Heirloom-Inspired Pumpkins: A Smarter Way to Decorate for Fall

Every fall, I tell myself I’m going to keep it simple with pumpkins. And every fall, I end up with a wagon full of real ones in every shape and size. It’s a tradition that feels festive at the time, but by October I’m usually frustrated—half of them have been gnawed to bits by our very well-fed squirrels, and the rest start to rot long before Thanksgiving even arrives. Not to mention…buying new pumpkins year after year gets expensive fast!

So this year, I decided to change things up. Instead of pouring my pennies into something that lasts only a few weeks, I invested in heirloom-inspired faux pumpkins that I can bring out year after year.

Why I Made the Switch

  • Squirrel-proof. No more heartbreak over little teeth marks on my favorite Cinderella pumpkin.

  • Budget-friendly (in the long run). Instead of spending hundreds every season, I can reuse these for years.

  • Mess-free. No rotting pumpkins on the porch steps or fruit flies on the kitchen counter.

  • Timeless style. The heirloom-inspired shapes and muted tones look authentic, and honestly, a lot more chic than the bright orange “classic” pumpkins.

The Pumpkins I Chose This Year

I wanted a mix of colors, sizes, and textures—just like I’d gather at the pumpkin patch—but without the waste. Here’s what came home with me:

Tips for Styling Faux Pumpkins

If you’re new to faux pumpkins, here are a few tricks to keep them looking elevated:

  1. Cluster, don’t scatter. Group pumpkins together in odd numbers (3, 5, 7) for that “collected” look.

  2. Mix tones. Pair soft greens, creamy whites, and dusty peaches together for depth.

  3. Play with height. Stack a few or mix tall and short pumpkins to create layers.

  4. Blend with natural textures. Add real branches, dried florals, or fall leaves to make faux pumpkins feel more organic.

The Bottom Line

For me, this was about more than saving money—it was about decorating intentionally. Faux heirloom pumpkins let me capture the beauty of fall without the stress of replacing or cleaning up rotted ones every year. And best of all? I know I’ll be pulling these same pumpkins out of the bin next September with just as much excitement.

Stay tuned for a full porch reveal coming soon!

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Tessa Kirby
I am a wife. I am a mother. I am a blogger. And I am a lover of all things made new. I focus on taking something old and bringing it to life again, with an additional emphasis in typography. I believe that words have a way of changing the atmosphere.
www.tessakirby.com
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Labor Day Reflections | Saying Goodbye to Summer, Hello Fall