Pumpkin Play

One of the most exciting things about fall is picking out a pumpkin, carving it, and displaying your masterpiece for everyone to see!  Pumpkins are great for fall décor, they make lovely dishes both savory and sweet, and they come in beautiful shapes, sizes and colors.  Enjoy the pumpkin season by carving or painting them, using the pulp for yummy recipes and roasting the seeds!  It’s almost impossible to waste any part of a pumpkin! Here are a couple ideas for what to do with pumpkins this year.

Pumpkin Centerpiece 

 Pumpkins look great when they are incorporated into centerpieces, wreaths, used as porch décor, or just tastefully placed around the house.  If you’re not a fan of messy pumpkin carving, painting pumpkins is just as fun and looks great!  We love how silver or gold gilded pumpkins look for a modern and chic style, or chevronstripes in different colors for a trendy-boho inspired look.  Play with shapes, sizes and textures and pair them with votive candles and glassware to create a lovely fall centerpiece.

Etched Pumpkins 

Learning how to carve a pumpkin takes practice but with a little time and patience, you can create some pretty amazing things with them. Traditional funny-faced jack-o-lanterns are a safe place to start and add a fun flair, but if you think you can handle something slightly more challenging, try doing something a little untraditional like etching a silhouette  , elegant monogram or harlequin print into the thick skin of your pumpkin.  HERE are some simple instructions to get you started on etching a beautiful pumpkin. 

Pumpkin Penne

Once your pumpkins are carved and looking fabulous, what can you do with all the leftover pumpkin seeds and pulp? Pumpkin’s rich, creamy texture makes for wonderful soups and sauces, it can also be grilled or sautéed as a tasty addition to any meal.  This pumpkin penne recipe is perfect for a chilly fall evening.  

Pumpkin Apple Cider

Jazz up your usual apple cider with a dollop of pumpkin puree.  This particular recipe includes standout fall flavors (vanilla, ginger, and pumpkin).  Entertain with this drink and you’re guest will love it!  Try the recipe HERE.