Make an autumn wreath (recycle!)

A wreath is not just for Christmas and it doesn’t have to cost the earth. The tradition of decorating for Halloween really began in the USA, but in recent years it has taken off in the UK – especially in towns where lots of little ones go trick or treating. There has also been a growing trend for celebrating harvest festivals and autumn colour on doors – even before Halloween gets going. And it’s not all about pumpkins. 

Recycle and reuse

If you wander in woods there are lots of autumn fruitfulness inspiring ideas to collect – from pine cones, and hazelnuts to acorns and twigs and leaves. And whilst places like Hobbycraft sell basic rings and bases, you can also do something as simple as use up some cardboard from all those home deliveries.

Pumpkin carving  - What will you put on your pumpkin this year? 

It’s always hard to come up with new ideas, but we spotted a few here: Link to: Plenty of pumpkin template patterns

 Make the most of your pumpkin – don’t just carve it – eat it!

Roast it – yes, the seeds will make a healthy snack for the kids or will be lovely in a cake or seeded loaf.

Stockpile it Yes, use the pulp for broth. According to Food52 Food Editor Emma Laperruque, the guts of pumpkins have a deep flavour and are perfect as a stock base where you would use chicken or veg. Simply saute with diced onion or other veg scraps, add water and simmer for 30 – 60 minutes before straining.

Juice it. Harry Potter was a big fan of this – though we’ve never tried it! Put the pulp in a bowl and pour over the pulp. Smash with a fork then strain to get the bright orange coloured juice. Personally, I’d add it to another juice to make a smoothie!

Bake it. Paul Hollywood would be proud of a Pumpkin Roll – a sturdy swiss roll type cake that is layered with an apple cider and ginger cream. Link to Pumpkin Swiss Roll recipe

Crochet a pumpkin We spotted this knitting pattern and thought it would be lovely – available on Etsy for under £1 and something you could make with any leftover wool. Pumpkins can be a variety of colours from white and orange and green to red too. Link to Crochet a pumpkin pattern   

Crochet a pumpkin We spotted this knitting pattern and thought it would be lovely – available on Etsy for under £1 and something you could make with any leftover wool. Pumpkins can be a variety of colours from white and orange and green to red too. 

Link to Crochet a pumpkin pattern  

And finally.....

Mask it – Yes – The orange colour in a pumpkin comes from lutein which is a powerful antioxidant and this is thought to prevent cataracts and even slow down macular degeneration.  Making a mask means you are packing your face with lots of vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamins A & C, lutein and zeaxanthin. A sight for sore eyes in more than one way!