorating tool to have on hand. They can easily take items from bland to glam with just a few steps. (via Brit + Co)

8. ACME Striped Paper Straws ($24): The little things really *can* make all the difference. Use these pretty little orange paper straws to serve as accents to whatever festive cocktail you serve.

9. Labeled Buckets: Guts, seeds and tools, oh my! Label buckets for these three items to help keep your pumpkin carving stations organized and mess-free. (via Keep Calm & Mommy On)

10. Pumpkin Seed Puppy Chow: You might just eat an entire bag of this before your guests arrive — don’t say we didn’t warn you! But seriously, if you haven’t made puppy chow (of any kind) before, you are missing out on a tried-and-true party snack. Whip this one up to really wow your guests. (via Brit + Co)

11. Homemade Apple Cider Cocktail: Libations are a party MUST! Try a fall-inspired cider drink (which is easy to turn into a virgin version) to go hand-in-hand with your pumpkin carving party. (via Sugar and Charm)

12. Pumpkin Carving Tools: Have you ever tried carving a pumpkin with a butter knife? Spoiler alert: It doesn’t go well. Make sure you have some solid sets of pumpkin carving tools available so your guests can carve with ease. (via Brit + Co)

13. Costumes: Encourage your guests to dress up to really get into the Halloween spirit. (via Brit + Co)

14. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Six Ways: Label and serve pumpkin seeds with different seasonings. You can make recipe cards to give to your guests at the end of the party for the perfect no-fuss party favor. (via Back to Her Roots)

15. DIY Halloween Garlands: A garland is another great way to decorate for Halloween (and the supplies are easy on your wallet). Hang a few up to keep the festive vibe going strong. (via noBIGGIE)

16. Black Cocktails: Don’t worry, the ghoulish-looking cocktail above is not real blood, but it does look super spooky, making it the perfect addition to other creepy snacks (witch’s fingers, anyone?). (via Brit + Co)

17. Candy Corn Candle: Let’s face it — no decorations = a blasé event. Fun candles like these DIY ones are an easy way to get the party started. (via Brit + Co)

18. Pumpkin Ice Bucket: Wow your guests by turning pumpkins into coolers to keep drinks chilled. Put a clear glass bowl inside your pumpkin “cooler” and you can use it to hold snacks instead of drinks. (via Everyday Dishes & DIY)

19. Pumpkin Spiced Almond Snack Mix: Believe it or not, there are lots of fun pumpkin spice recipes to try besides the PSL. This pumpkin spiced snack mix would go over very well with hungry pumpkin carvers. (via Brit + Co)

20. Expo Dry Erase Pens ($18): Expo pens work *so much better* than Sharpies (at least when it comes to pumpkins). Dry erase markers are preferable for drawing designs because their marks can be easily wiped off after carving. Can you say #HalloweenHack?

21. Mini Pumpkins: Mini pumpkins are cute, fun and easy to paint. Just stock up on pretty paint and let your guests go wild with their designs. (via Studio DIY)

22. Seasonal Jams: Craft a Halloween playlist so you and your guests can jam out while you carve and decorate. We recommend Spotify or Pandora Radio for an easier alternative.

Which pumpkin party essentials will you be using? Let us know in the comments section below.

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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