When the weather would turn crisp, and the leaves became colorful, one memory from years ago that always comes to mind is my grandmother’s impeccable choice of pumpkins and gourds. When visiting her home in the fall, I would always notice and marvel at how her displays throughout her home gave it a warm, welcoming feel. Her gourd centerpiece accented her dining room, tiny orange pumpkins dotted a windowsill, and a single large waxy white pumpkin was perched in just the right spot on a sideboard.
After I admired how seemingly perfect my grandmother’s chosen fall pumpkins and gourds were, I asked if she would shop for pumpkins and gourds with me so I could learn the secrets to picking these bright squashes for display. Here are some of her secrets, plus tips from a decor expert.
Look To Your Home First For Inspiration
When visiting my grandmother’s home, I marveled at how each display emitted a warm, cozy, tasteful feel without being an overly obnoxious fall display. “Start with a desired color palette or work with the color palette already established in your home,” says Andrea Meade, Owner and Principal Designer at Ellie Cate Home, based in Hoover, Alabama. When incorporating seasonal decor into a home, consider the colors you already have, and start there when shopping for fall decor or accent pieces. Choose colors and tones that accent, and don’t be afraid of a punch of color if it comes in small doses, like a pumpkin or gourd.
Check For Blemishes
Although there is no perfect pumpkin in the patch, farmers’ market, or grocery store, take a little extra time to inspect it quickly before you take it home. Rotate the pumpkin over a few times to be sure it is free from any breaks in the skin. If you find blemishes or a dark spot, move on to the next one and start the process over. Blemishes or dark spots could hide on the bottom, sides, or back, so rotating each squash and checking all sides is essential.
Check For Rot
If you notice a soft spot—even if the size and color are ideal—this might be a sign the gourd has begun to rot, or a worm is feasting on the inside. A dark spot can impact the longevity of the squash or pumpkin, so you will want to rotate the pumpkin or gourd and check all sides for discoloration. After all, we want to preserve the pumpkin as long as possible throughout the autumn months, not end up a mushy mess in our homes.
Wash And Dry
Once you purchase and take them home, consider dusting off and wiping down the pumpkins with a cloth to wipe away any dirt from the farm or nursery that might be on the outer surface of the pumpkin. You can certainly wash the outside with a quick rinse under the tap. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly with a cloth. Moisture can hasten the ripening and rotting process, so you want to avoid prolonged moisture on the outside.
Choose A Variety Of Textures And Colors
Extra textures and colors are expected and celebrated in the fall. “I like to add varying sizes of pumpkins and gourds into beautiful tablescapes and table centerpieces,” says Meade.
Sometimes, finding the colors that work best in your existing space can be challenging, though. “Don’t be afraid to use paint if you can’t find the exact colors,” suggests Meade, who says her family always paints pumpkins in the fall. Also, if you add them to an exterior entryway, mix in bright mums for more color and texture.