Turn Pumpkins Into A Breathtaking Thanksgiving Mantel Display

As the days roll by and your next Thanksgiving as a host nears, your entire focus would either be on setting the menu or perfecting your dining table decorations. After all, people would mainly focus on the turkey and the dinner table, right? While you aren't wrong, remember your guests will be milling about your living area until it's time for dinner (and maybe after as well). So, you don't want to leave it bare. In fact, you should pay special attention to your mantel since your friends and family will instinctively gravitate toward your fireplace. Not sure how to decorate your mantel for a warm and cozy Thanksgiving? Turn your regular pumpkins into beautiful candle centerpieces for a dazzling display.

This is a simple DIY that won't hog your precious time around the holidays, so you can even do it at the last minute. Plus, it's a fun and creative way to use pumpkins for a stunning fall decor. The best part is you don't have to spend much on these gorgeous candles. You'll readily find pumpkins for a good price at most grocery stores. And, in case, you'd like to decorate for fall without spending a dime, repurpose the pumpkins (squash will work, too) you have on hand already. Don't worry if your collection doesn't scream matchy-matchy. Distinct sizes and colors will lend your mantel a charming personality. Besides these, you'll also need a small pumpkin carving tool, a couple of taper candles, and a pencil to get started. That being said, keep in mind that exposing your real pumpkins to heat will shorten their overall lifespan. As such, they won't last beyond a few weeks.

When you have the listed supplies, take your taper candles and draw an outline of their base over your pumpkins. Go for center-adjacent spots if you want to limit one candle per pumpkin. You could aim for the center as well if you don't mind taking a knife to the stem. Or, draw outlines all around the stem if you want a lit display and have large pumpkins on hand. Now, get your carving tool and start carving out the required holes.

In case you don't have a dedicated carving tool, an apple corer will work just fine. But if you can't find it as well, bring out your power drill. Outfit it with a wood or forstner drill bit, depending on what you have on hand and the pumpkin you're dealing with. Then, start drilling to make the hole(s) for your candles. Whichever way you go, remember to scoop out the mush from inside your pumpkins or it'll be difficult for you to insert the candles. They might also not stay upright for long if the seeds or pulp inside shifts. However, if you still face issues getting your candles to stay upright or the hole you made is too large, stuff it with small strips of paper towels (can substitute for old newspapers, too), aluminum foil, or orange peels to form a steady base. Now, set your pumpkin candles up along your mantel, stacking a few smaller ones for a dramatic finish. Remember to keep an eye on lit candles always, and don't let them burn down to the base or your pumpkin may ignite.