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Elegant DIY Glittered Pumpkins

November 15, 2016

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Don't toss those Halloween pumpkins! You can decorate them with glitter to create stunning, sparkling pumpkins for your Thanksgiving table.

It's an easy fall holiday centerpiece idea that will take you minutes to make.

Elegant DIY Glitter Pumpkin

This weekend I found out that the honor of hosting Thanksgiving dinner was mine.

Uh oh.

You see, that was not the original plan and while setting a pretty table for the holiday is not a requirement, it sure does make the meal a little more special.

What's a girl to do on short notice?

Make due with what she has on hand.

And DIY, of course.

I glittered up a few leftover Halloween pumpkins and voilá...instant holiday centerpiece.

It seriously couldn't be any easier to do, plus it'll add a bit of glam to your holiday table.

Puzzle Piece Place Card on a Thanksgiving table setting

Since I don't own china, I always like to add something creative to dress up my everyday dishes.
You get the idea.

Ok...so a little 2024 update aside, I do own china now. It was my mom's. We found it in a wall, but that's another story. 

Although it does have gold trim so it would coordinate very well with this craft. 

Glitter is a great way to add sparkle and it's cheap and easy...if messy...to work with.

Using A Leftover Halloween Pumpkin For A Centerpiece

It's a very basic craft and one you could get the kids to help you with, but be prepared for that sparkle to travel. It really does get everywhere.

Keep in mind you could also use a faux painted pumpkin and get similar results.


1. Get A Pumpkin

I started with a plain pumpkin.

Grabbed it from the deck where it had been sitting since Halloween.

What To Do With Leftover Halloween Pumpkins

2.  Cover It With Glue and Add Glitter


I simply painted on a thin layer of white glue and sprinkled the white glitter all over. 

You could use a decoupage medium, like Mod Podge, instead if you wish. That's what I did when I made my floral paper covered pumpkins.

How To Add Glitter To A Pumpkin

I just happened to have Elmer's Glue on hand this time, so I went with it.   

In the past I've used fine glitter. I worked in small areas to ensure even coverage.

Adding Glitter To A Pumpkin

Although you don't have to go crazy, any imperfections in the coverage will be camouflaged by the sparkle.

This year, I decided to use bigger, sequin style glitter. The process was exactly the same. Add your decoupage or glue with a brush.

Painting mod podge with a brush on a real pumpkin
 
Then shake on the glitter flakes.

I grabbed mine at Dollar Tree.

Shake glitter onto pumpkin

I used gold glitter, but I say go with whatever color makes you smile. They had a ton of choices.

Step 3. Let It Dry Completely


When the entire pumpkin was covered, I set it aside to dry.

I covered only half of my pumpkin with the golden glitter. However you can cover the entire surface if you like.

Either way it will catch the light and glow beautifully.

Like Cinderella's coach...or my thrifted filigree pumpkin.

Dreamy.

Glitter Pumpkin in Cake Plate With Ceramic Pumpkins

Super simple and it looks amazing.

And ready to dress up your Thanksgiving table. 

For free.

How fabulous.

🍂

Oh, and if you're not a fan of glitter, you can still make a really cool Thanksgiving pumpkin centerpiece with paint and hot glue instead. 

Looking for more dining ideas?

Easy Stenciled Plates
How To Stencil Plates

Dinner In Front Of The Fireplace
Set A Romantic Table For Two

Pumpkin Jar Vase
Pumpkin Floral Centerpiece

 Happy Crafting, Friends!
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  1. Lisa @ Texas DecorNovember 15, 2016 at 11:58 AM

    Glitter always adds that much-needed bling, doesn't it? I love the new look for your pumpkin. P.S. I'm hosting Thanksgiving too and finally made out my menu last night. I don't know if I've ever waited this long to get it all organized. I better get shopping soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:46 PM

      You are way ahead of me, Lisa!! I have a few glittered pumpkins and no menu as of yet. Yikes! I think I need to drop the glitter and hit the grocery store with you!! ;)

      Delete
  2. JunkchiccottageNovember 15, 2016 at 12:20 PM

    How fun Kim. Everyone needs a little sparkle on their Thanksgiving pumpkin. So cute.
    Happy New Week.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen@Southern Gal Meets MidwestNovember 15, 2016 at 1:05 PM

    That is a great idea to add some glam to a plain pumpkin!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousNovember 15, 2016 at 1:10 PM

    LOL!
    i won't tell.
    and anyway I think just a few au natural sitting around
    can only enhance their snazzy cousins!
    it's going to be lovely and GRAND! XO♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:26 PM

      Agreed, Tammy! The contrast will only make the bling stand out even more. :)

      Delete
  5. Mom2347November 15, 2016 at 1:56 PM

    You are brave to work with glitter! Although, I do have some copper glitter that I'm just waiting to figure out where to use... Maybe spray paint the little fake tree copper and then while it's still wet, dust some copper glitter on it!
    Ooo! You are so good at providing inspiration! That and HomeTalk, whence came the spray painted tree. Thanks for being brilliant!

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:27 PM

      Why thank you, Nancy. Your words truly humble me. :)

      Delete
  6. SummerNovember 15, 2016 at 3:04 PM

    So cute, fun and pretty ♥

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeNovember 15, 2016 at 3:45 PM

    I love it. Just enough to be chic and not too out there. Perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debbie - Mountain MamaNovember 15, 2016 at 4:22 PM

    I love it!! Hey, I'm all about the sparkle!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. BenitaNovember 15, 2016 at 5:12 PM

    I think it looks great...easy peasy and beautiful! Those are the best kinds of projects! Extra bling on the table is always a special treat for the diners!! Love and hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:53 PM

      Thanks Benita! I have to say, I would rather decorate the table than cook the food to place on it! ;)

      Delete
  10. Brenda PruittNovember 15, 2016 at 6:11 PM

    Very pretty! Girl, when do you rest???
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:54 PM

      Oh boy, Brenda, not much of that lately, so I figured that I may as well craft! ;)

      Delete
  11. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaNovember 15, 2016 at 8:54 PM

    So messy but I love the look! I love the glittery snow for Christmas time....even messier!

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:43 PM

      So messy...but like that glittery snow...so worth it! I can hear my mom saying "over the sink!!" Haha! Exactly!! ;)

      Delete
  12. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesNovember 15, 2016 at 8:57 PM

    So pretty! I love bling on everything!

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:38 PM

      I’m with you, Amy! And thanks! :) Happy Thanksgiving!

      Delete
  13. NanaDianaNovember 15, 2016 at 9:06 PM

    That is fun, Kim! I love glitter, too...and it is perfect on those pumpkins. Love it! Happy Hosting! xo Diana

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:37 PM

      Thanks Diana! Good thing my husband likes to cook. Oh honey... ;)

      Delete
  14. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceNovember 15, 2016 at 9:09 PM

    Oh bless your heart! Hosting Thanksgiving is a big deal for you I know, and yet I know you will do it in style! That glamorous pumpkin is just the beginning! You have the greatest easiest DIY decor ever! I can believe you that it looks even more special in person, but it is pretty amazing in your pictures too! Hugs to you today dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:37 PM

      Thank you so much, Marilyn and yes, cooking is so not my thing! How I end up hosting the most important food holiday of the year is beyond me. Oh well, I am thrilled to have a house full of loved ones and I do love any chance to wear an apron! ;) I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful!

      Delete
  15. Carla from The RiverNovember 15, 2016 at 11:22 PM

    Perfect idea!!
    My mom hosts Thanksgiving each year. It is my job to make up the table place settings, have been doing it for years. ;-) I have a fun idea for this year, that I will work on over the weekend and plan to share next Monday on the blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:30 PM

      You have a super fun job, Carla. I would much rather be responsible for the table decor than the cooking...definitely not my forte! ;) Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve!

      Delete
  16. My thrift store addictionNovember 16, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    These are so lovely, Kim. I'm a sparkly, glitter kind of gal, so these are right up my alley--but you probably already know that ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. quakerhillfarmNovember 16, 2016 at 7:15 PM

    How pretty! Definitely adds bling to the table. Have a wonderful time preparing for Thanksgiving.

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 9:28 PM

      Thank you, Lynn. I am starting to get excited. Pinterest helps!

      Delete
  18. https://www.vintagesouthernpicks.comNovember 16, 2016 at 11:17 PM

    This is a great idea Kim! I would be in a panic if I found out on short notice that I was hosting Thanksgiving! Your everyday dishes are so pretty, so no worries there. But the food!

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 16, 2016 at 11:35 PM

      Exactly, Florence!! And I am no foodie or fan of cooking. Oh boy, I need to get busy...good luck on your own holiday hosting. What fun! ;)

      Delete
  19. AnonymousNovember 17, 2016 at 12:42 AM

    Love this very simple, elegant idea!
    Tracy S

    ReplyDelete
  20. VanessaNovember 17, 2016 at 4:16 AM

    These would be lovely on your Thanksgiving table. I do have an old set of bone china but I never use it because they are fragile. I love your dishes though and I know your Thanksgiving table and meal will be great.

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 30, 2016 at 11:20 AM

      Thanks Vanessa!! I think they will add some sparkle!

      Delete
  21. Judy at GoldCountryCottageNovember 17, 2016 at 3:48 PM

    Kim, I know they look spectacular in person and will just add a certain ambiance to your already pretty tablescape. I personally love the red dishes with the orange sparkle. Looks very festive to me. Have a great Thanksgiving..xoJudy

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    1. Kim November 29, 2016 at 9:22 AM

      So pretty, even now Judy...next to the Christmas tree and santa! Ha!! I just can't part with the glitter! ;)

      Delete
  22. Julie's Creative LifestyleNovember 17, 2016 at 3:50 PM

    Hi Kim, the glitter on the pumpkin looks so pretty and perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowNovember 17, 2016 at 8:28 PM

    It looks great / in the end Thanksgiving is all about not messing up the gravy ha ha :)

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  24. StaceyNovember 17, 2016 at 8:47 PM

    I love that idea! We have a friend who paints the pumpkins into Santa every year. Now I want to see you do that so I can copy you. ;)

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    Replies
    1. Kim November 29, 2016 at 9:24 AM

      I have been wondering how to make them last through the Christmas season, Stacey! A glittery Santa perhaps? ;)

      Delete
  25. Maria ElenaNovember 18, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    Kim, it is beautiful. You always have the best ideas! For the first time in 35 years, I won't be hosting Thanksgiving, so no holiday preparation going on in our home. And you know what? It feels kind of nice just being the guest for once. I can get used to this! LOL Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! Maria

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    1. Kim November 30, 2016 at 11:21 AM

      Ah...to be a guest. I used to be the guest for this fabulous food holiday and now I am the host. I love a full house and all the family time...the cooking I could do without! ;)

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