Can you believe fall is here already? Pumpkin spice and snuggled in our favorite sweaters. Many of you get very busy during this time of year with gatherings, holiday prepping, Halloween, and more, so I want to start by sending love and positive vibes as you navigate this busy season. I also want to share a few DIY adds for your fall gatherings. These are quick and easy to help you add that fall touch, without taking much time or money.
Pumpkin Flowerpots
This can get a little messy. You need your carving tool. Grab a flowerpot or can. Cut a hole in your pumpkin, slightly smaller than the diameter of the pot, and position the pot inside the pumpkin. If this is for a larger pumpkin for the front steps, use a large pot. I use a can for table centerpieces. Bonus: Use those seeds to roast for a crunchy salty snack later.
Apple Tealights
Place a tealight candle on top of an apple and trace around it with your carving tool. Remove the candle and cut the outline, then use your carving tool to remove the inside of the apple so that the tealight fits inside.
Candy Corn Candles
Pick up candy corn or dried corn kernels from a dollar store. Use them to fill up clear glass cylinders about halfway, and then work a candle into the middle.
Lollipop Pumpkin
Not sure if this counts as carving a pumpkin, but you do put holes in the pumpkin. It can be used to hold lollipops, cake pops, skewers with fruits or cheese, or anything else you can put on a stick! If you’re planning to be away for Halloween and still want to hand out candy, stick this on the porch with suckers! Drill holes about 1/2 inch deep into the pumpkin if you’re using lollipops or 1 inch if using skewers. You can always use the skewers to punch holes in the pumpkin if you don’t have a drill, but a drill is much easier and quicker.
Pumpkin Checkerboard
Craft stores have plenty of small artificial pumpkins, or you can buy the real thing from one of our local pumpkin patches and send them home with your guests. I also love tic-tac-toe with the kids. You can use tape, sticks, and a wood platform to create a more permanent board. A local craft store will have everything you need. Or just grab the sticks from outside!
Pumpkin Toilet Paper Rolls
You can use some fabric and get very crafty with this. I like to just pick up tissue paper, grab a few small sticks from outside, and snag an artificial leaf from one of my plants inside.
Gratitude Pumpkin
My family has recently started a November tradition that’s quickly become my FAVORITE. Put a pumpkin in the kitchen. Every evening, write, “We are grateful or thankful for …” on the pumpkin with a Sharpie. When Thanksgiving arrives, use the pumpkin as your table’s centerpiece.
Caramel Apple Kits
Great to hand out to your guests or have placed on your table. You can get super creative, or if you’re in a hurry like I typically am, grab an apple and an individual caramel. Place in a bag and add a pretty bow!
Turkey Treat Bags
Great for the kids (and us adults). You need clear gloves, popcorn, and candy of your choice.
Bonus: Pumpkin Pie Cheese Crackers
These are great for all ages, and everyone will be talking about how cute they are. What you need: Triscuit Thin Crisps, Chicken in a Biskit, light cream cheese, and blocks of cheddar cheese.
I love hearing from you, so please reach out and share your ideas on social @EricaDeLong. Happy fall, y’all!
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