What defines a squash as decorative?

Question

And can all squash be eaten, or is decorative not meant to be?

Answer 1

Some 'decorative' squash are not grown to be eaten & some are more 'edible' than others.
What defines a squash as decorative can be pretty subjective.

Here's some 'decorative' squash & pumpkins that are used for culinary purposes that actually taste good:http://smallfarms.typepad.com/small_farms/2005/11/culinary_pumpki.html

The smallest decorative squash isn't practical for cooking. Some decorative small pumpkins, like "Baby Boo" is harvested before it is ripe to keep it's white color & doesn't taste very good.
Some squash are best only for decorative or textural value, because its taste leaves something to be desired:
http://www.slashfood.com/2005/10/24/squash-tutorial-from-acorn-to-turban/

You would have to make sure you pick a 'decorative' squash or pumpkin variety that is recommended for eating & cooking, if you want something that tastes good. Otherwise,according to the Times: "Don't buy a decorative pumpkin and think that it's going to taste wonderful, because frankly it won't: Decorative pumpkins taste like a green lawn."
http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2006/10/30/features/home_and_garden/74807a47ecd21bd586257212005cd68f.txt
Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Usually decorative squash is not eaten. This is because they are either too small with not enough flesh to be worth it, or they are not tasty. They can also be too large; the huge prize- winning pumpkins are often not suitable for pie making as they are too watery.They can be useful in arrangements and are often pretty however. Hence they are used for decorative pursuits.

Answer 3

I'm thinking that gourds are members of the squash family, but to the best of my knowledge, they are not edible. They are, however, useful and attractive. My grandparents used long-stemmed gourds that had been hollowed out as dippers. (They did not have running water.)