Fall is almost here and some things are not the same as when I was younger. One of those is pumpkins. When I was a kid we only used pumpkins to carve and keep on our porch, but now there are so many different uses for pumpkins, it's hard to keep track.

Instead of carving pumpkins you can now paint pumpkins as well. There are so many new ways to decorate pumpkins, some even add glitter or drill holes. Drilling holes allows you to make cool dot designs that really pop when you light it.

Pumpkins can also be used for putting in flower centerpieces and having those pumpkins on your dining room table or a centerpiece at a wedding. With so many weddings in the fall, pumpkins can be used literally anywhere, especially in the food.

Pumpkin seeds, dip, bread, you name it. With pumpkin dip especially, you can use the pumpkin as the bowl which makes a cool plate for a Halloween party or a fall get together!

Smaller pumpkins can be stacked in glass vases or canisters to give your room an extra feel of fall. They not only give your space the fall feel but they look elegant and classy.

If you are going to use pumpkins as decoration or to put flowers in for a longer period of time try this trick to keep them from rotting right on your table. A good way for your pumpkins to last longer even after they are cut open is washing them in water and bleach which preserves them. One gallon of water, two tablespoons of bleach and a splash of dish soap.

Pumpkins are more than decoration, they are costumes for small children as well. Babies who are coming into their first fall and Halloween always provides a good photo opportunity to get your child into a pumpkin. Making cute memories!

So many great opportunities for this years pumpkins. I can't wait to try them all!