Donna Erickson

Pumpkins might sound "so yesterday" with Halloween long gone and the excitement of Thanksgiving Day soon on the way. But never under-estimate the beauty pumpkins can deliver when transformed into a glistening golden shine with a little metallic paint and creativity.

Once hollowed out (let the kids do this), pumpkins make dandy vases for flowers. Keep the kids busy by letting them arrange the blooms in the gilded pumpkins just in time to set on the table for a stunning, yet inexpensive Thanksgiving centerpiece.

I discovered pumpkins are still abundant and cheap this month at farms, garden centers and grocery stores.

Think about gilding mini pumpkins, too, which you can find with the gourds and squash in the produce section of your grocery store.

Transform them into cute "place card" bouquets for each guest or into alluring votive candleholders that will add a golden sparkle on your table between the turkey, cranberries and pies.

HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN ARRANGEMENT

1. On a newspaper-covered surface, an adult should cut off the top of a medium-size, firm and smooth pumpkin, creating an opening that is 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Let the kids scoop out the pulp and seeds with their hands and a spoon. Wash the outside of the pumpkin with a damp cloth. Let dry.

2. On a newspaper-covered surface outside or in a well-ventilated garage, an adult should spray the exterior of the pumpkin with gold metallic spray paint available at craft

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and hardware stores. Let dry. (Note: Acrylic paint in a metallic gold shade also works if you prefer not to use spray paint, although it takes longer to dry and may require several coats.)

3. Line the inside of the pumpkin with foil or plastic wrap. Place a chunk of damp florist foam trimmed to fit snugly in the hollowed-out portion. Let the kids poke trimmed stems of flowers, leaves and twigs into the foam, one at a time, until the arrangement is complete. Set it on a waterproof plate. Add water to the foam as necessary to keep flowers fresh.

  • Make golden mini-pumpkin arrangements following the directions above. For place cards, glue small cards with guests' names or photos printed on them to trimmed wood skewers. Tuck into the arrangements.

  • For golden pumpkin votive candleholders, set a tea light and its metal casing inside the cavity or use a battery-operated tea light. (Note: An adult should always be present when burning candles.)

    Donna Erickson's award-winning television series, "Donna's Day," is airing on public television nationwide. Watch it in the Twin Cities at 7:30 a.m. Fridays on tptLife on channels 13 and 17. Sign up for Donna's e-newsletter at donnasday.com. Her latest book is "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families."