It's harvest time. If you planted a large vegetable garden this year, you're likely bringing in all your vegetables. And you may have an abundance of pumpkins and other gourds this fall.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
How to Use Pumpkins and Gourds
Fortunately, there are many creative ways to use these seasonal fruits - both in the kitchen and in your fall decor.
Here are 25 ideas to get you started.
1. Make a Fall Floral Arrangement
Pumpkins and gourds can be a beautiful base for a fall floral arrangement. Add some mums, dried corn, and wheat for a rustic touch.
2. Use Pumpkins As Rustic Fall Yard Decor
Paint pumpkins and gourds in fun, festive colors and patterns to spruce up your yard for fall.
Display a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins and gourds in your yard, or stack them on and around straw bales for a simple yet charming display.
3. Make Homemade Serving Bowls
Dehydrated gourds make for eye-catching and unique serving bowls.
Simply slice off the top of the gourd, scrape out the insides, and let it dry upside down for a few days. Then fill them with olives, cheese cubes, and other appetizers.
4. Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Don't throw away the seeds!
Roasting them is a delicious and easy way to enjoy them. Just toss the seeds in some olive oil and salt, then bake at 300 degrees for about 45 minutes.
5. Make Jewelry
Small gourds can be carved and painted to create beautiful jewelry. Necklaces, earrings, and even bracelets can be made from gourds.
6. Make a Gourd Bird Feeder
This bird feeder is a great project to do with kids. Cut the top off of a gourd, then hollow it out. Paint the outside, add some birdseed, and hang it up. The birds will love it!
7. Use Pumpkin Prompts for a Fall Photo Shoot
Pumpkins and gourds make excellent props for back-to-school photo shoots.
Set up a backdrop and get the family together for a nice fall photo with pumpkins and gourds.
Do you have a large enough pumpkin and a small baby? Put your little one inside a carved-out gourd for an especially adorable photo.
8. Make a Gourd Planter
We love DIY planters around here. They save money and are a great way to upcycle old items.
Drill a hole in the bottom of the gourd, then add some soil and your favorite fall plants. These make great porch decorations or centerpieces for the dinner table.
9. Turn Pumpkins Into Fall Lanterns
Carve out the center of larger pumpkins to create lanterns.
Add a battery-operated candle, then place them around your home for a warm, inviting glow.
10. Make a Gourd Garland
String small gourds together with twine to create a garland for your mantle or stair rail. This is a great way to use up any extra gourds you may have.
11. Play Ring Toss
If you have a gourd that will sit sturdily on the ground, take turns tossing rings onto the stem for a fun fall game.
This is a great outdoor activity for kids!
12. Display Your House Number
Paint your house number on the front of a pumpkin or gourd, then set it out by the front door.
This is a creative and inexpensive way to add a rustic look to your home. Especially if you love the farmhouse decor look.
13. Make a Pumpkin Tic Tac Toe Game
This is a fun and easy project that the kids will love.
Use tape to create a 3x3 grid on a tabletop, then play tic tac toe with white and orange mini pumpkins.
14. Make Soup Inside a Pumpkin
Here's a fun and unique way to make an autumn soup.
Simply hollow out a pumpkin, then add your favorite soup recipe.
Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.
15. Have a Contest to See Who Can Stack the Most Gourds
This is a great outdoor activity for kids and adults alike. See who can stack the most gourds without them toppling over.
It's not easy, but it's a lot of fun!
16. Feature a Gratitude Gourd at Thanksgiving
Paint a large pumpkin or other gourd white, then let your guests write messages of gratitude with a Sharpie.
This is a great way to start off Thanksgiving on a positive and thankful note.
17. Make Maracas With Small Pumpkins and Gourds
Paint the outside of dried gourds, then fill with rice or beans. Seal the top with glue, then shake away.
These make cute party favors or kids' toys.
18. Make a Gourd Pie
Puree pumpkin and other gourds to make a delicious and unique pie.
Add some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a truly fall flavor.
You might want to try your hand at making pumpkin preserves.
Maybe add a new squash recipe to your meal plan.
Or try a new pumpkin recipe, like our eggless pumpkin muffins. These are a longtime family favorite! Plus don't forget to try your hand at crockpot pumpkin butter, too.
And here are a few more ideas for using leftover pumpkin puree.
19. Make a Puzzle Feeder for Your Dog
Here's an inexpensive way to keep your dog entertained.
Hollow out a gourd, then carve a few holes into it.
Then fill it with dog food or treats and let your dog figure out how to get to it.
20. Let the Kids Paint Gourds
Paint the outside of gourds with acrylic paint, then let the kids get creative.
They'll have fun, and you'll have some beautiful (and unique) decorations for your home.
21. Use Pumpkins and Squash As Fall Party Decor
Paint pumpkins and gourds in coordinating colors, then use them as party decorations.
They make excellent centerpieces for a harvest celebration, first-day-of-homeschool, or Thanksgiving feast.
You could also paint each guest's name on a gourd and use them as place cards.
22. Donate Pumpkins to a Food Pantry
Pumpkins are highly nutritious, so consider donating any extra ones you may have to a local food pantry. They'll be put to good use!
23. Make a Pumpkin-Headed Scarecrow
When you're finished carving your pumpkin, put the pumpkin head on a stick and dress him up in some old clothes.
He'll make a great decoration for your front yard!
24. Use Them To Make Natural Dye
You can make a natural dye from the pulp and skin of a pumpkin.
Use it to dye fabric, for coloring goat milk soap, and other homestead crafts.
25. Make a Gourd Skin Basket
Weave together strips of dried gourd skin to create a beautiful and unique basket. This makes a lovely autumn decoration for your home or a thoughtful gift.
As you can see, there's a wealth of possibilities for crafting with pumpkins and gourds. So get creative and have fun!
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