The Perfect Fall DIY: Mini Cinnamon Pumpkin Decorations That Add Charm and Scent to Your Seasonal Styling
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Fall is one of my favorite times of year. The crackle of a fireplace, the scent of warm apple cider, and the natural beauty of earthy autumn tones all create a comforting atmosphere that’s hard to resist.
Seasonal decorating has become something I truly look forward to each year. And as time goes on, I find myself savoring the simple, quiet moments of styling my home for the season even more.
I always aim to keep my fall decor classic, neutral, and timeless. My natural interior design style is already rooted in warm, earthy tones that reflect the fall landscape, so I rarely make big changes this time of year.
Instead, I focus on layering in a few intentional details specific to the season, like seasonal faux stems, pinecones, and a few real pumpkins.
This year, however, a visit to a charming antique store in Augusta, Georgia sparked a fresh idea and inspired me to bring in something a little extra for fall.
While my husband and I were browsing a booth at an antique mall, we were suddenly stopped, not by a beautiful vintage find, but by the most incredible scent in the air. It was warm, spicy, and unmistakably fall. We traced it to a small bowl filled with tiny cinnamon pumpkin decorations, and I was instantly obsessed. The cozy aroma and simple charm of those little pumpkins stuck with me, and I knew I had to try making my own version to add a unique, handmade touch to my fall decorating this year.
Here’s how I created my mini cinnamon pumpkin decorations!
Materials needed.
7.5 oz of ground cinnamon
2.5 cups of cinnamon applesauce
3 tablespoons of Elmer’s glue
Small twigs ranging in sizes
Butter knife
Mixing bowl
Cookie sheet/drying rack
Step-by-step instructions.
Making the pumpkins.
Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cinnamon and applesauce. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
Add the binder: Pour in the glue and mix again until the dough forms a thick, workable consistency.
Shape the dough: Scoop a small amount of dough and roll it into a ball with your hands.
→ Pro tip: Vary the size depending on how big you want each pumpkin—mine ranged from 1½ to 2½ inches wide.
Flatten the top: Place the dough ball on a cookie sheet and gently flatten the top to give it a distinctive pumpkin shape.
Repeat: Continue rolling and shaping until all the dough is used.
Create the ridges: Using the flat side of a butter knife, start at the base and gently press the knife into the dough, rolling it upward to the top to create pumpkin lines. Make about six ridges per pumpkin for a realistic look.
Add the stem: Cut your twigs down to about 1 inch in length. Press a pre-cut a stem firmly into the center of each pumpkin.
Drying Your Pumpkins.
I tested both air drying and baking, and I recommend air drying for the best results.
Air Drying (Recommended):
Let your pumpkins sit out for several days on a drying rack until fully dry. Dry time will vary based on size. I left mine out for about 4 days.Baking Option:
Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Bake for 1 hour, checking often to avoid burning or cracking.
→ Lesson learned. Even with frequent checks, mine still burned a bit (see photo), but I didn’t mind, since it added some color variety in my styling. Still, to play it safe, air drying is your best bet.
Do These Attract Gnats? My Honest Experience After Making These For Several Years
Updated: 8-5-25
Several years ago, I was asked if there’s a good substitute for the applesauce—specifically due to concerns about attracting gnats. After making these pumpkins multiple times over the past several years (and living in the Midwest), I can confidently say that I’ve never once had any issues with gnats.
Once dried, the pumpkins harden completely thanks to the glue. The only thing I’ve noticed has been the warm, cozy scent of cinnamon filling our home—no gnats, just fall vibes!
Inspiration and Ideas From My Home.
Once your pumpkins are fully dried, it’s time for the fun part—styling them throughout your home to bring in the cozy scent and warm look of fall!
Get Inspired And See How I Styled Mine ↓
These little pumpkins aren’t just cute, they’re a reminder that seasonal decor doesn’t have to be expensive or overdone to make an impact.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create something truly special and unique to your home and give the perfect seasonal touch to just about any space!
I love tucking these pumpkins into decorative bowls, layering them next to candles, and using them as natural fillers in a fall-inspired centerpiece on the dining table.
Whether your home leans rustic, vintage, or classic, these cinnamon pumpkins are a simple DIY that adds a handmade, personal touch to your fall decor—plus, they smell amazing!
Shop More Fall Finds & Favorites ↓
Explore our curated collection of fall favorites from trusted brands and partners. From warm toned textiles and soft layers to seasonal stems and natural accents, each piece is chosen to bring texture, comfort, and timeless beauty to your home this fall.
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Hi, I’m Casey, founder of Refuge Interiors, where I combine my lifelong love of decorating and design with a passion for sourcing vintage and antique treasures to create classic, collected interiors that feel warm, inviting, and beautifully lived in.
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