Pumpkin ideas: 10 things to do with pumpkins this Halloween - from picking to carving and creating warming recipes

With guising and parties discouraged this Halloween you might be wondering how to bring in fright night on October 31

Try a twist on the all-American classic with this chai pumpkin pie. (Picture: Eteaket)

Halloween is just around the corner, and many of us are getting ready to showcase our crafty pumpkin carving skills.

But what else can you do with a pumpkin this Halloween as Covid restrictions limit the usual guising and parties?

From channelling your inner Mary Berry to decorating your table with a floral display, here are 10 ways to keep yourself busy - pumpkin style!

Try out different carvings

Although this one is obvious, there are thousands of ideas for making 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?

Check out our 10 easy pumpkin carving ideas and if you’re not sure on the actual carving process, follow our step by step guide on how to carve a pumpkin.

Bake cakes and treats

What better way to spend this restricted Halloween than by doing some baking with the kids? Go all-American with a scrumptious chai pumpkin pie, or dip a Squidgy Pumpkin and Ginger loaf in a cheese fondue.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, 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 cocktails

Although you won’t be going to many parties this year, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Enjoy an adult-friendly fright night 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.

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.

Check out our guide to the best places to go pumpkin picking in Scotland.

Spread it with Hummus

This pumpkin hummus is a great accompaniment for pumpkin loaf.

Enjoy making the tasty spread following this Gordon Ramsay 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

Substitute canned puree for the real deal and add a blend of spices, coffee and milk.

There’s no need to spend on your PSL this year when you can 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 heartwarming no-waste pumpkin soup recipe also calls for pumpkin seeds.

Try an autumnal curry

Keep warm as nights get chillier with this spiced, fragrant curry by Jamie Oliver.

The chef advises making it some nights ahead to let the spices marinate – perfect for a bonfire night treat.