With Halloween and holiday parties underway, here are a few uses for the most fall of fruits.
Pumpkin Picking
Before carving, decorating or eating a pumpkin, you must first decide how you’ll use it. In Baton Rouge, local churches and farmers provide pumpkins straight from the field and ready for purchase.
The closest locations to pick pumpkins near the University include Jefferson United Methodist Church and Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin & Strawberry Patch in Hammond.
Pumpkin Carving
Fun, challenging and a little messy, pumpkin carving is an activity for all ages. All you need is a design, a marker and a carving knife. Carving patterns can be found online or in booklets. Once you’ve chosen a design, carve out the top of the pumpkin, gut the inside and cut out your sketch.
Pumpkin Candle Holders
To make carved pumpkin more versatile, place a tealight inside. Lit pumpkins can be used as party decor, outdoor lighting or centerpieces.
For a quick and easy centerpiece, carve the tops of miniature pumpkins in the shape of a tealight. Add glitter and paint, or leave the pumpkin bare. Place a tealight in the hole and light it.
Pumpkin Painting
Pumpkin painting is one of the most fun ways to decorate a pumpkin. The skin of a pumpkin can act as a canvas for paint, glue, glitter and spray. For best results, rinse your freshly bought pumpkin of dirt or other residue. After drying it with a paper towel, apply a plain base coat. Then, continue painting the pumpkin as you would a canvas. 
Painting pumpkins after they are carved is another way to add versatility to your Halloween decor.
Pumpkin Treats
Baked in all shapes, sizes, textures and forms, pumpkin treats come in a wide variety. From cookies to loaves, there are endless options for pumpkin-flavored treats to serve at holiday parties.
Whether store-bought or homemade, this bright orange squash can be whipped into a delectable pie, a batch of cookies, a loaf of bread, a cake or a puree.

Gallery • 15 Photos

Jordan Marcell

A lit pumpkin adorns a tabletop on Oct. 23, 2016 at a Halloween themed get-together.