The Rise of Professional Pumpkin Decorating: A New Fall Tradition
As autumn settles in across the United States, a unique trend is emerging: professional pumpkin decorating services. This year, more Americans are opting to hire experts to create stunning fall displays, with costs ranging from $300 to nearly $1,000. This shift reflects a broader cultural change in how families engage with seasonal festivities.
A Shift in Seasonal Celebrations
With the arrival of fall, many homeowners are eager to adorn their properties with the vibrant colors and festive spirit of the season. Jessica Ransom, a mother of two from Charlotte, North Carolina, exemplifies this trend. “I normally spend over $200 on pumpkins, and every time I pull into my driveway, I hate it,” she shared. This year, Ransom decided to hire “Little Pumpkin Decorators,” a local service that specializes in creating picturesque autumn displays.
“My kids are older, and they’re really getting into the holidays and Halloween,” Ransom explained. “So I thought, okay, I’m going to really try to make it look as holiday-ish as possible.” This sentiment resonates with many families who are increasingly looking for ways to enhance their holiday experiences without the stress of DIY decorating.
The Emergence of Pumpkin Concierge Services
The trend of hiring pumpkin decorators has gained momentum in recent years, particularly after a Texas-based decorator, Heather Torres of Porch Pumpkins, went viral for her elaborate displays. Torres’s business has expanded significantly, with plans to decorate over 1,300 porches in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston this season.
Inspired by Torres, Christine Davies and Ashley Bunn founded “Little Pumpkin Decorators.” Both women, former corporate professionals, sought a way to spend more time with their children while also bringing joy to their community. “It’s an outlet for moms, it’s an extra income if you want it to be, and it just brings people joy,” Davies told FOX Business.
The Economics of Holiday Decorating
As families consider their options for fall decorations, the cost of hiring professionals can be a significant factor. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are expected to spend a record-breaking $13.1 billion on Halloween this year, up from $11.6 billion in 2023. While the average consumer anticipated spending around $53.88 on decorations last year, the growing popularity of professional services suggests that many are willing to invest more for convenience and aesthetic appeal.
Ransom, for instance, believes the cost is justified. “It’s so worth the extra money; it’s just a mental load thing to not have to worry about that,” she said. Little Pumpkin Decorators offers various packages to accommodate different budgets, ensuring that families can enjoy beautiful displays without breaking the bank.
Sustainable Practices in Pumpkin Decorating
One notable aspect of this trend is the commitment to sustainability. Little Pumpkin Decorators sources their pumpkins from local North Carolina farms, supporting local agriculture while minimizing their carbon footprint. After the season concludes, the team returns to dismantle the displays and donates the pumpkins to local farms for animal feed. This practice not only reduces waste but also fosters a sense of community.
A Growing Market
The demand for professional pumpkin decorating services is not limited to the Southeast. Brandon Helfer, a holiday entrepreneur based in California, reports receiving requests for porch decorating as early as July. His company, Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkins, offers a range of services, from simple displays to elaborate setups that can cost anywhere from $500 to $10,000.
Helfer, who has been in the business for over a decade, notes that while the demand for displays may fluctuate, the need for pumpkins remains strong. “I do believe our business will go down a little bit on the displays, but my increase on people that need to buy the pumpkins is blowing up,” he said.
The Cultural Significance of Fall Decorations
The rise of professional pumpkin decorating services reflects a broader cultural shift in how families celebrate seasonal traditions. Historically, autumn has been a time for harvest festivals and community gatherings, with decorations serving as a way to welcome the season. Today, as families become busier and seek to balance work and home life, hiring professionals to handle seasonal decor allows them to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time together.
This trend also highlights the growing importance of aesthetics in home decor. As social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest continue to influence consumer behavior, the desire for visually appealing displays has surged. Families are increasingly looking to create Instagram-worthy moments that capture the essence of the season.
Conclusion
The trend of hiring professional pumpkin decorators is more than just a seasonal fad; it represents a significant shift in how families engage with autumn traditions. As the demand for these services continues to grow, it underscores the importance of convenience, sustainability, and community in modern celebrations. With the promise of beautiful displays and the joy they bring, professional pumpkin decorating is poised to become a cherished part of the fall season for many American families.
