When autumn arrives in Middle Tennessee, pumpkins take center stage—and not just for carving. These cheerful gourds symbolize the season, offering ways to celebrate fall with style, flavor and creativity.
From centerpieces to savory soups, pumpkins are unsung heroes of home décor and seasonal cuisine. Here’s how to give them a starring role in your fall lineup—inside and out.
Stylish Gourd-geous Décor
Forget the jack-o’-lanterns of your childhood. Today’s pumpkin décor is chic, cozy and downright elegant. Try painting pumpkins in muted tones like sage, cream or dusty blue for a modern farmhouse look, or go glam with metallics—think gold-dipped stems or full-coverage copper paint.
Cluster smaller pumpkins on mantels, entryway tables or kitchen counters for a curated feel, or stack larger ones by your front door with lanterns and mums for a warm welcome.
Tip: Mix real and faux pumpkins to extend your décor through Thanksgiving (no mushy surprises!).
Pumpkin DIY: No Carving Required
For a creative weekend project, try one of these no-carve ideas:
- Pressed flower pumpkins: Attach dried flowers with Mod Podge for a romantic, boho vibe.
- Stencil & paint: Use painter’s tape and stencils to create patterns, monograms or words like “Gather” or “Home.”
- Decoupage: Wrap pumpkins in tissue paper, old book pages or printed napkins for a personalized touch.
These designs last longer than carved pumpkins and make beautiful hostess gifts, too.
Pumpkin on Your Plate
Of course, no fall celebration is complete without pumpkin on the menu. Here are a few cozy favorites:
Pumpkin Soup with Sage & Parmesan
Smooth and savory, this autumn classic is perfect served in a hollowed-out pumpkin for extra flair.
Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Bread
Moist, fragrant and topped with crunchy pepitas, this loaf makes mornings feel a little more magical.
Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce
A crowd-pleasing dish for your next fall gathering—store-bought ravioli works beautifully with homemade sauce.
Bonus Treat: Roast your pumpkin seeds with cinnamon sugar or sea salt and rosemary for a snack that feels both rustic and refined.
Whether you’re adding a festive touch to your front porch or savoring the flavors of fall at your dinner table, pumpkins prove there’s beauty—and bounty—in the season.