Stop carving pumpkins when alternative fruit creates a more unique display

Sometimes the weeks pass by and before you know it, it's Halloween and all the pumpkins in the shop have been snapped up. That doesn't mean that you and the family have to go without, as there are plenty of fruit and vegetable alternatives that can be carved out, and make cracking Halloween decorations.

Citrus fruits like oranges are a great option as they are much easier to carve your design into than regular pumpkins with their tough rind. You could even use an array of different citrus fruits, like limes and lemons, to create unique and festive decorations. Just be mindful that these may be too small for a tealight and can cause safety issues, so opt for a battery-powered light if you want to use smaller fruit to create spooky shadows.

Watermelons and pineapples are great because they offer plenty of space to carve out your design, unlike oranges which may require nimble fingers.

Pineapples already have a funky look with their snake-like skin and green sprouting leaves, offering a unique scare factor on the doorstep.

The best thing about these alternatives is that most families will have at least one lying around in the kitchen, so no one will go without carving a creepy Halloween decoration this year.

And don't forget, you can still enjoy the fruit and vegetables you've scooped out, so don't let them go to waste.

Fruit and vegetables you can carve instead of pumpkins:

Pineapples

The hard shell of a pineapple is perfect for carving out, giving traditional pumpkin carving a tropical twist. The leafy pineapple top adds an eerie effect, especially when shadows are cast by a tealight.

Oranges

Carefully peel the top of your orange and take out the fruit to create mini lanterns without having to use too much elbow grease when cutting out scary faces.

Peppers

Peppers are easy to carve and require minimal scooping, making them ideal for younger children. Choose your favourite colour, slice off the top, remove the seeds, and get creative with spooky shapes.

Watermelon

The green rind of a watermelon, contrasted with its red interior creates a gory Halloween aesthetic. Its large size also provides ample space for drawing and carving intricate designs.

Squashes

Belonging to the same family as the classic pumpkin, squashes offer a sturdy surface for decorating and carving, while their varied shapes add a unique twist to traditional Halloween displays.

Turnips

Turnips were in fact the original vegetable used to make Jack-o'-lanterns. They lost their place as the traditional Halloween decoration when it was discovered that pumpkins were much easier to carve.