Fall fever is upon us

Make plans now to create fabulous pumpkin displays

Judging from my friends’ Facebook and Pinterest posts, we’re collectively itching to get Autumn decorating underway. This year, the standard jack-o-lantern isn’t going to cut it. Seems like everyone has plans to do something “different”—particularly with pumpkins and gourds.

I’ve surveyed the trends, and it appears that four techniques are in favor this year. Are any of these part of your game plan?

1. Height. If one pumpkin is good, two or three are definitely better! Instead of placing pumpkins/gourds side by side on the porch, consider stacking smaller ones, securing them with super glue or another strong adhesive.

2. Adornment. A bit of ribbon goes a long way. Add a bow to the stems of pumpkins, with streamers trailing down. The same method can be used to tie-up husks of ornamental corn.

4. Paint. Puffy fabric paint is an excellent way to dress up pumpkins. Create intricate swirls and “beadwork” by using small drops of paint. Or just let the kids go crazy, creating their own unique designs. No sharp knives required!

5. Hollow “canvas.” A hollowed-out pumpkin presents a well of opportunities. Drop in a potted Mum or make your own arrangement out of cornhusks, cut flowers—even twigs and Fall-colored leaves from your yard!

Great example of "height": a tower of pumpkins!

Now for "adornment." Beautiful ribbon draws attention to pumpkins/gourds with unique colors and shapes.

"Hollow" = A home for all kinds of goodies!