This post was inspired by a weekend visit to the pumpkin patch where I learned an interesting little fact…

Did you know that the average pumpkin only costs .50 cents a pound? Even cheaper in some areas. That means you can get about 25 little pumpkins for $20. If you go to an actual pumpkin farm, you’ll have tons of varieties to choose from.

Tip #1: Load up on the pumpkins.

There are tons of things you can do with these little guys, although they do look great just sprinkled around. Here are some ideas I snagged from good ‘ole Martha and Good Housekeeping. If you don’t have pumpkins, you can use apples as a substitute.

Tip #2: Decorate with Produce

Fall produce is so colorful it can liven up any vase.  Put some of your groceries out on display before you use them and really get your money’s worth.

Tip #3: Get out of the craft store and into nature.

There’s so many great things you can get for free (right in your own backyard) around this time of year, all you really need to do is step outside and start collecting.

Even just a couple of twigs tied together with twine can make for a wonderful place card at the table. Here’s  a great example I scanned in from the November issue of Real Simple. You could use cinnamon sticks as an alternative.

Dried acorns can also make for some great decor. I saw some faux ones at Pottery Barn recently, but why pay $14 for a box of fake acorns when you can collect a few real one for free? Same with fallen leaves which are so bright and beautiful around this time of year. Here’s a quick e-how guide on drying leaves.  If you have room for it, you could even bring an entire branch in and use it as a centerpiece.

Tip #4: Find new uses for everyday things

I think the tag used on the Real Simple place card pictured above) is a perfect example of a new use for something found lying around the house. Dig through old office supplies and storage areas and you might be surprised with what you come up with.  Things to keep an eye out for: burlap bags, metal pails, wooden crates and key tags, which can be used as place cards and/or gift tags.

Have an idea you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you, post a comment below.

Until next time,
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