Fall’s knocking on our door with its cozy vibes and all things pumpkin-spiced and it’s time to embrace the season’s charm! With these creative and inspiring ideas, let’s transform your home into a pumpkin paradise.
This is where the fun begins, and we’re about to take your Fall game to the next level. So, let’s chat about all things pumpkin, from DIY crafts to decorating your space, and even a pumpkin treat! Sound like a plan? Let’s get started!
Pumpkin Projects: From Porch to Table
If you love Fall and pumpkins, I have so many ideas for you today. I’ve collected my best DIYs and decorating ideas and have put them in one place for you to scroll through.
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Section 1: Pumpkin DIY Projects
Here is a selection of my best pumpkin DIY projects to use for decorating your home this Fall.
Pottery Barn Terracotta Pumpkin Dupe DIY
When I first saw the Pottery Barn terracotta pumpkins on their website I snapped a screenshot and sent it to one of my blogging girlfriends and said “Look at these, I’m going to figure out a way to make a dupe version.” I just had a feeling they were going to blow up and be popular! Even in their second year, the Pottery Barn version sold out in August. If you couldn’t get your hands on the PB ones or didn’t want to spend the 100 bucks you can make your own version.
So, if you have any old ceramic jack-o’lanterns hanging around or even plastic or foam ones…this is the project for you to try!!
This pumpkin project isn’t hard but it does take a day to let the pumpkins dry between steps.
DIY Festive Pumpkin Garland
Looking for a cute garland to make this Fall? This pumpkin garland is made with a pack of dollar store wood pumpkin ornaments, wood beads, jute twine, and a combo of ribbons. The great thing about this project is that you can personalize it to fit your own decorating style depending on what color ribbons you choose! If you love Halloween then you could use orange and purple or a fun print!
Cement Look Pumpkins
This pumpkin project came about because I opened one of my Fall bins and had so many foam pumpkins that were old and beat up. Anything cement is trendy in home decor so I thought I would do a faux cement look to the foam pumpkins. I love projects where you upcycle what you already have! It saves a few bucks.
Yarn Covered Pumpkin DIY
If you have some chunky textured yarn and a few foam pumpkins in your craft stash then you have to make a set of these charming and cozy pumpkins! They are finished off with a cute wooden stem (Dollar Tree).
Pinecone Pumpkin
Do you have a few pinecones hanging around? Here is the perfect DIY for my natural decor lovers. By taking apart a pinecone and gluing the scales to a small foam pumpkin.
This isn’t a tough DIY at all but does take some time! If you like to do repetitive projects this one is for you.
Here are a couple of pumpkin DIY ideas to hang on your front door.
Dollar Tree Pumpkin Sign
A simple way to makeover a Dollar Tree pumpkin sign, flip it over and paint it! Add a few Dollar Tree embellishments and you have a cute and cheap way to decorate your door for the season.
Buffalo Check Pumpkin Door Hanger
Here is a fun alternative to hanging a wreath on your front door this Fall. This pumpkin door hanger is made with a Dollar Tree pumpkin frame and a set of buffalo-checked beads from Amazon. This is a reader favorite!
Pumpkin & Hydrangea Wreath
This pumpkin and hydrangea wreath only takes about 10 minutes to put together. Made on a square Dollar Tree metal wreath frame and using a few mini foam pumpkins and dried hydrangeas.
Fresh Flower Filled Pumpkin Arrangement
Are you looking for a beautiful centerpiece idea for your Fall or Thanksgiving table? Follow my step-by-step tutorial to create this whimsical flower arrangement.
Decorating Pumpkins with Pressed Flower
If you love flowers and pumpkins as much as I do then here is the Fall DIY for you! Decorate a few pumpkins with pressed flowers for the prettiest pumpkin on the block! I will even let you in on my secret to the quickest method for getting pressed flowers…the microwave!
Section 2: Pumpkin-Inspired Home Decor
Looking for ways to add a little bit of pumpkin spice into your home decor for the Fall without looking overdone? Here are some ways to add subtle touches of Fall throughout your home.
Fall Displays with Pumpkins
In this large dough bowl (Hobby Lobby) I mixed small faux pumpkins with a pinecone pumpkin, dried flowers from the garden, feathers, and a couple of artificial berry picks for a simple and neutral display for this hutch in my dining area.
On my small entryway decorated with mostly secondhand finds, I added a small wood pumpkin and an artificial heirloom pumpkin on the table.
Sticking with my neutral and natural decorating theme for Fall, I mixed my DIY terracotta pumpkins, pinecone pumpkins, rattan pumpkins,
Filling vases with dried botanicals like wheat and lotus pods is one way to use natural materials and it’s a budget-friendly way to decorate because you can reuse them next year. My storage trick for dried botanicals is to keep the original plastic sleeve that they are sold in and store them in a storage bin at the end of the season, this will keep them looking good and dust-free for next year.
Here I made a pretty dried floral display on this pedestal stand and mixed in a few small felted pumpkins.
Fall Gallery Wall
This Fall I have a collection of free printables that you can use to add a touch of Autumn to your artwork. Along with pumpkins, I have also added mushrooms, leaves, and feathers to the printable collection.
Section 3: Outdoor Pumpkin Decor
Here are some welcoming pumpkin porch displays to give you a little Autumn inspiration!
Pumpkin Filled Porch
Are there ever too many pumpkins for your porch?? I’m not sure! This year I filled in every nook and cranny with pretty pumpkins and gourds
When you are decorating your porch why not try some of the funky-colored pumpkins that are available? Check your local farmstands or nurseries. All of my pumpkins and gourds were from a local farm.
Rustic Fall Porch
Mix up your porch design by adding something unexpected like this bright aqua potting table from my garden. Vintage pieces that I’ve collected also added to the rustic Fall porch look.
Fairytale Pumpkin Porch
A simpler-looking porch using fairytale pumpkins in muted shades. Along with lanterns and planters filled with Fall flowers.
Section 4: Pumpkin-Related Tips and Tricks
Selecting the Perfect Pumpkins
Inspect the Pumpkins: When picking pumpkins, look for ones that are firm, with no soft spots or mold. Check the stem for signs of rot, and choose pumpkins with a sturdy, intact stem. Also, never pick up pumpkins by the stem to avoid breaking! Always carry pumpkins from the bottom or wrap your arms around them. A stemless pumpkin is just sad!!
A Few Useful Pumpkin Tips
Pumpkins in direct sunlight will ripen and rot more quickly than pumpkins displayed in shadier or protected areas outside.
Elevate Pumpkins: Place pumpkins on a raised surface to improve air circulation and prevent moisture buildup underneath them rather than place them on the ground.
Inspect Regularly: Check your stored pumpkins regularly for any signs of rot or softening. Remove any damaged or decaying pumpkins to prevent them from affecting the others.
Preserve with Bleach: To help extend the life of carved pumpkins, mix one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water and thoroughly soak the pumpkin inside and out. Allow it to air dry before displaying. This can help slow down mold growth and dehydration.
Spray Clear Coat: To help deter critters from having a pumpkin party try spaying your pumpkins with a clear top coat. This has worked for me in the past!
Section 5: Pumpkin Photography Tips
Photographing pumpkins can be a fun way to capture the Fall season. Here are some of my photography tips to help you capture captivating pumpkin photos:
Choose the Right Time of Day:
The best times for outdoor photography are typically during the “golden hours” shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft and warm. This gentle, angled light can add depth and texture to your pumpkin photos.
Use Natural Light:
Whenever possible, use natural light and shut off your flash! Flash can create harsh shadows and flatten the texture of the pumpkins. Position your pumpkins in an area where they receive soft, diffused natural light.
Experiment with Angles:
Try shooting from different angles to find the most interesting perspectives. Get low to the ground to capture pumpkins from a worm’s-eye view or shoot from above for a bird’s-eye view. Also, try shooting from the side to emphasize the shape and texture of the pumpkins.
Background Matters:
Pay attention to the background of your shot. Make sure it complements your subject rather than distracts from it. A simple, uncluttered background often works best.
Experiment with Depth:
Create depth in your photos by placing multiple pumpkins at varying distances from your camera. This can add a sense of dimension and scale to your composition.
Remember that photography is an art, so feel free to experiment, be creative, and develop your own unique style when photographing pumpkins. Don’t be afraid to take multiple shots and make adjustments to achieve the perfect pumpkin photo. I love photographing pumpkins because of all the textures and interesting details that they have, I just love Fall scenery!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Did all that pumpkin talk make you hungry?? Then you have to make this chocolate chip pumpkin bread! This is a moist and delicious Fall recipe.
Well, I think that I covered every pumpkin thing that I could think of for you today! Everything from my favorite pumpkin DIYs to my best decorating tips for inside and out using pumpkins. Some solid tips for photographing your pumpkins and my best pumpkin-related tips & tricks! I think you will be all set for the most festive Fall ever!
See your projects featured! If you are inspired by this or any of my other DIY projects I would love to see them and add you to the Reader’s Spotlight gallery. Send a photo to me at jennifer@cottageonbunkerhill.com
xo, Jennifer
Cozy Fall Finds
This is wonderful! So many great ideas. What fun.
Thanks so much, Renae!!