I love having a 'jack o lantern' for halloween - and last years trick or treaters were impressed to see it when they came 'begging'! I carved mine the day before and actually kept it for a few days before it started to sag, so it wasn't a problem for me. Also, the pumpkin was bought from a supermarket and I did use the flesh to make soup and it was DELISH! so probably don't worry about that either.

I don't particularly have any tips for you, but will say that it's harder than you might think! Good luck - hope it turns out the way you plan! and that you keep all your digits!