20 Ideas for Using Autumn Harvests - Recipes, Crafts, Decor, & More

Autumn’s here, and your kitchen is packed with pumpkins, apples, and more — but what to do with it all?

We've rounded up easy recipes, DIY crafts, and simple décor ideas to help maximize autumn's abundance.

DIY Crafts and Décor

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, it's a perfect time for you to get creative with autumn crafts.

1. DIY Pumpkin Candle Holders

Turn small pumpkins or gourds into unique candle holders for a festive table centerpiece.

Hollow out the center just enough to place a tea light, and you have a beautiful, natural candle holder that adds warmth to your autumn home decor.

2. Corn Husk Wreath

Craft a rustic corn husk wreath to decorate your front door.

Using corn husks from the fall harvest, you can easily create this DIY wreath by attaching the husks to a circular frame.

It’s a perfect way to welcome guests into your autumn-inspired home.

3. Dried Apple Garland

Create a charming dried apple garland to hang across your mantel.

Slice apples thin, dry them in the oven, and string them together for a rustic and fragrant fall decoration that will bring the beauty of the season indoors.

4. Pumpkin Planters

Instead of carving pumpkins for jack-o'-lanterns, hollow them out and use them as planters.

Fill with seasonal flowers or succulents for a natural fall display that brings color and life to your porch or dining table.

5. Gourd Birdhouses

Get crafty by turning large gourds into birdhouses. Hollow out the inside and add an entry hole for birds to nest in.

These natural birdhouses are a fun way to repurpose autumn produce and invite wildlife into your garden.

6. Acorn Place Cards

Add a personal touch to your fall table by making acorn place cards.

Simply gather acorns, paint the caps gold, and attach small tags with your guests’ names.

This rustic detail is sure to impress at any autumn dinner party.

7. Cranberry and Orange Potpourri

Simmer cranberries, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a pot of water for an all-natural fall potpourri.

The rich fragrance will fill your home with the smells of the season, creating a cozy autumn atmosphere.

8. Pressed Leaf Art

Collect some colorful autumn leaves and press them in a heavy book for a week or two.

Once they're flat and dry, arrange them on a piece of cardstock and frame your artwork to create a beautiful fall decoration.

9. Leaf Coasters

Use Mod Podge to adhere colorful autumn leaves onto plain cork coasters. Seal with another layer of Mod Podge and let them dry for 24 hours.

You can also make coasters made with resin. Use real dry pressed flowers in various colors.

You'll have a set of unique coasters to protect your furniture and bring a taste of autumn into your home.

10. Leaf Garland

Gather a variety of colorful leaves (real or artificial) and use a needle and thread to string them together.

Fall yellow garland with leaves and pumpkins on entrance door, autumn decor. Wooden porch decorated for with orange leaves and fall flowers in pot. House entrance door decoration for autumn holidays.

You can hang this garland anywhere in your home to add a pop of color and festive atmosphere.

11. Pine Cone Owls

Gather some pine cones, felt, and googly eyes (if you want!) to make these adorable pine cone owls.

Cut the felt into shapes for horns, feathers, and noses, and glue them onto the pine cones, along with the googly eyes.

12. Twig Picture Frame

Collect some straight, similar-sized twigs from your backyard.

Break or trim them into equal lengths and use hot glue to assemble the twigs into a square or rectangle frame.

You can either leave it natural or paint it to match your home décor. Add a photo or your pressed leaf art from earlier to complete the frame.

13. Pine Cone Wreath

This craft is an easy one! Aside from your pine cones, you'll need a wreath frame, florist wire, scissors, wire cutters, and some pipe cleaners.

If desired, add a bow or other embellishments to finish your wreath before displaying it proudly on your front door or inside your home.

Autumn Harvest Recipes

Imagine the delightful scents of pumpkin pie, apple cider, and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you whip up scrumptious dishes with fresh ingredients from the garden.

Fall is the perfect time to create delightful dishes featuring the bounty of the season. Here are some all-time favorite recipes to try!

14. Apple Crisp

apple crisp on white bowl and silver spoon on the side, apples in the background

Ingredients:

6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the apples: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well coated. Spread the apples evenly in a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.

3. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.

4. Assemble: Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

6. Let it cool slightly and enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

15. Pear Tart

Pear tart on blue cloth background, top view.

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)

3 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly score a 1-inch border around the edges with a knife (don't cut all the way through).

3. Arrange the pears: Layer the pear slices in an overlapping pattern within the scored border.

4. Drizzle the pears with honey, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon evenly on top, and add sliced almonds if using.

5. Brush the puff pastry edges with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the pears are tender.

7. Let it cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

16. Plum Cobbler

Ingredients:

6 ripe plums (pitted and sliced)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the fruit: In a bowl, toss the sliced plums with 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Make the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until smooth.

4. Assemble: Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Spoon the plum mixture evenly over the batter (the batter will rise around the fruit as it bakes).

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cobbler comes out clean.

6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

17. Roasted Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the squash: In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or cinnamon.

3. Spread on a baking sheet: Arrange the squash in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even roasting.

4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and caramelized on the edges.

5. Enjoy as a side dish, or add to salads, soups, or grain bowls.

18. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic

Ingredients:

1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.

4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

5. Finish and serve: Drizzle with a little lemon juice for brightness (optional) and serve hot.

Autumn Apple Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

2 medium apples (thinly sliced, any variety you like)

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a blend)

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

Dressing:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, cheese, toasted nuts, and red onion (if using).

3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Best Practices for Autumn Harvesting

Make sure you pick fruits and vegetables when they're ripe and at their peak flavor.

For example, apples should be firm and unblemished, while squashes should have a hard outer skin.

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your harvest. Keep fruits and vegetables in a cool, dark place such as a cellar, pantry, or basement.

If you have a large quantity of produce, consider preserving it through canning, freezing, or dehydrating. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of fall throughout the year.

Preserves and Canning Techniques

Preserving the flavors of fall through canning and preserving techniques allows you to enjoy the taste of your favorite fruits and vegetables all year round.

Try making your own apple butter, pear chutney, or pickled vegetables to store in your pantry.

When canning, ensure that you follow proper sanitization and sealing procedures to avoid spoilage.

And while canning might seem intimidating at first, mastering this technique will help you save money and enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.