Halloween pumpkin carving ideas

First, select your pumpkin. It's not absolutely necessary to wear fancy dress whilst doing it, but you might find it helps Photograph: Bruce R. Bennett/AP

Ensure the favoured squash is neither too small ... Photograph: Reuters

... nor too large (if the person you're buying from says 'I'll get the fork-lift out' you might want to think again. The winning pumpkin in this competition weighed almost 700kg) Photograph: Robert Galbraith/Reuters

Then you're ready for carving. This classic pumpkin look is entitled 'Revenge' and was carved by Carl and submitted to zombiepumpkins.com, where you'll also find loads of free patterns and advice on carving techniques Photograph: Carl/zombiepumpkins.com

Another thoroughly appropriate subject, 'Freddy Kruegar' by Chris from zombiepumpkins.com Photograph: Chris/zombiepumpkins.com

Here's an arrangement that will go down well with the kids, and might even convince the reluctant among them to eat something green. ExtremePumpkins.com is a site dedicated to reclaiming Halloween from the realms of the cute ... Photograph: ExtremePumpkins.com

... and making this annual celebration of the spooky a truly scary experience, as demonstrated in this gruesome tableau. Is that actually a real foot? (There's a book available too) Photograph: ExtremePumpkins.com

A classic Halloween image - 'Patch Master' adroitly executed by Chris Photograph: Chris/zombiepumpkins.com

Some subjects might demonstrate the carver's ample ability but surely displaying 'Mario' in your window is only likely to result in seasonal spirits rattling their chains over a phantom games console in your living room Photograph: Nicole/zombiepumpkins.com

As for this rendering of a smiling Barack Obama it's unlikely to really frighten anyone who doesn't work for Fox News Photograph: Lisa Druyor/zombiepumpkins.com

Whereas this image of George W Bush on the stump (or should that be as the stump?) in Washington state is truly terrifying. Rumour has it that the pumpkin itself was later employed as a presidential double by the security services ... Photograph: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP

If you've a surplus of smaller squashes how about something like this? It doesn't have to be on an outdoor scale, you could use a few turnips and a smaller pumpkin for an indoor version. Just make sure the kids don't get too close Photograph: ExtremePumpkins.com

And if you've carrots and squashes knocking about in abundance, how about a spooky centipede? Photograph: ExtremePumpkins.com

Or even a scary scorpion? Photograph: ExtremePumpkins.com

You can find tips on lighting your creation safely on various websites. ExtremePumpkins.com suggests some more spectacular (if hazardous) alternatives, but giving yourself and the neighbours a Halloween fright by setting fire to the garden probably isn't going to be remembered for the right reasons Photograph: ExtremePumpkins.com

Finally, make sure you dispose of any leftover squashes responsibly. If you don't have access to a hippo, there are plenty of recipes for what you've scooped out of the middle here, and the rest can be composted ... Photograph: George Nikitin/AP

... or for the really keen environmentalist, turned into a mode of transport Photograph: Norm Betts/Rex Features