With fall flying by, you may have discovered that your default home pumpkin patch -- or pile -- is going to waste. It won't be long until it collectively begins to rot, stinking up your freshly holiday-scented home and reminding you that winter doesn't truly begin until the final remnants of Thanksgiving and Halloween are gone. Fortunately, where there's an excess of unwanted pumpkins, there's also an excess of clever things you can do with them. So make the most of the season while it lasts. Peruse the list below and you'll find both practical and entertaining uses for the oversize fruit.
Pumpkin-Inspired Dishes
"Pie" pumpkins are used to make a wide variety of foods. The following recipes are perfect for this time of year.
  1. Pumpkin Pie: Thanksgiving dinner isn't official without a delicious pumpkin pie.
  2. Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake: Add a tasty cheesecake to the dessert table, or even use it as an alternative to pumpkin pie.
  3. Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: You'll need extra copies of the recipe after you've handed out a few minis.
  4. Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes: These fluffy cupcakes come with a fall twist. If cupcakes aren't your thing, then turn it into a pumpkin ginger cake.
  5. Pumpkin Bars: Moist and filling. Makes a great treat for guests.
  6. Pumpkin Pancakes: A fall breakfast that'll have your children, husband, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend asking for more.
  7. Pumpkin Muffins: Another breakfast item that comes with a touch of fall, though it's equally as delicious during the other seasons.
  8. Pumpkin Roll: Pumpkin rolls are easy to make and sweat to eat.
  9. Pumpkin Bread: Downeast Maine pumpkin bread is unique in that it's spicy and moist.
  10. Pumpkin Cranberry Bread: Bored with just cranberry bread? Add a new twist by adding pumpkin.
  11. Mini Pumpkin Sage Bread: Mini pumpkin sage bread is a tasty appetizer year-round.
  12. Pumpkin Casserole: This is a different kind of pumpkin fare. A great additional to the holiday table.
  13. Cream of Pumpkin Soup: Prepare some cream of pumpkin soup to warm those cold late fall and early winter evenings.
  14. Spiced Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are easy to prepare and fun to snack on. Keep a bowl on your coffee table and watch them disappear.
  15. Pumpkin Dip: Fill a pumpkin with this dip and let your holiday guests indulge before the big meal.
  16. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Sip on some pumpkin spice latte during those warm holiday moments.
  17. Pumpkin Ale: Sample a new flavor of beer with your family while gathered around the holiday table.
Crafts: Indoor and Outdoor Decor
Pumpkins are big and strong, making them durable options for craft projects.
  1. Birdfeeder: A three-to-five pound pumpkin can be converted into a feeder, attracting birds to congregate on your front porch.
  2. Bird Food: Save the seeds, prepare bird food and insert it into the pumpkin birdfeeder.
  3. Decorative Birdhouse: The cuteness factor his high with this decorative birdhouse.
  4. Planter: Constructing a pumpkin planter is an easy way to make use of an old pumpkin. It'll keep your plant warm during chilly nights.
  5. Vase: Turn a round pumpkin into a haven for flowers. Looks great in the middle of the dining room table.
  6. Topiary: Sure, fall is winding down, but a well-arranged pumpkin topiary can enhance the Thanksgiving feel of your yard.
  7. Wreath: Greet your Thanksgiving guests by hanging a mini pumpkin wreath on your front door.
  8. Hanging Lantern: It's the same idea as a jack-o-lantern, but with newly carved designs, you can make it last well-past Halloween.
  9. Scent Warmer: A prominent fall scent will add autumnal warmth to your home.
  10. Candle Holder: Another late-fall decorating idea. You just need a pumpkin, a candle and berry sprigs.
  11. Place Card Holders: Within minutes, you can have a neat set of place card holders by using miniature pumpkins.
  12. Punch Bowl: Serve your holiday guests with a pumpkin punch bowl. You can use the seeds to decorate it.
  13. Party Cooler: Keep refreshments iced down and visible in a unique cooler.
  14. Snowman: Transition into the holiday season by making a decorative snowman out of small and large pumpkins.
  15. Scarecrow: Gather some leaves, sturdy sticks and a pumpkin, and construct a scarecrow. An enjoyable activity for parents and kids.
Fun or Offbeat Uses
A little creativity or common sense goes a long way. Who knew pumpkins could be so versatile?
  1. Moisturizer: Believe it or not, pumpkins can improve your skin. The seeds are rich in vitamin A.
  2. Body Butter: You can also make pumpkin body butter for you skin's benefit.
  3. Animal Food: Lure wildlife to your yard by offering enticing pumpkins.
  4. Photo Prop: Take cute and memorable fall-themed pictures of your youngins in or around pumpkins.
  5. Bowling: If you don't have a set of pins, use plastic soda bottles. More family fun.
  6. Plant the Seeds: Grow your very own pumpkin patch when the weather warms up.
  7. Smash 'em: Vent your fall frustrations by smashing your pumpkins -- before the local teens do it for you.
  8. Compost 'em: And when you're finished beating them to a pulp, compost them to encourage healthy garden growth.