Gorgeous Gourds
Whether round or twisted, bumpy-skinned or smooth, squash lend a touch of the season's beauty and whimsy indoors or out.
  
  Decorating Ideas
Outdoor Decor
Suspend a group of gourds on a cord (we used bicolor spoon gourds) from tree branches and watch them dance in the breeze.

Here's how: Use a drill with small bit (ours was 1/8 inch) to make a hole at bottom of the neck, drilling all the way through. Repeat with desired number of gourds. Put a cord through one and double-knot the string on either side of the hole to secure. Repeat with rest of gourds.
 

Sweet Offerings
Dish out treats in a new way. Fill ornamental gourds with candies and display on a tray.

Here's how: Trace a circle atop a gourd with a jar lid and grease pencil. Cut out the circle with a pumpkin carving knife and scoop out seeds and pulp. Make a small pouch to fit inside using plastic wrap. Fill it with your favorite candy, place it in the gourd, and cut away excess wrap.

 

Seasonal Centerpiece
Turn a large squash into a bowl heaped with a mix of ornamental gourds. We used an heirloom variety called Cinderella pumpkin.

Here's how: Place a bowl big enough to rest on the top of a large squash or pumpkin and trace a circle around the circumference with a grease pencil. Scoop out seeds and pulp.
 

Curvaceous Containers
Turn narrow-necked Speckled Swan gourds into vases. These lilies mimic the gourd's graceful shape.

Here's how: Saw the gourd's tip off with small craft saw. Use a knife to scrape out the seeds and membrane at the top of the gourd. Pour water in and arrange a few flowers.
 

Stars of the Table
Make candle holders from a cluster of palm-size Jack Be Littles. Although often called miniature pumpkins, these -- and all pumpkins -- are part of the squash family.

Here's how: Place a tea light on top of the pumpkin and trace with grease pencil. Follow instructions for candy bowl and place a tea light inside.
 

A Burst of Blooms
This carved-out squash enhances a casual, happy arrangement of mums. If you can't find the rare Iran squash shown here, use a pumpkin.

Here's how: Choose a bowl to trace a circle on top of squash. Follow instructions for candy bowl. Place a plastic container inside the squash. Use floral foam inside the container to hold flowers in place. Arrange as desired.
 
 
Gourd and Squash Decorating Tips
Advice from the Experts
Botanically, all gourds and squash are from the same genus called Cucurbita. “Unlike pumpkins [and other kinds of squash], gourds are grown for ornamental not culinary purposes,�?says Ron Vanderhoff, head horticulturist at Roger's Garden, Corona del Mar, California.

Choose gourds with very hard shells and no visible cracks. Warts and bumps are desirable characteristics. “They add character,�?notes Vanderhoff.

“Don’t overdecorate gourds and squash,�?says Eric Cortina, creative director at Roger’s Garden. “They’re beautiful on their own. I often group 50 of them on the porch -- the more, the better,�?he says. “They also look great with natural elements, like flowers and berries.�?BR> 

FC Tips
Carving squash is messy work -- do it outdoors or in the garage and use plenty of newspaper.

Gourds are drier than pumpkins and have hard shells so they last longer after carving.