Host a gathering that kicks off the countdown to Halloween with a movable feast, friends and family, and a riot of funny faces.

Here's your go-to guide for everything including pumpkin picking strategies, carving techniques, and printable templates. We'll even show you what to do with the seeds!

Get your party started right with Halloween invitations adorned with a familiar grin.

If weather permits, consider having a daytime party outside on a picnic table, where it won't matter as much if you make a mess. Keep sharp instruments safely organized in buckets and on trays on the picnic table.

Whether you're inside or outdoors, cover your table (or tables) with newsprint or kraft paper for quick, easy cleanup. If inside, you may want to protect the floor, as spilled pumpkin flesh and seeds can be slippery.

Ask guests to bring their own pumpkins, or plan on providing them for the whole party. Be sure to choose ones that are smooth, firm, and symmetrical. They don't need to be giant -- keep in mind that people will be taking their jack-o'-lanterns home at the end of the party. Have a few extra pumpkins on hand for any late arrivals.

Look beyond the knife drawer to implements intended for other uses -- say, a melon baller or a keyhole saw. The following items will make carving an easy task for you and your guests.

Tired of the same old jack-o'-lantern? Try printing out these pumpkin-carving templates and patterns for a new twist on your Halloween gourds.

Try a new approach to pumpkin carving with smaller kids: Have children use their own drawings to create a template. First, sketch a design on a piece of paper and cut out the pieces of the face separately. Next, tape the parts to the hollowed-out pumpkin. (Note that as you're going from paper to pumpkin, you may have to interpret the layout of the face a little differently.) Then trace the lines of the template by poking holes with a needle tool. Guide your kids if they need help with sharp tools. Last, remove the template and carve along the dotted patterns with a miniature saw.

As a safe alternative to carving, little ones at the party can be creative by decorating pumpkins with natural objects, such as almonds, carrots, pine cones, radishes, and more.

When the crew starts feeling as hollow as their creations, let them break for fall fare, including sage popcorn in handheld portions.

The trio of cheddar, Gruyere, and fontina gives this mac and cheese layers of sophisticated flavor, but it's still informal and delicious for all. The single servings make it easy to hold and carry.

Grown-ups can warm up with a these hot whiskey sours with Nocello, a walnut-flavored liqueur that adds a nutty twist.

This sweet-potato soup gets its smoky essence from chipotle and a bit of crunch from a topping of salted pepitas; served in a mug, it's portable and hand-warming.

Make sure to save room for dessert, a tasty sundae with an apple "bowl" that's been hollowed out to accommodate a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, and toasted walnuts.

Make a classic Bundt cake, baked with caramelized apples, walnuts, and spices, to await the partygoers; the glaze is made with apple cider.

For party favors or treats, fill crepe-paper pumpkin pouches with tiny toys and candy eggs.

Keep your party treats somewhere special. Transform a few hollowed-out pumpkins into candy jar creatures by sawing open pumpkin tops and placing a bowl inside. Guests will love this witch who thinks she's gourd-geous.

The party doesn't have to end once guests have finished carving their pumpkins. Browse our best pumpkin-seed crafts and recipes, including a pumpkin bird feeder, a pumpkin seed necklace, and more creative ideas to keep the gathering going.