Halloween is the perfect time to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. From spooky table displays to glowing jack-o’-lanterns, carving the perfect pumpkin is an essential part of the fun.
At Hospitality Connect, we know that the secret to a smooth, safe, and stunning pumpkin carving experience lies in having the right tools — including Wüsthof and Victorinox knives, Ingredient Bins, and Chef Inox Frying Pans. Whether you’re decorating a restaurant, styling a café display, or crafting something festive at home, here’s how to cut the perfect pumpkin like a professional.
🧡 Step 1: Choose the Right Pumpkin
Start by selecting a pumpkin that’s:
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Smooth and firm – for easier carving and fewer bumps.
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Flat-bottomed – so it stays steady while you cut.
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Medium-sized – large enough for creativity, yet easy to handle.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for pumpkins with a healthy stem and no soft spots — this means it’ll last longer once carved.
🔪 Step 2: Get Your Tools Ready
A perfect pumpkin cut begins with sharp, reliable tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Wüsthof Chef’s Knife – Ideal for making the initial lid cut with precision and strength.
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Victorinox Paring Knife – Perfect for carving details and delicate shapes.
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Large metal spoon or scoop – To remove seeds and fibres.
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Cutting board – For safety and stability.
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Ingredient Bin – From Hospitality Connect, to collect seeds, scraps, or compost material neatly.
🧑🍳 Safety First: Always cut away from your hands and keep your knife handles dry. The balanced weight and sharpness of Wüsthof and Victorinox knives make carving easier and safer.
✏️ Step 3: Design Your Masterpiece
Before you make the first cut, sketch your design on the pumpkin using a washable marker or pencil.
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Classic jack-o’-lantern faces bring nostalgia and fun.
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Geometric patterns or logos are ideal for restaurant displays.
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Elegant silhouettes (like bats, moons, or haunted houses) add a refined touch to hospitality settings.
Tip: If you’re creating multiple pumpkins for an event or restaurant display, plan designs of varying heights and sizes for visual impact.
🪓 Step 4: Cut the Lid
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Hold your Wüsthof Chef’s Knife at a 45° angle and cut a circle around the stem.
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The inward angle helps the lid rest securely and prevents it from falling in.
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Lift the lid carefully using the knife tip or a sturdy spoon.
🔥 Alternate method: Cut the base instead of the top — it makes lighting easier and gives a cleaner, more professional finish.
🎃 Step 5: Scoop and Clean
Using your scoop or spoon, remove all the seeds and stringy fibres.
A clean pumpkin inside will stay fresh longer and prevent odour.
Use an Ingredient Bin from Hospitality Connect to store the seeds for roasting later — they make an excellent snack or garnish.
🌿 Chef’s Hack: Sprinkle a pinch of salt or brush the inner walls with lemon juice to help preserve your pumpkin for longer displays.
✂️ Step 6: Carve with Precision
Here’s where the magic happens!
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Use your Victorinox Paring Knife for precision cuts — its fine tip is perfect for detailed shapes.
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For larger areas, switch to your Wüsthof Utility Knife for smooth, confident slicing.
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Always cut small sections first, working from the centre outward to avoid breakage.
🧠 Pro Tip: Keep your knives sharp — dull blades require more force and increase the risk of slipping. A clean, sharp cut creates smoother edges and better detail.
💡 Step 7: Light It Up
Once you’ve finished carving, place a small LED light or tealight candle inside your pumpkin.
If using a real flame, set your pumpkin on a Chef Inox Frying Pan or heat-safe tray to protect your surface and catch any drips.
For venues, LED lights are a safer, long-lasting option that keeps your display glowing all night.
🌟 Step 8: Preserve and Display
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Store your pumpkin in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight.
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Mist the carved edges with water daily to keep them hydrated.
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Use Ingredient Bins to store any pre-cut pumpkins or smaller decorative gourds overnight.
For commercial displays, rotate pumpkins every few days to keep your setup looking fresh and professional.
🎃 Bonus Tip: Make It Sustainable
Don’t toss those pumpkin scraps! Here’s how to make the most of them:
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Roast the seeds with olive oil and sea salt for a crunchy snack.
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Use leftover pumpkin flesh in soups, risottos, or gnocchi.
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Compost the rest to reduce kitchen waste.
At Hospitality Connect, we believe great kitchens combine creativity, efficiency, and sustainability — especially during seasonal celebrations.
👻 Final Thoughts
Cutting the perfect pumpkin for Halloween is all about skill, care, and the right tools. With Wüsthof and Victorinox knives, every cut is smooth, safe, and precise. Keep your space tidy with Ingredient Bins, and finish your masterpiece with a Chef Inox Frying Pan display for a professional touch.
Whether you’re crafting a spooky centrepiece or a full Halloween display, Hospitality Connect has everything you need to make this season both festive and efficient.
✨ Happy Halloween from the Hospitality Connect team! 🎃
