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As Halloween approaches, there's something enchanting about pumpkins adorning doorsteps, ready to be transformed into grinning jack-o'-lanterns. While carving spooky faces is a classic tradition, there's so much more you can do with these festive gourds than leaving them to decay on your porch. Instead of letting your Halloween pumpkins go to waste, consider these ten bewitching ways to give them a new lease on life ;)
1. Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Why buy canned pumpkin puree when you can easily make your own at home? Select ripe pumpkins, cut them into manageable pieces, remove the seeds, and roast the flesh until it's soft. Once it's cooled, blend it into a smooth puree. This homemade version is perfect for all your fall baking, from pies and bread to soups and smoothies, or our pumpkin oat cookies!
2. Delicious Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Don't toss those pumpkin seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious, healthy snack. Rinse the seeds to remove any pumpkin flesh, then spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings, like salt, paprika, or cinnamon. Roast in the oven until they're golden brown and crunchy.
3. Natural DIY Pumpkin Face Mask
Pumpkins aren't just good for your taste buds, they're great for your skin too! Create a nourishing DIY pumpkin face mask by blending pumpkin puree with 1-2 tsp jojoba oil and 2-3 drops vitamin E oil.. Apply this vitamin-rich mask to your face and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Your skin will thank you for the natural glow.
4. Composting for a Greener Garden
Pumpkins are organic matter, and when they decompose, they enrich your garden's soil. If you have a compost pile or a municipal composting program, chop up your pumpkins and add them to the mix. They'll break down and return valuable nutrients to the earth. Even better if you already have a Lumi Home Composter…
5. Bird Feeder and Critter Treat
Pumpkins can be a delightful treat for local wildlife. Instead of throwing them away, leave your pumpkins in a designated outdoor area. Birds, squirrels, and other critters will appreciate the seasonal buffet. Just be sure to remove any candles or non-organic decorations before offering them to the animals.
6. Pumpkin Potpourri
Create your own delightful pumpkin-scented potpourri. Slice your pumpkin into thin pieces, dehydrate them in your oven or a food dehydrator, and then mix them with autumnal spices like cinnamon and cloves. Place your homemade potpourri in a decorative bowl or sachet to infuse your home with a warm, inviting fragrance.
7. Pumpkin-Based Dog Treats
Your furry friend can enjoy the pumpkin season too! Bake homemade dog treats using pumpkin puree as a main ingredient. Mix pumpkin puree with whole wheat flour and a bit of water to form a dough. Cut out fun shapes and bake until they're nice and crunchy. Your pup will love these tasty, healthy treats.
8. Pumpkin Seed Bird Feeder
Turn your pumpkin into a bird feeder. Hollow out the pumpkin, leaving some flesh and seeds inside. Attach a sturdy string or twine to the pumpkin's stem and hang it from a tree branch. Fill the pumpkin with birdseed. This charming feeder not only provides sustenance for local birds but also adds a rustic touch to your outdoor space.
9. Pumpkin Flower Vase
Repurpose your pumpkin into a beautiful flower vase. Carve out the top of the pumpkin as if you were making a jack-o'-lantern but without the face. Place a glass or plastic container inside the hollowed-out pumpkin, fill it with water, and arrange your favorite fresh or dried flowers. The vibrant colors of the flowers against the pumpkin's rich orange create a stunning centerpiece.
10. Pumpkin Body Scrub
Treat yourself to a spa day at home with a DIY pumpkin body scrub. Mix pumpkin puree with brown sugar and a bit of coconut oil to create a luxurious exfoliating scrub. The enzymes in pumpkin help to rejuvenate your skin while the sugar removes dead skin cells. Use it in the shower for a revitalizing, natural skinOr… Choose From One Of Our Delicious Pumpkin-Inspired Dishes, like:
🎃Pumpkin & White Bean Soup With Roasted Brussels Sprouts
As you bid farewell to the Halloween season, you don't have to say goodbye to your beloved pumpkins. They're more versatile than you might have imagined. By repurposing them in these creative ways, you not only reduce waste but also add a touch of charm and sustainability to your fall festivities.
From delicious dishes to beautiful decor and eco-friendly initiatives, your pumpkins can continue to bring joy even after the Halloween spirit has faded. So, next time you see pumpkins grinning on your doorstep, remember they hold the potential for endless post-Halloween enchantment. Happy repurposing!
Send me a dm and let me know your creative ways of repurposing pumpkins this Halloween!
