Whether you are planning a Halloween extravaganza or simply getting ready to greet the season in style, pumpkins make a great addition to any fall decor.

Learn how easy it is to fill your home with exciting autumn colors with these simple ideas for decorating with pumpkins.

• Pumpkin Vases: Create unique seasonal “vases” by hollowing out pumpkins, filling them with flowers and placing around your home. Pumpkin vases can be as large or small as desired simply by altering the size of the pumpkin. Use large pumpkins for full-fledged flower bouquets and mini pumpkins to double as bud holders. For added bits of whimsy, try to find pumpkins in odd shapes or paint funny faces and other decorative motifs on the outside.
• Floating Pumpkin Heads: Kids and adults are likely to laugh their heads off in delight at the first sign of these fabulous floating pumpkin heads. Simply hollow out a standard pumpkin by cutting a hole in the back or bottom instead of the top. Next, insert a glow light and attach a hook and twine to hang from your favorite spot. The eerie glow and sharp surprise are sure to make this an instant hit.
• Party Pumpkin: Guests will be ready to dance the night away when they catch a glimpse of your party pumpkin. Recycle used CDs and DVDs by cutting them into small pieces and using a hot glue gun to attach them to the outside of the pumpkin. You've just created your very own disco pumpkin! Not ready to take on Travolta just yet? Use your imagination and glue gun to attach toys and other fun items for a great match to any party theme.
• Pumpkin Potpourri: This all-natural idea is as easy as it is elegant. Simply hollow out any sized pumpkin, wash and carefully dry. Fill with your favorite potpourri and display.
• Pumpkin Centerpiece: For a more formal fall dining experience, use a basket or cornucopia to create a traditional horn of plenty. It is the perfect way to celebrate the fall harvest while bringing the colors of the season inside. Simply stock full with your favorite mini-pumpkins, decorative corn, nuts and fruit for a versatile centerpiece that is as functional as it is beautiful.
• Pumpkin Perch: This autumn, include your wildlife friends in the celebration by creating a pumpkin perch that will attract birds, squirrels, chipmunks and more to your home. In return, you will be treated to a bird-watchers delight as they feed and do what comes naturally. Simply “chunk” your pumpkin into large pieces capable of holding bird seed, pumpkin seeds and other treats. Position them in your favorite viewing areas by hanging or setting on free-standing stumps.
• Pumpkin Patch: Grow a pumpkin patch! It’s a great way to get children involved in gardening, and nothing is more inviting to guests than your very own patch and vines. Pumpkin patches take about 6 months to grow from seed to jack-o-lantern, so you'll have plenty of time to decide the type, size and position of your patch. Just be sure it's close enough to the entrance for visitors to see on their way to the door. Add a few lights and maybe a scarecrow for the full effect. It’s fun, inexpensive and educational.
• Pumpkin Path: Next year, design your own pumpkin path to greet visitors and keep them safe at the same time. Simply hollow out pumpkins just like usual then place along your walkway. Insert colorful glow sticks or stringed holiday lights to cast a warm glow on the evening theme.

The best decorations of all are the smiling faces of family and guests. It’s easy when you get creative with fun pumpkin-themed games taken from favorites like the following:

• Pumpkin Piñata
• Pin the Stem on the Pumpkin
• Pumpkin Walk

Simply use appropriate-sized pumpkins instead of apples, cakes or other items to create great games that are as fun and festive as they are decorative.