How Do You Decorate the Perfect Pumpkin?

There is something magical about autumn in Cornwall. Crisp mornings, golden fields and the scent of woodsmoke drifting through the air make it a season that feels alive with creativity. At Whistlefish, we love to bring that spirit into everything we do. So one October morning, we threw on our wellies and wandered down the road to Great Drym Farm in Praze to discover how to decorate the perfect pumpkin.

step One: Choose your Pumpkin

The best way to begin is at the source. Great Drym Farm is a real Cornish pumpkin patch, rustic and full of character, with every pumpkin grown from seed right there in the field. None are brought in or laid out for display; each one has been planted, nurtured and harvested by hand. You will find every shape imaginable, from tall, twisting pumpkins to round and cheerful ones. Take your time choosing, as the pumpkin’s shape often inspires the design that follows.

step Two: prepare Your Canvas

Before you begin painting or decorating, gently clean your pumpkin with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. This removes any dirt or residue and helps paint and glue to adhere more easily. You can leave the stalk natural or wrap it in foil if you want to paint close to the top without marking it.

step Three: pick a Design

Our Whistlefish artists took inspiration from the countryside around us and experimented with several beautiful styles that you can try at home.

White pumpkins, known as Polar Bear Pumpkins, are particularly elegant and perfect for softer, more modern designs. The traditional orange varieties are ideal for warm, rustic looks.

Dried flower pumpkins can be created by gluing or pinning small dried flowers to the surface for a soft and natural appearance.

Gold foil stems bring a gentle touch of shimmer that catches the light beautifully.

Recycled napkins can be torn and layered with glue to create interesting patterns and texture. 

You can also try etching or printing using fir or leaves to leave subtle natural markings in the paint.

Some artists painted delicate leaves on top of their pumpkins, echoing the trees turning amber around the farm.

Once your design is fully dry, apply a thin layer of clear varnish to protect it. This keeps the colours bright and prevents moisture from dulling the finish. A satin or matte varnish looks best if you want to maintain the natural feel of the pumpkin.

When your masterpiece is ready, find the perfect place to show it off. Decorated pumpkins look lovely grouped together by the front door, lined along a windowsill, or gathered in the centre of a table with candles and autumn leaves. Mix painted pumpkins with natural ones for a relaxed, homely look that captures the spirit of the season.

changing Colours, growing Bigger

While exploring Great Drym Farm, we noticed how every pumpkin tells its own story. Some begin green and slowly ripen in the autumn sunshine, while others glow orange from the start. Watching the fields change colour each week is one of the quiet pleasures of the season and a reminder of how beautiful nature can be when left to grow at its own pace.

visit the patch

If you would like to experience the patch for yourself, visit Great Drym Farm, Drym, Praze, TR14 0NU. You can also find it using what3words at ///bill.grows.pelt. The patch is open on 27 and 28 September, 4 and 5, 11 and 12, 18 and 19 and from 25 to 31 October, from 10am until 4pm. No booking is required, and while card payments are accepted, cash is preferred due to limited signal in the fields.

It is a wonderful day out for families, friends and pumpkin lovers of all ages. Expect fresh air, photo opportunities and pumpkins in every size imaginable. Every pumpkin here has been hand planted, grown and picked with care, a true reflection of Cornish craftsmanship and countryside spirit.

 Follow them on Facebook here Great Drym Farm Pumpkins | Camborne Instagram here  greatdrymfarmpumpkins 

a Whistlefish kind of creativity

Much like our artists’ work, decorating pumpkins is about slowing down, noticing small details and creating something with heart. Whether you use flowers, foil or gentle brushstrokes, your pumpkin becomes a reflection of your creativity and of the season itself.

This autumn, pick your perfect pumpkin, gather your supplies and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something beautiful. Read how to decorate the perfect pumpkin and bring a little Cornish magic into your home.