New York, NY (WFN) -- If you want a pumpkin that's not going to cost a lot or rot right after Halloween, the doorstep decoration for you is a gourd.

That's according to the new book, "Party Central" (Berkley Publishing), which says gourds has been used as utensils, storage containers and ornaments for thousands of years by people including the Native Americans, are perfect for Halloween if you're trying to save a few bucks.

The book is a month-by-month guide for cheap parties by the editors of "Budget Living" magazine and they're out of their gourds for gourds because the fruits are found dirt cheap at supermarkets and farm stands during the fall.

There is a catch: Because dried gourds have tough skins, they are much more difficult to carve than fresh pumpkins and often require a power tool.

Still, the price for all hard work is cheap considering the plants come in all shapes and sizes and will last many years, as opposed to a few nights in October.

"Party Central "hits bookstores next month.

Appease an angry Great Volcano by winning 10 Tribal Challenges in SKIP-BO Castaway Caper! Take advantage of this incredible bargain and get two hit puzzle games for one low price!

More Weird News From 2004-10-04 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • Bush Reverses Himself When Debate Played Backwards • Florida Hurricanes Cause A Flood Of Freebies • Gourds May Replace Pumpkins For Halloween • Ambush Makeover Spawns Makeover Groupies • Asia Hopes To Catch A Buzz Playing Borders • Bush And Kerry Speak Well -- For Junior High Students • Lingerie Football League Formed • Natural Disasters Are A Good Time To Diet • Mexican Resort Offers A Concierge Solely For Soap • Bulgarian University Plagued By Fleas And Unsightly Couches • Pot Smoking Political Party Backing Kerry • Internet Site Offering $100,000 To People Who Vote   « Current Weird News Stories