15 Things to do with a Pumpkin

There are so many uses for pumpkins besides carving them. Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, and are rich in zinc and vitamins. This fabulous fall fruit is so versatile and can be used for all sorts of things. Here are 15 things you can do with a pumpkin.

Paint Pumpkins - Throw away the knife and pick up a paint brush. Painting pumpkins can be as much fun as carving them, and they will last longer than carved ones too. After you paint them you can bling them with glitter, rhinestones, stickers and other craft supplies.  

Slip-N-Slide - Don't use water on your Slip-N-Slide, use smashed pumpkins. Pumpkins are juicy, slimy and slippery, which makes them perfect for using with your Slip-N-Slide.

Pumpkin Cooler - Gut out the inside of your pumpkin, add some ice and insert your beverages. Pumpkin coolers are a fun way to keep your drinks chilled at your Halloween party.

Pumpkin Smashing - Break out a baseball bat and smash your pumpkins. It may sound silly but it can be so exhilarating, and a great way to release some stress. You could also use pumpkins for pinatas. 

Pumpkin Games - Have a pumpkin tossing contest or a pumpkin relay race at your Halloween party. 

Table Centerpieces - Pumpkins make fantastic table centerpieces. You can put them on the table and place some decorations around them or you can hallow out the insides and fill them with flowers or candy.     

Toast Pumpkin Seeds - Pumpkin seeds are delicious and nutritious! Click here for instructions on how to cook pumpkin seeds and here for delicious pumpkin seed recipes.

Halloween Party Game Prizes - What better prize to give away for a Halloween party game than a Halloween pumpkin, especially if the game was a pumpkin toss or a pumpkin relay race.

Pumpkin Planter - Add a little nature and beauty to your home or yard with a pumpkin planter. Hallow out the inside of a pumpkin and fill it with some beautiful fall flowers, a plant or other greens. Use a round pumpkin with a flat bottom so it won't roll way. 

Pumpkin Drinks - Pumpkin lattes and pumpkin shakes are delicious! I use to spend a small fortune buying Starbucks pumpkin lattes during the fall months. Now I make my pumpkin lattes at home for a fraction of the cost. Pumpkin puree can be used to make a variety of alcoholic beverages too, including pumpkin martinis.

Pumpkin Serving Bowls - Small pumpkins are great for serving soups and dips out of. 

Pumpkin Face Mask - One of the most beautiful things you can do with a pumpkin is to use it for a face mask. Pumpkins are rich in Zinc and vitamins A, C and E. A pumpkin mask is relaxing and rejuvinating, and it smells delightful. To create a pumpkin face mask, mix 5 teaspoons of pumpkin puree with 3 teaspoons of brown sugar and a splash of milk. Apply it to your face (or body) for 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Bowling - Pumpkin bowling is sure to keep the kids entertained for hours. It's a fun game for a Halloween party too. Use a very round pumpkin, remove the stem and use an apple corer to make the holes for the fingers and thumb. You can use plastic bowling pins, rolls of toilet paper or empty milk cartons for bowling pins. 

Pumpkin Baked Goods - You can use pumpkin to make everything from pumpkin pie to pumpkin pancakes.

Pumpkin Air Freshener - It's easy to make a pumpkin air freshener  If you've ever carved a pumpkin before, you have all the expertise you need to make it. To make pumpkin air freshener, cut off the top of the pumpkin and remove the insides. Cut some holes in the sides of the pumpkin and in the top of the pumpkin to vent. Rub your favorite spices all over the inside of the top of the pumpkin. I like to use cinnamon and nutmeg, and press a few cloves into the top. Light a tea light candle and place it inside the pumpkin. Put the lid on the pumpkin. *Don't scent your pumpkin with vanilla extract because it has alcohol in it, witch does not mix with flame! 

Pumpkin carving party invitations from Zazzle. Free customization and envelopes included!

Click on any pumpkin carving party invitation to view prices and customization options.