How To Turn Real Mini Pumpkins Into Tealight Holders

Do you add real pumpkins into your fall decorating indoors? If so, here is an idea for turning real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders.



I'm also sharing tips on how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use next year for your fall craft projects. These cute pumpkin tealights look so pretty at night on a fall mantel or set on a coffee table tray decorated for the season.



How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts.

DIY Mini Pumpkin Tealight Holders

I went with a simple table centerpiece for Canadian Thanksgiving this year with the pumpkin tealights lined up on a Thanksgiving table riser.



Thanksgiving is in early October here in Canada so for the rest of the fall season, I'll display the pumpkin tealights on a simpler farmhouse-style table riser.



I normally gravitate towards the orange mini pumpkins but this year I decided to go with a neutral pallet for my fall vignette.



How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts.

Alternatively, you could chalk paint the real mini pumpkins to match your decor. Or a mix of orange and white mini pumpkins would be lovely on a bed of waxed or faux fall leaves.



The possibilities for how you incorporate the pumpkin tealights into your fall decor are endless.



Can You Preserve Pumpkin Stems?

You can absolutely preserve pumpkin stems to use for fall crafts next year by following the simple steps below.

  1. Carefully cut along the base of the pumpkin stem with a knife.
  2. Mini pumpkins have much tougher skin than the large varieties so be extra cautious during this step.
  3. Remove any meat from the base of the stem.
  4. Store the stems on some newspaper in a dry location for about eight weeks.


How To Carve Mini Pumpkins For Tealights

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.



Safety First

Make sure the pumpkin is secured onto your work surface before drilling. Holding the pumpkin with your hands is not a safe option should the drill decide to slip. I use a bench vice to safely hold the pumpkin while I drill.



Next, set the torque on the drill to a low setting (under 10). If you are not experienced using a power drill, have someone do this for you.



Step 1 - Drilling Hole In Mini Pumpkins

  1. With a 1 1/2 inch hole saw drill bit carefully bore a hole in the center of the mini pumpkins and stop before you go through the bottom.
  2. Alternatively, you could carve the holes like you would a Halloween pumpkin. But like I mentioned earlier, these little guys have much firmer skin so it can be a bit challenging.


How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts.

Step 2 - Removing Pumpkin Pulp

Scoop the pulp from inside the pumpkins and allow the cavity to dry for several hours (my preference is overnight). You can speed up the drying process by dabbing the inside with paper towels.



Step 3 - Inserting Tealight Candles

Option 1: Raise the tealights so they sit level with the top of the pumpkins.


To do this, stuff the cavity with something fire-resistant for the tealights to sit on. I scrunched a ball of tinfoil 3/4 of the way up and simply pressed the tealights until they sat level with the top of the pumpkins.



How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts.

Option 2: Alternatively, you could use taller flameless votive candles on timers for set and forget fall lighting.



How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts.

How Can You Get Real Mini Pumpkins To Last Longer?

The real mini pumpkins will rot over time but you can help them last well into November by following these simple steps.


  1. Wash the outer skin with full-strength white vinegar.
  2. Let them completely dry.
  3. Spray the outside ONLY of the pumpkins with a clear coat sealer.


That's it! Enjoy your cute pumpkin tealight candle holders.



How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts.

For more pumpkin inspiration you may like these 12 DIY pumpkin ideas that are easy on the wallet. Thanks for stopping by the Interior Frugalista today! I hope you were inspired by this mini pumpkin tealight idea.



Almost all of our DIY ideas have step-by-step tutorials so why not get your budget DIY on and subscribe. You can also find us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below or the Contact Me tab at the top to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!



How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall by Interior Frugalista plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts. #pumpkincrafts #pumpkincarving


If you enjoyed this pumpkin tealight tutorial, I'd be so thankful if you shared it with a friend and pinned it to your Fall Decorating Ideas or Fall Lighting Ideas board on Pinterest.




How to turn real mini pumpkins into tealight candle holders for fall by Interior Frugalista plus tips for how to preserve the pumpkin stems to use for future fall crafts. #minipumpkins #diypumpkintealights


I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.



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Comments

  1. I love this clever idea! So pretty and such a great way to brighten up the table. Thanks for sharing at the Sundays on Silverado Link Party!

    -Niky @ The House on Silverado

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hmm.. that's an usual idea ! Inspite of drying it, wont it give out a stench after some time ? I have never really worked with a real pumpkin, hence asking.
    We love to cook mutton with guard, but I've never tried Pumpkin.
    Very interesting idea. 3 of them sitting on the table, look stunning.
    Thank you for sharing hon at Meraki Link Party.
    Naush

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never had a problem with the stench because these are hardy little pumpkins. They will rot over time but mine were good right up to mid November when I switched to Christmas decor. You can wash any bacteria from the skin with vinegar and once dry, spray a clear coat (outside of pumpkin only) to help preserve them longer.

      Delete
  3. This such a simple and super cute idea! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Sarah, I'm glad you like them. They are so pretty at night!

      Delete
  4. I LOVE this DIY Marie. I am definitely going to try this! Pinned. Thank you for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens.

    ReplyDelete
  5. They look so adorable Marie. I'm always fascinated by how many different varieties of pumpkins there are. Our pumpkin choices here in South Africa are pretty limited to big white ones or big knobbly green ones :D

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    Replies
    1. Where I live we have a limited variety too. I'd love to grow the heirloom pumpkins that you see growing in warmer zones.

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  6. I love mini pumpkins as tealight holders. These are super cute and they would make a the perfect addition to any fall decor!

    Thanks for linking up and sharing with us this past week on the Embracing Home and Family link-up!

    -Cherelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cherelle, I'm glad you like this idea. They are so pretty at night!

      Delete

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