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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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