12 Easy DIY Ideas for Decorating with Pumpkins

When it comes to symbols of autumn, there are a lot of classics to choose from:fallen leavesin fiery shades, crisp apples and hot apple cider, cornucopias, and more. But it’s hard to think of anything more pervasive than the pumpkin. Pumpkins pop up on steps and stoops in their whole forms or carved up, or even stacked tocreate a whimsical pumpkin arch(albeit in their faux form).

Pumpkins make for great seasonal decor for a few reasons. First, they come in sizes ranging from palm-sized to wheelbarrow-sized, which means they can suit small spaces like side tables or large ones like porches. Pumpkins also come in a range of shades, from creamy white to deep orange, with shades of pink, green, brown, and even blue sometimes available, too. So whether you want to stick to aclassic fall color paletteof oranges and yellows or try something a little more out-of-the-box, you’ll be able to find something that suits your style.

As for pumpkin decorating ideas, you’ve got lots of options. Sure, the jack-o’-lantern is a classic, but there are tons of other easy ways to turn pumpkins into stylish seasonal decor. Here, 12 ways to decorate with pumpkins all around your home.

Instead of carving pumpkins to put candles inside, as you would with a jack-o’-lantern, let the pumpkinsbethe candles. Here, Sara of Alice & Loisturned small and medium pumpkins into votive candlesthat will add ambiance wherever you put them.

More is more when filling up a fireplace. Copy designerAmber Thraneand fill your (nonworking or temporarily on break) hearth with a stack of pumpkins in various sizes, shapes, and colors.琥珀也有图orialif you want to make that incredible pampas hanging. You can find seven moreDIY fall mantel decor ideas here.

You don’t need to grab a knife to turn pumpkins into art. Acrylic craft paint will do the job just fine. You can paint designs on pumpkins, likecute mini doughnuts, trendyterrazzo patterns, or even a functional display like theparty menu from The Merrythoughtshown above.

Turn your bar cart into a seasonal harvest cart by piling it high with pumpkins. Copy this look, from何me Stories A to Z, by choosing pumpkins in a variety of sizes but all the same color — or go for a mix of tones and textures. Then, sprinkle in some fresh greenery; here, oak leaves and lamb’s ear are part of the display.

An easy way to make a big impact with only a little effort? Stack pumpkins on top of each other to create a tall display, like this one from何use of Hawthornes. Choose pumpkins with a flatter shape for the bottom two tiers to ensure easier stacking, then surround the display with seasonal plantings like mums or ornamental cabbage.

You can also bring the stacked look indoors with tiny topiaries. These miniature stacks, designed by Lori ofGiggle Living, would look great on a console, side table, or open shelf. Adding touches of moss or other greenery helps blend the three tiers.

You don’t necessarily need more than one pumpkin to make a statement. Elevate a single favorite by placing it on a cake stand and surrounding it with complementary florals, likeSarah Gunndid here with a white pumpkin and sprays of baby’s breath.

Here’s another low effort decor piece that makes a big impact.Blogger Kelley Nan’s harvest bundlelooks extremely elegant inside a gold bucket — and all she did was toss them inside and add a throw to the edge. For an even more bountiful look, add a small stack next to your bucket, too.

A glass cloche is a handy decor piece to have on hand. You can use it todisplay fussy humidity-loving plants, of course, or you can use it to elevate your seasonal decor. Here, Crissy fromFirst Day of Homedecorated her dining table with a pair of pumpkins and a couple flower stems under a beautiful yet simple glass cloche. Get even more decor inspiration by checking out her fall home tour onFirst Day of Home.

You can also use your pumpkin as a vessel to display your floral arrangements, like Manda ofThe Merrythought. You’ll need to cut a hole in the top of your pumpkin (real or faux) that’s big enough to fit your chosen vase, then make sure to level out the inside of the pumpkin so that the container can stand flat. After that, you’ll just need to pop in your favorite flowers.

When in doubt, add twinkle lights. Above, Joanna ofJojotasticmade a simple bowl of mini pumpkins look downright magical by tucking battery-operated twinkle lights around them.

何sts, this one’s for you. Wow any dinner guests with a personalized pumpkin place card, writing their names on mini pumpkins (directly on the skin, or on a tag tied to the stem) and placing one at each seat. Add a sprig of rosemary beneath, like Ashley ofModern Glamdid, and the whole setup will look like a five-star party (with one-star effort).