With turning leaves, falling temperatures, and students returning to school, it’s official: Autumn is here! There’s no better way to celebrate this glorious season than to gather your friends and family together to celebrate with your own Pumpkin Feast.
We have gathered some fun recipes below for food/drink, activities, and decorations that are sure to highlight this wonderful season.
Cooking with Pumpkins
There is nothing quite like the smell of baking pumpkins to get you in the seasonal mood.
· Everyone has their own favorite pumpkin pie recipe, but if you are new to baking, or just looking to try something different, you can't go wrong with this decadent recipe.
· Pumpkin soup is a wonderful starter for a light meal in the fall. This recipe pairs perfectly with a light, savory snack.
· Everyone in your family will love this Savory Pumpkin Tart. It’s easy enough to make for a weekend meal, but fancy enough to have with company...aka the perfect balance.
Crafting Pumpkin-lace Drinks
Whether you are looking to try a cool new cocktail at your next party or prefer to snuggle up with a hot mug, pumpkins can turn your drink into something special.
· Why not combine apple cider, another fall favorite, with pumpkin puree to create a one-of-a-kind cocktail? This Apple Cider and Pumpkin Cocktail beats traditional apple cider hands down, and the vanilla-infused vodka is sure to warm you right up.
· Break out the punch bowl for Pumpkin Punch with Cinnamon-infused Rum. This easy-to-make punch tastes like a traditional pumpkin pie you can drink, and it is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
· Don't raid the fridge for leftover pie if you wake up with a craving for pumpkins. Try a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Fresh coffee, warm spices, sweet vanilla, and real pumpkin will make this drink a seasonal favorite you’ll crave year round.
Autumn Home Decorating with Pumpkins
Pumpkins are one of the true stars of fall. Try adding them to your home's autumn decor this season for a splash of festive color.
· Create a table centerpiece. Combine pumpkins of different sizes and colors with other autumn produce, like Indian corn, for an eye-catching display.
· Hollow out a pumpkin, and paint or decorate the outside. Use the decorated pumpkin as a container for dried corn stalks or other plants.
· Smaller pumpkins make great votive candle holders. You can carve traditional Jack-o'-lanterns or more complex designs if you’re feeling crafty. Grouping certain sizes and styles together makes the biggest impact and they’ll look great guarding your stash of Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters.
Pumpkin Carving
Halloween is a favorite autumn holiday. What would Halloween be without carving a pumpkin or two? Today's jack-o'-lanterns can be so much more than just two eyes, a nose and a mouth. They even have stencils you can trace.
Having Fun With Pumpkins
Carving a pumpkin is fun, but did you know there are more ways to have fun with them? Try some of these pumpkin-
centric games to entertain the kids.
· Seed Spitting Contest - Line the kids up outdoors and give them a few pumpkin seeds. Let them have a few practice spits, and then see who can spit his seed the furthest. Better get your game face on!
· Pumpkin Bowling - Fill 10 empty plastic bottles a third of the way with water or sand. Set the bottles up like bowling pins. Cut the stem off of a small pumpkin. Give each child two chances to knock down as many bottles as she can.
· The Great Pumpkin Hunt - Hide small pumpkins outside, and see who can find the most in a certain amount of time. For older children, a nighttime hunt using a flashlight will add to the challenge.
