How to Make a Pumpkin Candy Dish

An artificial pumpkin and fall-themed fabric make a great container for Halloween treats.
Pumpkin Candy Dish Beauty Shot

Pumpkin Candy Dish

For a truly seasonal candy dish, hollow out a pumpkin and slice it with two-thirds at the bottom and one-third for a lid. Line the bottom with seasonal fabric and fill it with candy for trick or treaters.

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • medium or large artificial pumpkin
  • 1/2 yard of burlap or any fall-themed fabric
  • X-Acto or pumpkin-carving knife
  • 2 thumbtacks
  • 1 yard of yarn or thin rope
  • pencil
  • Halloween candy

Pin Rope

Use a thumbtack to secure one end of a piece of yarn or rope to your pumpkin. It should be secured as close to the pumpkin's center as possible.

Pumpkin Candy Dish Step 1

How to Make a Pumpkin Candy Dish Step 1

Pin rope using a thumbtack to secure one end of a piece of yarn or rope to your pumpkin. It should be secured as close to the pumpkin's center as possible.

Create Center Line

Wrap the yarn or rope all the way around the pumpkin, making sure it stays as level as possible, and secure the other end of it with a thumbtack (Image 1). The two thumbtacks should sit right next to each other. Using the yarn or rope as a guide, draw a light pencil line all the way around the pumpkin (Image 2).

Cut Pumpkin

Remove the thumbtacks and yarn, then carefully cut the pumpkin in half with an X-Acto or pumpkin-carving knife. Tip: To make sure your pumpkin top lines up correctly with its base after it's cut, look for the large vertical seam found on one side of all artificial pumpkins. Line the base of the pumpkin with fabric or burlap, then fill with Halloween candy.

Pumpkin Candy Dish Step 4

How to Make a Pumpkin Candy Dish Step 4

Remove the thumbtacks and yarn, then carefully cut the pumpkin in half with an X-Acto or pumpkin-carving knife. Tip: To make sure your pumpkin top lines up correctly with its base after it's cut, look for the large vertical seam found on one side of all artificial pumpkins. Line the base of the pumpkin with fabric or burlap, then fill with Halloween candy.

Next Up

23 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2025

Make an entrance (and earn a lot of laughs) with these Halloween costumes inspired by trending moments in TV, music, movies and more in 2025.

Make This Easy-to-Sew Spider Hand Puppet for Halloween

No sewing machine is required for this darling spider hand puppet!

20 Best Halloween Countdown Calendars

The countdown to Halloween is on! Start a fun new tradition with these festive calendars.

The 56 Best Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Check out these cute costume ideas for the whole family.

Golden Harvest Dining Room

Celebrate the harvest by creating stress-free table settings from Countdown to Fall with Matt and Shari that evolve throughout the entire fall season.

Witch's Broom Halloween Place Card Holders

These diminutive brooms add an enchanting touch of whimsy to any Halloween get-together, plus they make great party favors for guests.

How to Make a Burlap Halloween Table Runner

Add a rustic touch to your Halloween table setting with a burlap runner decorated with ghostly bare branches and ravens.

How to Make a Halloween Chalkboard Treat Bucket

Create a Halloween treat bucket that can be decorated and customized each year to coordinate with a costume or theme. Kids will love this interactive trick-or-treat accessory that can be topped with a lid to safely store their stash.

Make a Halloween Chalkboard Serving Tray

Serve Halloween guests in style with this easy-to-create and totally customizable chalkboard tray.

Candy Bar Cookies Recipe

There's no such thing as too much chocolate — especially at Halloween. Turn your favorite candy into decadent, chunky cookies with this chocolate-lover's recipe.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.