Decorating With Gourds & Pumpkins for a Wedding Reception
Summer is not the only season for weddings -- fall can be a great time to take advantage of cool weather, changing landscapes and seasonal decorations that can add a lot of flare to a wedding reception. Pumpkins and gourds help with this since there are many ways to carve, decorate and display them. The possibilities are endless. There are many ways guests or the new couple can interact directly with the pumpkins or gourds during the reception or they can be used for display.
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Instructions
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Place decorated pumpkins at each table. Make the pumpkins special, such as having the bride and groom write a special memory on each one or giving thanks to certain people who have influenced them Guests at each table could also sign or write a special message to the new bride and groom and then the pumpkins could be displayed after dinner.
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Carve out the top section of a gourd with a knife and take out the pulp with a spoon to make the gourd into a candle holder. When the candle is placed inside, it will illuminate with an orange hint, creating a nice ambiance for a fall wedding. Add paint to the gourds to make them look more festive. The bride and groom could also mark important dates on the gourds for guests to see.
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Carve the first letter of the bride and groom onto a pumpkin. Display it near the front of the reception hall. After the bride and groom enter the reception area, dim the lights (if inside). Have the new couple each light one of two candles placed inside to bring light to the pumpkin and symbolize the new marriage. If the reception is outside, this can still be done in daylight -- or could be done later during the reception if many guests will still be there during the night.
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Carve pumpkins with wedding designs on the front to be displayed near the entrance of the reception hall. This could include a ring, couple, or heart. Remind guests that it is fall by carving leaves, ghosts and witches into some of the pumpkins.
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Use pumpkins and gourds as vases to display flowers during the reception. To use a pumpkin, cut a hole around the stem so it can be removed. Reach into the pumpkin using a spoon or scraper to take out as much pulp and seeds as possible. Allow the inside to dry for a few days. Then, put the flowers through the hole and arrange. Using a smaller pumpkin may make this easier. To use a gourd, cut the top of the gourd using a sharp knife. Scrape out the inside pulp and seeds. Then, let the gourd dry out for a few days. Place the flowers inside and arrange well. Because of a gourd's size, it may also be necessary to trim the flowers.
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Serve drinks out of a pumpkin. Using a pumpkin as a punch bowl is a unique way to add a touch of fall to the wedding reception. To do this, cut a hole large enough in the top so guests can easily put a ladle inside to scoop up juice. Then, thoroughly clean out the seeds and pulp from inside so no seeds or pieces float into the juice when it is filled.
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