Fall has made its way to the streets of New York and pumpkins have found themselves smiling from the stoops. Pumpkin displays are forever being reinvented and pushed to the seedy limits, but here are a few examples and tips before you break out the carving knife.

The first two photos are obviously over-the-top. This takes time, patience and above all a love for Halloween. But large displays don't have to be overwhelming. Plan ahead, and take it one pumpkin at a time.

Photos 3 & 4 are traditional displays where the pumpkin isn't carved. Easy enough, but think about non-traditional placement like inside the window in the 3rd photo or above the window in the 4th.

Photo 5 falls in the painted pumpkin category. A great way to dress up your steps without getting your hands slimy. Head over to Martha Stewart for simple instructions on how to glitter your gourd.

Photos 6 & 7 are themed displays, using several pumpkins together to create a look. Again, leave it to Martha, queen of the pumpkins, for instructions on how to make works of art like the pumpkin snake.

And of course there's something to be said for the classically carved pumpkin like the little guy in the last pic.

Whatever pumpkin décor you decide on, be sure to let us know how it goes!

(Images: 1 Solar Energy Dream; 2 Country Living; 3 the nest; 4 Katy Elliott; 5 Aaron Able for Apartment Therapy; 6 Martha Stewart; 7 The Daily Cork; 8 Geoff Bentz)

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