Think you're too old to carve pumpkins? Well you don't know jack-o'-lantern, sister. Scoop out a night for a pumpkin-carving party that will help get your friends in the Halloween spirit, and get your porch looking fall-festive.

The Invite
Let guests know if it's BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) and encourage them to think outside the usual orb. An attractive gourd or a non-orange pumpkin can make your jack fashion-forward. If it's not too cold, take your pumpkin carving entourage outside -- clean-up will be vastly easier.

The Setup
Set up a small table and cover it (and the ground beneath) with old newspapers, garbage bags, or butcher paper. Provide guests with trash bags to wear over their clothes (or instruct them to wear grubbies) and plenty of large bowls to dump pumpkin innards. Lay out tools like carving knives, spoons and pencils (for sketching designs) so people can butcher with ease.

The Gear
Besides the basic implements, offer creative supplies like apple corers or cordless drills to make clean holes, stencils from online sources or paint to add emphasis to their designs. Encourage unusual themed pumpkins (Ninja Turtle heads are the perfect shape for a wide pumpkin) or a Smashing Pumpkins themed pumpkin (carved with the year 1979 perhaps?) to give trick-or-treating parents a good chuckle.

The Decor
If you're outdoors, a hay bale or two and a few strands of orange-hued lights will do the trick. If you're staying in for your fright-fest, pop in a Halloweeny movie that celebrates the squash. (Only terrible people don't love "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," or for spookier than Snoopy, choose quasi-classics featuring pumpkins that carve back like "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" or the recent laughable slasher flick "Pumpkin Karver.") Simmer some cinnamon or cider on the stove top, and scatter some fall leaves on your surfaces (but don't forget to check for slugs and rolly-pollies).

The Snacks
Don't toss the pumpkin pulp! As you scoop out gourd's insides, separate seeds and roast in the oven with salt for 25 minutes for a delicious party snack. For other gourd-tasty treats, you can venture into main dishes like pumpkin risottos or raviolis, or keep it simple and order pizza to satisfy those who might be sick of pumpkin innards by the time grub's on. But don't skimp on the desserts. Even a store-bought pumpkin pie will do, or make homemade hot gingerbread (with whipped cream, of course). Obviously, a little pre-Halloween fun-size candy will never get turned down either.