Welcome to Cotswold Kitchen Mom! Today on the blog, I will be sharing my recent fall porch decor & cozy pumpkin DIY ideas with you all. These autumn inspired ideas range from shapely pumpkins, thrifted planters, and fun knick knacks- to my easy DIY pumpkin vase.
Moreover, my easy DIY pumpkin vase is thoughtfully beautiful- yet so simple to create. As you read along, I will show you step-by-step instructions on how to make this sweet seasonal statement piece.
Now, let me invite you to my front porch- an amalgamation of fresh seasonal items, lovingly gifted decor, considered thrifted finds, and creatively crafted treasures. Each year my easy fall porch decor evolves a bit to suit the treasures I have managed to source throughout the year.
I would be delighted to share my creative process with you. So, please follow along with this year’s fall porch decor journey. Welcome to my creative space- I am thrilled that you are here.
Pour yourself a cuppa tea and let’s get started!
What Is an Easy DIY Pumpkin Vase?
What exactly is a DIY pumpkin vase you may be asking yourself?
An easy DIY pumpkin vase is commonly seen this time of year. In fact, I would not be surprised if you have already seen one. In a store, you may see a pumpkin vase that is created from an artificial pumpkin and silk florals. Or you may have seen one on the table of a wedding celebration- or perhaps, in a florist shop.
Having seen these pumpkin vases, I decided I would like to create my own DIY version. Preferring natural materials, I wanted to make a pumpkin vase using a real pumpkin and fresh flowers. Afterall, I always like to add a fresh element to my fall displays. With just a few simple materials and tools- you too can create an adorable DIY pumpkin vase that can be used inside your home… or outdoors on a front porch.
The opportunities are endless.
How to Make an Easy DIY Pumpkin Vase ( Step-by-Step):
Follow these easy steps below to create your own DIY Pumpkin Vase. Please feel free to use your own creativity and imagination to add to- or take away from- this craft idea.
- Select and purchase a medium sized pumpkin (deep enough, and wide enough, to hold a small glass jar).
- Wash the pumpkin with water.
- Pick a jar to hold your flowers inside the pumpkin. *Note: The glass should fit the size of the pumpkin. I placed several glass options beside the pumpkin to gauge the height and width needed. You want the glass to be “invisible” once placed into the pumpkin cavity.
- Once you have selected a suitable glass jar- place the jar on the top of the pumpkin and center it. Then trace the shape of the jar onto the top of the pumpkin (using a permanent marker).
- Carefully use a sharp knife, or a pumpkin carving tool, to cut out the circular jar shape.
- Remove the pumpkin top and scrape out the insides of the pumpkin. (Removing both the strands and the seeds).
- Add the jar to the inside of the pumpkin cavity and test for size.
- Remove the glass jar and fill 3/4 of the way full of water. If you have the special “flower food packet” that comes with storebought flowers, add that to the water as well.
- Again, place the jar inside the pumpkin.
- Begin arranging your flowers however you like.
- If desired, use vintage ribbon and hot glue to create a center lace bow to further decorate the pumpkin. (This step is optional). Alternately, you can also paint little designs,or use a stencil, to add another decorative layer to the pumpkin.
- Finally, place your easy DIY pumpkin vase wherever you like… inside- or outside- of the house.
*Note: The pumpkin will begin to get soft and squishy after about one week. Be mindful where you place the pumpkin for this reason as it may mark a table if it gets too soft and moist before discarding. Obviously, in an outside space this matters less.
Creating the DIY Pumpkin Vase in Photo Format:
How to Style an Easy DIY Pumpkin Vase on a Fall Table:
Now for the fun part: the styling!
This adorable DIY pumpkin vase can be used in a variety of ways. I will show you how I used it in two different spots in my home. First, I used it as part of a fall inspired tablescape. This little arrangement was for my family’s dining table.
The first thing I like to do when creating a themed table is to layer. First, I chose a cream tablecloth that I had gotten from a thrift store. Then I added two alternating sets of my handmade fall bunting flags (creating a table runner effect). From there, I added some glitter spraypainted acorns from the backyard, some decorative mushrooms from the Dollar General (for a fun, whimsical touch), elegant brass candlesticks from the thrift store, some mini pumpkins, some vintage thrifted books, and of course… my easy DIY pumpkin vase as the main attraction.
*To see my other fall inspired tables see my indoor autumn dining table here and my outdoor autumn dining table here.
Once I had decorated the table just so, I realized I was missing one final touch…a delicious fall treat. I chose to make my moist pumpkin banana bread recipe to go along with this fall tablescape. If interested in baking your own loaf- you can read how to make that simple recipe here.
Creating My Fall Tablescape:
How to Use an Easy DIY Pumpkin Vase as Fall Porch Decor:
Wanting to try my DIY fall decor out in another space, I decided to bring my pumpkin vase to the front porch. Which brings me to another top tip: decorating the porch with simple items…in effortless ways.
One of my favorite ways to decorate with pumpkins is by simply placing a pumpkin on a porch table. (I know- it is not a groundbreaking idea per say, but it has a charming effect.)
Cue my petite porch table. Oh, how I love its dainty and characterful details.
Naturally, it practically called out for my easy DIY pumpkin vase to be placed upon it. This simplicity, completed the look.
Quite unsurprisingly, I am still not sure which placement I like best (indoors or outdoors). Perhaps, I will just have to make a second DIY pumpkin vase-therefore, eliminating the tough decision.
Do let me know in the comments… which placement or styling you prefer.
Other Porch Decor Ideas Using Flowers, Planters, Pumpkins, and Thrifted Treasures:
Not wanting to stop with my easy DIY pumpkin vase, I decided to continue my fall theme on to the porch. My front porch decor may not be to your exact liking… and that is okay. I will, however, share my top front porch decorating tips with you all using my written words and my original photography.
- Top Tip #1: When decorating a porch area, use a mix of materials, textures, and ideas to create a storied and collected feel. This unique mixture will make your front porch look warm and welcoming.
- Top Tip #2: Look to nature for your inspiration. Using fall colors to decorate creates a cohesive effect.
- Top Tip #3: Do not limit your own creativity. Have fun with the process and don’t be afraid to try new things. Your porch, your ideas, your unique style.
How to Use Fall Flowers and Thrifted Planters to Decorate a Front Porch:
As I previously wrote in the header above, I like to have some element of real and fresh in my home areas. Actually, I would almost always choose fresh when I can. However, fresh does require tending and it has an annoying expiry date. Of course, if you prefer your decor to last for several weeks… artificial may be something to consider… as you can use it again the following year.
Generally, each year I buy one set of mums. I prefer the purple-colored mums as I am not a huge fan of brown and orange color schemes. Shocking, I know!
Instead of simply placing the mums on the front porch, I like to add them to a vintage planter. I bought this planter from a thrift store for $2.50. I was drawn to the basket weave pattern and fun color.
I also like to use a vintage planter (that I cheekily bought at a thrifty price) to hold a pumpkin. You may call this idea a “perfect pumpkin perch” if you like.
It is worth noting, that if you have many planters of various heights, you can easily make a sweet display of pumpkins. Additionally, I also used a wooden stool (also from a thrift store- see photos above and below) to stage pumpkins and my planter filled with mums. As you may have noticed, I am constantly rearranging, taking away, and adding to my fall displays.
Porch Decor Photo Illustrations:
Perfect Pumpkin Porch Decor:
Real pumpkins are not always cheap… so shop around. Many nurseries- as well as Walmart- sell pumpkins at a more affordable price point. Generally, when shopping for fall pumpkins, I tend to go for the more muted colors. Colors such as sage greens, creamy whites, or orangish pinks are among my favorites.
Using the props I mentioned above (i.e. stools, planters, flowerpots, etc.)- can add height to your porch displays. This way, the pumpkins are not all on the same level. Also, if you have stairs- a cascading effect with shapely pumpkins is always lovely.
Final Thoughts Until Next Time:
As I conclude another fun blog post, I would encourage each of you to use the autumn/fall season as your inspiration to create something lovely for your home.
God is the ultimate creator. He made the beautiful seasons and used the most breathtaking and intricate details to accomplish this wonderous gift to us. Take a walk, note the colors of the leaves, breathe in deeply, and be thankful. Use the autumn scenes to inspire your own seasonal home decor. Creating an easy DIY pumpkin vase- and using thrifted fall porch decor- is a great place to start.
If you would like to see other fall inspired ideas, please check out my cozy autumn guide page here and my cottage crafting guide page here for more inspirations.
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Well, that is it for now, I hope to see you all very soon. Happy Fall, Y’all!
Until we shall meet again…
~Elizabeth~