Fall is here, and if you’re like me, it’s the perfect time to dive into cozy DIY projects and enjoy delicious seasonal treats! Whether you’re a craft lover or a foodie, here are some fun, easy fall-inspired ideas to try this season.
Scary Movie Night
What’s better than watching spooky movies with friends while enjoying fall treats? Last year, we had a blast watching Hocus Pocus 2 at a potluck-style Scary Movie Night. If you haven’t hosted one yet, grab your favorite scary flicks, invite friends, and have everyone bring snacks. It’s a perfect fall gathering!
Growing Pumpkins 🎃
If you live around Half Moon Bay, you know that pumpkins thrive here. Growing them in your backyard is rewarding and perfect for fall crafts and recipes. They practically grow themselves in this coastal climate!
Mini Pumpkin Candles
These are perfect for fall décor and super easy to make:
- Cut off the top of a mini pumpkin and scoop out the seeds.
- Melt leftover candle wax (or buy new wax).
- Place a wick in the center of the pumpkin and pour in the melted wax.
- Let the wax cool and harden, and just like that—you’ve got your very own mini pumpkin candle!
No-Carve Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins can get messy, so why not decorate them without the hassle?
- Pick up some pumpkins from a local farm (I love HV Produce and Farmer John’s).
- Use dried flowers, paint, or melted crayons to decorate them.
- For the melted crayon technique, break peeled crayons into small pieces and place them on top of the pumpkin.
- Use a hair dryer on low heat to melt the crayons, creating a colorful drip effect.
- Let the pumpkins dry, and they’re ready to display in your fall décor!
Halloween Wooden Craft Kits
If you’re looking for a fun and creative fall craft, check out these adorable wooden Halloween-themed DIY kits! I found these on sale recently, and they’re perfect for an afternoon of crafting with friends or family. They come in various shapes like pumpkins, ghosts, and spooky skeletons. Here’s how to make them your own:
- Pick your favorite wooden shape (ghost, pumpkin, skeleton, etc.).
- Paint them in your favorite fall colors—black, orange, or white—or get creative with metallics and glitter.
- Let the paint dry, then decorate with stickers, googly eyes, or fabric for texture.
- Use them to decorate for a spooky movie night, or give them as handmade Halloween gifts.
These kits are easy to customize and make for a great addition to any fall crafting session!
🍴 Fall Foods 🍴
Fall is my favorite time to get cozy in the kitchen and create delicious seasonal dishes. Here are some of my go-to fall recipes and how to make them!
S’mores Charcuterie Board
This fun twist on the classic s’mores is perfect for sharing:
- Arrange marshmallows, graham crackers, various chocolates, and add-ins like peanut butter cups or caramel squares on a large board.
- Let everyone build their own perfect s’more—it’s a fun and interactive treat!
Halloween-Shaped Chilaquiles
Give this classic dish a spooky twist:
- Use cookie cutters to create ghost, pumpkin, or bat shapes from tortillas.
- Fry the shaped tortillas until crispy and toss them in your favorite salsa.
- Top with crumbled cheese, avocado, and sour cream for a festive brunch or breakfast.
Pumpkin Puree
Making your own pumpkin puree is easy and better than canned:
- Roast a small pumpkin at 350°F, scoop out the seeds, and roast until tender.
- Scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth—perfect for pumpkin pasta or pie!
Tamales
Tamales are a family tradition, especially around the holidays:
- Start with masa dough (you can buy it premade or make your own).
- Fill corn husks with chicken, pork, or cheese, and steam them for about an hour.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole—great for family gatherings!
Ghost & Pumpkin-Shaped Empanadas
These are so fun to make for Halloween:
- Use cookie cutters to shape empanada dough into ghosts or pumpkins.
- Fill them with sweet pumpkin puree or your favorite filling.
- Bake at 375°F until golden brown for a spooky snack.
Conchas (Mexican Sweet Bread)
Growing up, I’d eat conchas with my family, and this year, I made them for the first time! I’m still perfecting the recipe:
- Make a sweet dough and let it rise.
- Roll it into balls, then add a sugary topping made from flour, butter, and powdered sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden.
Caramel Apples
Try adding pumpkin spice flavored caramel and a little bit of cream cheese.
- Melt caramel candies and stir in cream cheese.
- Dip apples, then roll them in nuts or chocolate chips for a sweet, crunchy treat.
Pumpkin Waffles
During Pumpkin Festival season, these waffles are a must:
- Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your waffle batter.
- Top with maple syrup for the ultimate fall breakfast.
Persimmons
I love using persimmons from my best friend’s neighbor’s tree! One favorite is a virgin persimmon margarita:
- Blend ripe persimmons with fresh lime juice, honey, and sparkling water.
- Serve over ice with a salted rim for a refreshing fall drink.
Halibut
Halibut is in season right now in Northern California, and I bought fresh halibut from my local fish market for $20/lb. Here’s my favorite way to prepare it:
- Drizzle the fish with a bit of olive oil, then season with garlic salt and pepper.
- Air fry the halibut at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside. It’s quick, healthy, and so tasty!
Graveyard Pudding
This spooky dessert is perfect for Halloween!
- Layer chocolate pudding and crushed Oreos to create the “dirt.”
- Top with candy tombstones or ghost-shaped marshmallows for a fun, festive treat.
I hope you’re inspired to try out some of these crafts and recipes this fall! There’s something so special about creating things with your hands and enjoying delicious seasonal foods. Let me know what fall traditions or crafts you’re excited to try! 🍁✨
