Fall is the perfect time for creative
decorating with natural resources. Pumpkins can do much more than simply
sit on your porch or make a great pie, plus, they are a festive way to
add decoration, create lighting or serve food this autumn. Try one of
this creative and unique uses for pumpkins this fall.
Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Make a fall themed bird feeder for your front or backyard using a small to medium sized pumpkin.Materials:
- One pumpkin
- Two, one-half inch thick sticks
- Four strings or pieces of wire
- Birdseed
2.Use a knife to cut four holes in the bottom half of the pumpkin, evenly spaced. Place the first two holes across from each other, approximately two inches below the upper rim of the pumpkin, and three inches below the upper rim for the second two holes, also across from each other.
3.Push one stick through two of the opposing holes, then repeat across the pumpkin with the second stick, forming a T shape. The sticks should be long enough to leave several inches hanging out each side of the pumpkin. These will serve as a perch for birds, and support for the wire or string to hang the pumpkin.
4.Tie the four pieces of wire or string to each end of the sticks hanging outside the edge of the pumpkin. Tie the four strings or wires together at the top so the pumpkin can be hung from a tree.
5.Fill the pumpkin with birdseed and place in your yard.
Pumpkin Ice Bucket
Design a fall or Halloween themed ice bucket for drinks and bottles by using a large pumpkin.Materials:
- One large pumpkin, preferably wider than it is tall
- One ice bucket
- Ice
1.Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the inside of the bottom half. Dispose of the top.
2.Make sure the pumpkin is deep enough to fully conceal an ice bucket when the bucket is placed inside the carved out pumpkin.
3.Set the ice bucket in the pumpkin, fill with ice and place where needed to serve drinks.
Pumpkin Dip Holder
Similar to the ice bucket, use a pumpkin to create a festive dip dish.Materials
- One small pumpkin
- One serving bowl for party dips
1.Cut the top off of the small pumpkin, and carve out the inside.
2.Place a small dip dish inside the pumpkin, so that the dish is completely concealed inside.
3.Fill the dish with salsa, ranch, guacamole or any dip you wish to serve, and place on the table for family and friends to enjoy.
Street Address
Playfully show off your home's address with this pumpkin street number decoration.Materials:
- One pumpkin for each number in your address (for example, 1234 Main Street would require four pumpkins)
- Small candles (battery operated candles set on automatic timers work well)
1.Cut the top off of each pumpkin and scoop out the inside.
2.Carve each number of your address into one pumpkin. For a subtle glow, scrape most of the skin off the pumpkin in the shape of your number, without fully piercing the pumpkin all the way through. Candle light will still show, but will appear softer.
3.Place a candle inside the pumpkin. Battery operated, flameless candles offer timers, allowing the candle to only turn on at night, saving battery life while avoiding the risk of fire.
4.Place the pumpkins on your porch, in your yard, or by your mailbox to festively display your address.
Candy Bucket
Use a small to medium sized pumpkin as a fun and creative way to hold candy while trick-or-treating.Materials:
- One pumpkin, small to medium in size
- A thin rope
- Paint or glitter to decorate the pumpkin
1.Cut the top off the pumpkin, and scoop out the inside.
2.Cut two small holes in the side of the pumpkin, across from each other, approximately one inch below the top rim.
3.Use paint, glitter or other craft supplies to decorate the pumpkin.
4.Thread the rope through the holes, forming a handle to carry the pumpkin.
Pumpkin Porch Greeter
If you plan to go out on Halloween, but don't want to disappoint trick-or-treaters, use this pumpkin porch greeter to pass out the candy for you.Materials
- One large pumpkin
- A large candy bowl
- Candy
- Flameless tea lights
1.Cut the top off the pumpkin, and scoop out the inside.
2.Carve eyes into the pumpkin near the top.
3.Carve a very large, open mouth into the pumpkin. It should be wide enough to easily pass your hand through.
4.Place a large bowl inside the pumpkin's mouth.
5.Place the tea lights on either side of the bowl, so they cannot be seen.
6.Set the pumpkin on your porch or next to your front door and fill the bowl with candy.
7.Turn on the tea lights.
There is more to pumpkins than meets the eye. Find new and creative ways to decorate your home this fall with one of these unique uses for autumn pumpkins. Serve drinks, dips, birdseed or candy, and festively display your home address to friends, family and guests.