Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins. If you're in search of festive decor for Halloween or a fun activity to do with your little ones? Head to the pumpkin patch for gourds just ripe for picking and adorning. With a steady hand, a bit of imagination and crafty supplies, go beyond carving traditional jack-o'-lanterns and try more creative, Pinterest-worthy designs that are perfect for hanging on the front door, displaying in the foyer, sitting atop tables or arranging in clusters on the front porch.

From a galaxy, far, far away inspiration and fall wreaths to sophisticated metallic leaf and painted creations, make the most of the season with stylish and spooky pumpkin decorating ideas. Even better, some timeless options below are great for cozying up your home through Thanksgiving. 

Unique Wreath

This adorable fall wreath created by Lovely Indeed will liven up your front door from the first sign of fall through Thanksgiving. Once you have gathered your (artificial gourds), paint them in the color of your choice. Use a hot glue gun to attach them to a felt-wrapped wreath form. Add some tiny fairy lights in Halloween or fall colors by hanging them around the wreath.

Over the Rainbow

Those cute, white mini pumpkins you can pick up at the grocery just got even cuter. Turn them into clouds at the end of a rainbow with craft foam in various colors and a little glue, as Studio DIY!'s founder Kelly did. Make the rainbow section in your chosen color pattern first, then use your hot glue gun to connect them to your mini pumpkins. If your min pumpkins are a little lumpy on the bottom, you can slice the bottom edge so they can lay flat without wobbling.

Carved in the Stars

This pumpkin from Martha Stewart's vault will have you seeing stars! To carve up this Insta-worthy display, use a drill to punch the constellation's holes and connect the dots with a standard blade. There's also a template for those seeking guidance to this mini galaxy. If you want to do your own thing, use a drill and blade to create out-of-this-world patterns.

Pun Intended

Trick-or-treat takes on a whole new meaning with these adorable punny pumpkins, courtesy of Studio DIY. Plus, they're straightforward to recreate, so you can "creep it real" all season long. All you need is pumpkins, craft paint and word tattoos. Use a damp paper towel to put on the tattoos. Tip: If you have great handwriting (and a steady hand), write the puns yourself using a paint pen.

Foiled!

Swap scary for stylish with this foil-covered find from Martha Stewart Living. First, trace a leaf shape onto your pumpkin, then fill it with metal-leaf adhesive. Next, place a gilding sheet over your shape and use a dry brush to apply. You can also spray paint the pumpkin stem in gold or silver to give it more flair. 

Brush Stroke of Genius

After painting your pumpkin the color of your choice, all you have to do to get this dapper design (shared by The Merrythought) is dab it with a different color. It's that easy. Use a craft pumpkin and acrylic paint for staying power or a real one from the pumpkin patch. Hint: Using a brush without soft bristles may help you obtain a more freestyle brushstroke appearance.

Put on a Happy Face

These emoji pumpkins posted by Brit + Co couldn't get cuter. First, gather small pumpkins or gourds. Mini pumpkins can usually be found in the produce section of your local grocery store. Use construction paper, glue and crafting paint to personalize an emoji pumpkin.

Marbled Marvels

If you love Florentine paper, with its marbled elegance, here is a Halloween treat. Make a modern statement with these marbled mini pumpkins created by Proper's Lexy Ward. You will need white crafting pumpkins, marbling paint (found at most craft stores) and a foil sheet pan filled with water that is deep enough to dip your pumpkins in the paint. Dip and dunk in until your marbled pumpkin is perfect, then dry. Try a few at each place setting for a special detail, or gather in a group for a stunning centerpiece.

Heavy Pour

Metallic gourds and pumpkins make a surprisingly chic update to your autumn table decor, as Taryn Whiteaker demonstrates. The best part: All it takes is a little paint and an imperfect pour. Craft pumpkins in white, black or orange paint. Pour the paint onto the top of the pumpkin and let it ooze down the sides. Drying time may be a day or two, depending on how heavy your pour and pumpkin size.

Chalkboard Paint

Take a craft or real pumpkin and cover with chalkboard paint. After you let it dry, use chalk to scribble (and erase as necessary) a fun fall-themed design. If you're prone to a mistake or two in DIY projects, this chalkboard-painted pumpkin is for you.

Flight of Fancy

These batty pumpkins shared by It All Started with Paint blog come together with a black poster board and printable pattern. You will need a bat punch (available online), black and white poster board and glue dots to put it together. Once the bats are cut out and affixed in the desired pattern, drape the cobwebs and spiders over the pumpkin. Now, you've got a pretty spooky front porch display.

Simple Sequins

An easy craft for younger children, all you need are a dash of sequins and a dab of glue to create these bright and shiny pumpkins created by Sugar & Cloth. They're perfect to display from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Spray paint the top of your pumpkin a sparkling color to match your gilded gourd. You can find sequins at most sewing and craft shops or online.

May the Force Be with You

You don't need Obi-Wan to help decorate these charismatic Star Wars-inspired recreations posted by DIY Candy. With a bit of paint, online designs and paint pens, plus a steady hand, you can craft the sci-fi decor of your dreams (in pumpkin form, at least). Spray paint the craft pumpkins first, then when dry, pencil in all the details before you apply paint and pens.

Pen a Pumpkin

Grab a paint pen and go wild for these patterned pumpkins shared by Lovely Indeed. Although the herringbone design on these metallic pretties is undoubtedly on-trend, you can always change things to better suit your decor. Paint pens come in a wide array of colors with thick and thin points, making it easy to create various patterns. This is an excellent craft for kids, given its simplicity.

ncG1vNJzZmiolaS9rbGNnKamZ5ikuqZ7z66kqaOZo3qqsMSaqmg%3D