10 creative things to do with a pumpkin this Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, many people will be showcasing their crafty pumpkin carving skills. However, with no trick or treating or parties on 31 October, fright night fanatics will need to find new ways of celebrating at home. Try out this delicious chai pumpkin pie. Picture: Eteaket We have come up with a list of ways to keep yourself busy - pumpkin style! From channelling your inner Mary Berry to decorating your table with a floral display, here are 10 ideas to style out your pumpkin in 2020. Try out different carvings Although this one is obvious, there are thousands of ideas on how to make sure your pumpkin is the coolest on the block. Gone are the days of smiling, triangular-eyed faces. Why not carve out a house, carriage or even a robot? For any novice, check out our step by step guide. Bake cakes and treats Go all-American with a scrumptious chai pumpkin pie, or dip a Squidgy Pumpkin and Ginger loaf in a cheese fondue. If you’re looking for something more subtle, enjoy baked ginger pumpkin cheesecake or buttery biscuits - you can’t go wrong with some autumnal comfort bakes. Paint your pumpkin For those who enjoy less crafty, and more artsy halloween fun, painting is a great way to decorate your pumpkin. Skipping carving also makes for a child-friendly alternative. These ideas from Country living are just as effective, minus the mess. Try pumpkin pineapple cocktails The party doesn’t need to stop, despite the lack of events, with this pineapple and pumpkin cocktail from cookie and Kate. All you have to do is blend down your pumpkin into a puree, blend with the other ingredients and serve over ice. Enjoy a boozy bash with the other members of your household, and tick of two of your five a day too! Go pumpkin picking Forget buying them in the supermarket, the best way to ensure you get the biggest, brightest pumpkin on the patch, is to pick it yourself. An added bonus, pumpkin patches remain open this year despite lockdown. Get your bobble hat on and enjoy a day out at your local pumpkin field. Find out where is local to you here. Spread it with Hummus This pumpkin hummus is a great accompaniment for pumpkin loaf. Enjoy making this tasty spread, following famous famous Scot, Gordon Ramsay, on his youtube tutorial. Pumpkin flower displays Keep it pretty in pumpkin by planting your favourite autumnal flowers inside a pumpkin. Favourite autumn and winter blooms include Dahlia, Crocus, Begonia and Sternbergia. Make your own pumpkin-spice Latte Opt out canned puree for the real deal and add a blend of spices, coffee and milk. No need to spend on your PSL this year, make it at home with this recipe. Make it vegan-friendly by swapping cream for a dairy-free alternative. Pumpkin Soup Settle down for a night of scary movies, with a bowl of autumnal goodness. This no waste recipe also calls for the seeds. Try out this lightly spiced, heartwarming pumpkin soup. Try an autumnal curry Keep warm in the autumnal nights with this spiced, fragrant curry by Jamie Oliver. The chef advises to make it some nights ahead to let the spices marinate, perfect for a bonfire night treat.