Source: Unsplash

AS A COUNTRY that is supposed to contain some of the most haunted sites in the world and one of the first in the world to start celebrating Halloween (in the form of Samhain) – we definitely tend to embrace the spooky season with open arms.

And for a lot of people, the fun of carving a pumpkin is the first sign that Halloween is upon us – and that you probably need to start thinking of costume that isn’t some lazy reference to a Snapchat filter.

Whether it’s with your little ones (they can hold the spoon only), your flatmates or your other half, picking a face to go on your personal pumpkin can be one of the most enjoyable parts of Halloween.

Here’s a few ideas to get you thinking about a petrifying pumpkin for 2017.

1. This terrifying Trumpkin

Source: Flickr

He’s captured thousands of headlines this year and now that it’s October, one of the most scary options for your porch might just be the controversial US president Donald Trump. As there’s no room to display his tiny hands, make sure you get his toupe right.

2. This spooky owl

Source: Flickr

One that’s a little more likely to resonate with the pint-sized members of your family, this spooky owl is a fun, cartoonish option for your pumpkin this year – and pretty easy to achieve too. Go on, you’ll have a hoot.

3. This gruesome Gremlin

Source: Flickr

Although a Gremlin will only put the fear of God in only one or two generations, this pumpkin inspired by the 1984 fantasy film is the perfect excuse to show kids of any generation what is a pretty iconic movie, that you can watch now or at Christmas.

4. This friendly beast

Source: Flickr

One that is friendly enough for toddlers and kids alike, this Where The Wild Things Are-inspired pumpkin will create the perfect excuse to re-read the classic (or watch the Spike Jonze-directed adaptation).

5. This ravenous zombie

Source: Flickr/Eric Frommer

There is nothing more terrifying than the idea that somewhere lurking in the dark out there are brain-eating zombies. And what better way to articulate and spread that fear than to depict it through a pumpkin? It’ll be like your very own 28 Days Later on your door step.

6. This grimacing ghoul

Source: Photographer: Jeff Vier

“You did remember the tickets right?” – then, out of nowhere, this little guy pops up on your phone screen. There is nothing more scary in modern life than a well-timed grimacing face, a fact that this seemingly harmless pumpkin pays homage to.

7. This ‘Gourd of Thrones’

Source: Dov Harrington/Flickr

Pay your respects to one of the world’s most celebrated TV shows with this HBO-inspired pumpkin. You might even give people a fright by tricking them into thinking that the new series is starting – a terrifying thing to miss.

8. This chilling vampire pumpkin

Source: Flickr

Pay respect to Clontarf native Bram Stoker with this Dracula-inspired pumpkin and give people a fright with an unexpected vampire peering out in the darkness. The pointed teeth and ears are essential.

9. This alarming abstract pumpkin

Source: Flickr

Although this one is a lot tricker than all the others to achieve, maybe let the artist in your life let loose on your pumpkin with an abstract design like this. Combine jagged teeth with stars and swirls for nightmarish creepiness.

Inspired to do a little Halloween decorating of your own this October? Lidl have everything you need to celebrate this year – from tasty treats to spooky decorations to costumes for your little ones, along with a host of pumpkin carving ideas, a variety of 100% Irish pumpkins and the right tools to make your mark on them.