Fall’s finally here, and I can’t wait to cozy up my living space. You know me – I’m all about those little touches that make a big impact, especially when it comes to my table. This year, I’m obsessed with these adorable candles in mini pumpkins. They’re the perfect way to set the scene for a cozy fall gathering, blending timeless signature with warm glow. These “candle in a pumpkin” are ideal for cozying up your fall tablescape or adding that special touch to your Thanksgiving dinner.
I’ve always had a soft spot for unique table accents and guest favors. There’s something magical about walking into a dining room and seeing a beautifully set table with a little surprise at each place setting. These pumpkin candles tick all the boxes – they’re cute, they’re practical, and they absolutely embody the essence of fall!
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to add some autumn charm to your everyday meals, I’ve got you covered. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to make these adorable pumpkin candles and use them to create a tablescape that’ll have your guests oohing and aahing (and wanting to take them home!)

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Materials and Safety
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these cozy pumpkin candles: Grab some mini pumpkins (I’m using tiger stripe ones, but notes of white pumpkin or orange work great too), a few votive candles (unscented is my go-to), A Lenox 1-3/16 inch hole saw (optional but helpful) and basic carving tools like a sharp knife and spoon. If you’ve got a pumpkin carving kit, even better. Don’t forget to lay down some newspaper for easy cleanup.
Quick safety reminder: always cut away from yourself, keep your fingers clear of the blade, and keep an eye on any kids helping out. That’s it – nothing fancy!

How to Place a Candle in a Pumpkin
- Prep Your Pumpkin
Give your mini pumpkin a quick wash and dry. No need to go overboard – just make sure it’s clean. Gather your supplies.
- Make the Initial Cut
Break off the stem then use a Lenox hole saw to make your initial hole. This handy tool drills a 1-3/16″ hole effortlessly into the top of the pumpkin. I learned this trick a few years back and it’s a game-changer – way easier than trying to saw through with a knife from the get-go.
- Mark Your Cut
Take a Sharpie and trace around your votive candle on top of the pumpkin, using the initial hole as a guide. This gives you a perfect outline for sizing – trust me, it’s a game-changer for getting it just right.
- Widen the Opening
Now, grab your knife and carefully widen that hole to match your Sharpie outline. You want it just big enough to fit your votive candle.
- Scoop it Out
Time to get your hands dirty. Scoop out the insides of the pumpkin. A spoon works great for this. Don’t worry about getting every last bit – just enough so your candle sits nicely.
- Drop in the Candle
Choose a votive that fits snugly in the opening. Too small and it’ll rattle around, too big and, well, it won’t fit. Pop it in and you’re done!
Tip: Want to take your craftiness to the next level? Check out my guide on making candles in a crock pot. You can pour the melted wax directly into these pumpkins instead of using premade votive candles. It’s a fun way to customize your “candle in a pumpkin” creations!
Dressing Up Your Table
Now that you’ve got your pumpkin candles ready, let’s talk about how to use them. I’ve tried a bunch of different setups over the years, and here are my two favorite ways to show these little beauties off:
Fancy Fall Flair
For a fancy dinner, try putting one at each place setting. Just set it right on top of the salad plate – instant autumn vibes. I like to pair them with some deep orange napkins and maybe a few scattered rose hips for extra fall feels. It’s a simple touch that makes each guest feel special.
Casual Cozy Centerpiece
If you’re going for more of a family-style meal, group a few pumpkin candles down the middle of the table. Mix in some larger pumpkins, a few pinecones, and some fall branches (I grabbed mine from the backyard). It creates this gorgeous, natural centerpiece that runs the length of the table. Plus, the candlelight makes everything feel extra cozy when the sun goes down, perfect for a quiet night.
Either way, these pumpkin candles add that perfect touch of warmth to your fall table. And the best part? They work just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as they do for the holiday season.

Getting Creative
Here’s the thing about these pumpkin candles – they’re super versatile. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ideas. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:
Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin varieties are your friend. I’ve used everything from those tiny Jack Be Little pumpkins to the slightly larger Sugar Pie ones. Each size gives a different vibe, so experiment and see what works for your table.
Scent-sational Options
Now, about those candles. While I usually stick with unscented, sometimes I’ll throw in a fall-scented votive for kicks. Just a heads up – a little scent goes a long way. One pumpkin spice or sweet gingersnap candle can fill a whole room, trust me.
Flame-Free Glow
If you’re worried about open flames (or just don’t want to deal with wax), LED tea lights are a great option. They offer hours of burn time and you don’t have to watch them like a hawk. I’ve found some pretty convincing flickering ones that look almost like the real deal.

Love pumpkin projects as much as I do? Check out these other fun fall DIYs:

There you have it – your ticket to a cozy, inviting fall atmosphere right at your fingertips. These pumpkin candles are more than just decorations; they’re little mood-setters that bring the fall right to your table. Whether you’re going for an elegant dinner party vibe or a casual family gathering, these little guys have got you covered.
Now, I’d love to see how you put your own spin on this project. Why not give it a shot this weekend? Grab some mini pumpkins, round up a few candles, and let your creativity loose. Trust me, once you start making a candle in a pumpkin, you’ll be hooked on creating these charming fall accents. And hey, if you whip up a batch, don’t be shy – snap a pic and share it on social media. Tag me so I can see your beautiful creations! Who knows? You might just inspire someone else to get their cozy on too.
Happy crafting friends, and here’s to a warm, glowing fall season!