From traditional jack-o'-lanterns to easy table centerpieces, here's a roundup of ideas and inspiration for using pumpkins as decor at seasonal parties and events.
Stacks of pumpkins were carved to resemble the New York cityscape at an Old Navy pop-up event in the meatpacking district in October 2009.
Photo: Jessica Torossian/BizBash
Each month, Michaels challenges its Michaels Makers bloggers—a group of D.I.Y. and lifestyle influencers—to design a project according to a specific theme, trend, or season, such as D.I.Y. pumpkins using the company's hollow craft ones. The doughnut pumpkin from the DIY Playbook features a nine-inch white craft pumpkin with painted frosting and sprinkles.
Photo: Courtesy of the DIY Playbook
Professional pumpkin carver Hugh McMahon carved jack-o'-lantern-style pumpkins to resemble various celebrities, along with the president and first lady, at the Old Navy event.
Photo: Jessica Torossian/BizBash
In Los Angeles in October 2014, Weight Watchers hosted a dinner featuring a long wooden table accented by pumpkins and fall foliage.
Photo: Tiger Tiger Studio
A team of artists carve more than 7,000 pumpkins, creating elaborate designs such as a giant spiderweb, as part of the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, located at the Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
Photo: Tom Nycz
The Halloween extravaganza drew more than 115,000 visitors last year. This year, new creations include an immersive pumpkin planetarium and circus ghost train, featuring clowns, animals, and other colorful characters. Plus, artists can be found carving on site. The Blaze runs through November 15; adult tickets cost $20 ($25 for Saturday visits) and $16 ($20 on Saturdays) for children ages 3 to 17. Advance tickets are required.
Photo: Bryan Haeffele
Turn seasonal gourds into festive signage using chalkboard pumpkins, marquee lights, and directions from the Crafting Chicks: Trace letter shapes onto the pumpkins, drill a few holes, add lights, and string cord through the hollow bottom of the craft pumpkin.
Photo: Courtesy of the Crafting Chicks
In September 2014, Pottery Barn Kids threw a Halloween bash at the Mondrian Los Angeles and used mini pumpkins to promote the event's hashtag, #LoveMyPBK.
Photo: Michael Williams Photography
Pumpkins served as festive vases for succulents at the Pottery Barn Kids event.
Photo: Michael Williams Photography
Gold confetti pumpkins from Homey Oh My only require three supplies—a pumpkin, scissors, and Washi tape.
Photo: Courtesy of Homey oh my!
An oversize carved pumpkin, fabricated by Daddy-O Productions, helped advertise Fox 5's nightly airings of ABC's comedy Modern Family in Union Square Park in October 2014.
Photo: Andrew H. Walker
Pumpkins were branded with tune-in information, along with the logo of Union Square Partnership, a partner of the public activation.
Photo: Andrew H. Walker
A hamburger pumpkin from Shrimp Salad Circus includes "lettuce, tomato, and cheese" made from corrugated cardboard, foam, and heavy paper.
Photo: Courtesy of Shrimp Salad Circus
Shawn Feeney’s studio, the Invisible Underground, has created works of art for the White House, including a skeleton constructed from three white pumpkins in 2011.
Photo: Courtesy of the Invisible Playground
A simple, seasonal centerpiece from a Pumpkin and a Princess was created by adding faux florals.
Photo: Courtesy of a Pumpkin and a Princess
