Festive Fall Fun for the Whole Family

Crisp leaves, cozy vibes, and time together. It’s what fall is all about! Celebrate the season with these two fall inspired activities that are simple and fun for all ages.

Activity 1: Festive Fall DIY Garland

This simple fall craft turns citrus peels and backyard sticks into charming “mushroom” garlands that add a natural touch to your home. The dried citrus smells amazing while it bakes, and the finished garland makes a thoughtful handmade gift for friends, teachers, or family.

Our Industrial Designer, Jan P, made this with his daughter last year and it quickly became a new family tradition.

What You’ll Need

• A pile of sticks (collect them on a family walk!)
• Various citrus fruits (mandarins, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, etc.)
• Twine
• Small screw eye hooks
• Hot glue gun
• Cutting board and knife
• Baking tray lined with foil
• Push pin or safety pin

Step 1: Prep the “Mushroom Caps”

1. Preheat your oven to 175°F.
2. Have the kids choose which citrus fruits to use.
3. Adults should slice each fruit in half and remove the inside, saving the peels—these will become your “mushroom caps.” Optional: use the leftover fruit for fresh juice later!
4. Lay the peels on a foil-lined baking tray and bake for 3-4 hours until completely dried (watch closely so they don’t burn). Let them cool before handling.

Step 2: Prep the “Mushroom Stems”

1. While the citrus dries, head outside to gather sticks of varying thicknesses. The more character, the better!
2. Break or cut them into 2½–3-inch pieces. If desired, sand the ends slightly on sandpaper or concrete for a smooth finish.

Step 3: Assemble Your Mushrooms

1. Once the glue gun is warm, have the kids pair up “caps” and “stems.”
2. Adults can glue the stems to the inside of each cap. Hold them together until the glue sets.
3. Use a push pin to make a small starter hole on top of each cap, then screw in an eye hook.
4. Cut twine to your preferred length and thread each mushroom onto the garland. (Tip: Add a small dab of glue to the twine tip and roll it into a point to make threading easier.)
5. Find the perfect spot to hang your whimsical fall garland and admire your family’s handiwork!

Activity 2: DIY Pumpkin Pie Trifles

A fun and festive fall dessert the whole family can build together

Over the weekend, we made these pumpkin pie trifles for movie night and they were a big hit! Traditionally, trifles are made in one big glass bowl to show off the pretty layers, but this version is even more fun because everyone builds their own.

These make a great no-bake dessert for cozy fall nights, Thanksgiving, or just when you're in the mood for something a little festive but super easy.

What You’ll Need

Grab a few glass cups, mason jars, or small bowls—anything clear works great so you can see the layers.

For the trifle base:

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding
• ½ can pureed pumpkin
• 1–2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (to taste)

Mix the pudding as directed, then stir in the pumpkin and spice to make a creamy pumpkin pie pudding.

Toppings and Layer Options

Offer a variety of toppings so everyone can mix and match. Some favorites include:

• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Crisp apples or pears, diced
• Crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or gingersnaps
• Toasted walnuts, peanuts, or almonds
• Dried cranberries or raisins
• Pomegranate seeds
• White or dark chocolate chips

How to Build Your Trifle

Give each person their own glass or bowl.

1. Start with a spoonful of pumpkin pie pudding.
2. Add something crunchy (like crushed cookies or nuts).
3. Follow with fruit or dried fruit.
4. Add a swirl of whipped cream.
5. Repeat the layers until your glass is full or your heart is content.

Why We Love It

This dessert is sweet, simple, and endlessly customizable. It’s also a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen, no baking required! You can set it up like a mini trifle bar and let everyone layer to their heart’s content.

Want to take it over the top? Serve it with a mug of warm apple cider and you’ve got peak cozy vibes.