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The minute the weather dips below 70 and I catch a whiff of cinnamon at the store, I go into full autumn mode. Chunky sweaters, plaid scarves, apple cider in a mug I’ll definitely forget in the microwave, fall is my season. And my favorite tradition? Hosting a pumpkin painting night.
If you’re looking for a cozy and creative way to celebrate the season with friends, family, or kids, this guide will walk you through how to host the perfect pumpkin painting night. We’ll cover everything from decorating your space, choosing the best pumpkins, what paint to use, fun themes, snacks to serve, and how to make the evening feel like a festive fall hug. Trust me, it’s easier than carving, way less messy, and absolutely perfect for apartment living or indoor gatherings.
Let’s dive into all the cozy, paint-covered details.
Table of Contents
Why Pumpkin Painting Is Better Than Carving
Don’t get me wrong, I grew up carving pumpkins like everyone else. But these days, the thought of scooping out cold, stringy pumpkin guts in my kitchen sink just doesn’t feel festive, it feels like a messy chore.
Pumpkin painting is the perfect alternative:
- It’s mostly mess-free (especially if you lay down kraft paper).
- You can do it indoors, which is great if you’re in an apartment or have unpredictable fall weather.
- Painted pumpkins last longer than carved ones (carved pumpkins usually rot within a few days).
- It’s safe for kids, with no knives or sharp tools involved.
- It doubles as home décor , you can match your painted pumpkins to your aesthetic!
I first hosted a pumpkin painting night a few years ago with some girlfriends in my tiny apartment, and it was a hit. We sat around my coffee table with blankets and wine, painted pumpkins, and laughed until late. It’s now a staple fall tradition.
Setting the Fall Mood: Décor + Vibes = Everything
A successful pumpkin painting night starts before the first brushstroke. You want your space to feel like fall.
Whether you’re hosting on your porch, in your backyard, or right at your dining table, here’s how to set the mood.
Cozy Fall Aesthetic Must-Haves:
- Plaid blankets tossed over chairs or laid picnic-style on the ground
- Fall-scented candles (Pumpkin Chai by Nest is my go-to)
- Mini pumpkins & gourds scattered across the table
- Twinkle lights or string lights for a warm glow
- Dried florals or mums in mason jars for rustic charm
- A chalkboard sign with a cute quote like “Pumpkins & Paint, Please”
Want to go all out? Add a fall photo backdrop or a DIY polaroid station. It’s a great way to capture memories and everyone posing with their masterpieces.
Picking the Best Pumpkins for Painting
This might sound obvious, but not all pumpkins are ideal for painting. If you’ve ever tried to paint a deeply ridged, waxy, or wet pumpkin, you know the frustration.
What to Look For:
- Smooth skin – The flatter the surface, the easier it is to paint.
- Lighter colored pumpkins – White pumpkins like “Lumina” or “Casper” make colors pop.
- Medium size – Easier to manage on a tabletop, not too heavy for kids.
- Dry and clean – Wipe with a dry cloth before painting to remove dirt and oils.
- Firm stem – Looks cute and gives you something to hold onto.
Skip the huge pumpkins or the overly waxy ones, they’re more trouble than they’re worth!
Paints & Supplies You’ll Need
Now for the fun part: painting! You don’t need a full art studio to make this work. Just gather a few basic supplies.
Essentials for Adults:
- Acrylic paint – dries quickly and provides rich, opaque color
- Paint pens – great for writing names, adding detail or outlines
- Variety of brushes – wide ones for background, fine tip for designs
- Paint palettes – or use paper plates
- Water cups & paper towels
- Mod Podge or sealant spray – if you want your designs to last longer or go outside
Kid-Friendly Supplies:
Pro tip: I like to keep baby wipes on hand for quick cleanups, especially when painting with younger guests.
Creative Pumpkin Themes to Try
A blank pumpkin can be intimidating. I always provide a few theme ideas or design prompts to get guests’ creativity flowing.
Themed Ideas:
- Boho: rainbows, moons, pampas grass, soft pinks and neutrals
- Spooky: ghosts, bats, spider webs, skeleton faces
- Glam: metallic gold, rose gold, glitter, crystals, rhinestones
- Farmhouse: black & white buffalo check, script letters, fall sayings
- Monogrammed: personalized initials, last names, or house numbers
- Kid Designs: superheroes, dinosaurs, Disney characters, silly monsters
- Try putting out some halloween painting stencils to help inspire ideas.
You can even do “Paint & Swap”: everyone paints a pumpkin and at the end, you randomly trade and take home a surprise design!
Easy Fall Snacks & Drinks to Serve
People are going to get hungry. Painting is serious (fun) work! Keep the food simple and seasonal. Think grazing, finger foods, and warm drinks.
Savory Options:
- Mini grilled cheese + tomato soup bowls
- Charcuterie board with seasonal touches: dried apples, spiced nuts, fig jam
- Butternut squash or pumpkin soup in mugs
- Soft pretzels with beer cheese dip
Sweet Snacks:
- Apple cider donuts
- S’mores dip (bake chocolate chips + marshmallows, serve with graham crackers)
- Pumpkin bread or muffins
- Candy corn trail mix
Drinks:
- Warm apple cider (spike it with bourbon or rum if adults only)
- Pumpkin spice lattes (homemade or store-bought, with whipped cream)
- Chai tea or hot cocoa
- Fall wines – Pinot Noir, Cabernet, or spiced mulled wine
- Apple cider mimosas for a bubbly twist
Set up a small self-serve station with a thermos, mugs, cinnamon sticks, and toppings like mini marshmallows or caramel drizzle.
Playlist Vibes: What to Play While You Paint
Music sets the tone, and fall deserves its own soundtrack. I like to keep it mellow, acoustic, and warm.
Here’s my go-to Pumpkin Painting Playlist:
- “Harvest Moon” – Neil Young
- “Cardigan” – Taylor Swift
- “Cinnamon Girl” – Lana Del Rey
- “Rivers and Roads” – The Head and the Heart
- “The Night We Met” – Lord Huron
- “Bloom” – The Paper Kites
- “Meet Me in the Woods” – Lord Huron
- Instrumental folk or soft jazz in the background
Search for “Cozy Autumn” or “Fall Vibes” playlists on Spotify if you don’t want to make your own.
Making It a Tradition
Want to make this more than a one-time thing? Here’s how to turn it into an annual tradition:
- Pick a set weekend each October and send invites early
- Create a group Pinterest board for ideas
- Keep a “Pumpkin Painting Box” with your supplies to make setup easy next year
- Snap after pics of everyone with their pumpkins
- Give a tiny fall-themed prize for “Most Creative” or “Scariest Pumpkin”
I now have a whole album of pumpkin painting night photos from the last four years. It’s fun to look back and see how everyone’s designs, and my hosting skills, have evolved.
End the Night Around the Fire with S’mores
Once the painting winds down and the cider runs low, move the party outside (if you can) for the ultimate fall finale.
Backyard Bonfire Tips:
- Provide blankets or encourage guests to bring a jacket
- Light a fire pit or chiminea
- Set out s’mores supplies: graham crackers, jumbo marshmallows, chocolate bars, and extras like peanut butter cups or caramel
- Play soft background music or share ghost stories
Even if you don’t have a fire pit, you can roast marshmallows over a camp stove or use an oven s’mores tray indoors!
Happy Pumpkin Painting!
Hosting a pumpkin painting night has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. It’s fun, relaxed, creative, and inclusive- perfect for kids, adults, introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, there’s always a new idea to try or a new memory to make.
So this fall, skip the carving kit. Grab a brush, a glass of cider, and a few of your favorite people, and paint your way into the coziest season of the year.
Have you hosted a pumpkin painting night before? I’d love to hear your favorite fall snacks, playlist recs, or design ideas in the comments below!
With Love,
Bri & Cat
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