Thanksgiving is just a few days away and then it is time for Mr. GreenTrees to open for all your upcoming Christmas needs! But before we dive into Christmas, let’s take the time to give thanks for what an amazing season we had at Mr. Bones!

If you’re anything like us, chances are you still have some of those gorgeous pumpkins and gourds leftover from Halloween, but before you toss them, why not use them in a creative way for Thanksgiving?

Here are some cool, fun ways to get the most use out of those pumpkins.

1. Use the smaller pumpkins as place card holders! You can even pant them or cover them in glitter to make them more festive (as seen below)
   
2.  Cut them in half, hollow them out, and use as an ice bucket for white wine, champagne, or even soda! 
3. Create a pumpkin puree and use it as a base for pumpkin infused cocktails, pumpkin pancakes for your morning guests, the possibilities are endless! For some recipe inspiration click here or here. 
4. Use as soup bowls! Small to medium size pumpkins would be perfect for this! 5. Roast the pumpkin seeds with salt, paprika (or cayenne if you’re feeling spicy) and a little olive oil for a delicious snack to graze on while the turkey is in the oven! 

During this season of Joy and Light and Family Togetherness, we want to celebrate the family farms that supply Mr. Greentrees with sustainably grown trees, wreaths and garlands. We have a deep appreciation for our growers who are as passionate about growing the finest trees possible as they are about taking care of the land that serves them.

Bear Canyon Tree Farm is family owned and operated and has been using sustainable, green farming practices since 1949. Today, three generations work side by side making many yuletides bright.

Bambi’s Nursery, established in 1971, grows a wide variety of trees in two locations in Northern California and Oregon. Their Silvertip firs are wild-grown and wild-harvested. This is as close to nature as it gets. In addition, Mr. Greentrees is delight to carry their adorable Christmas Critters, made from the trees cleared to reduce fire danger in the forest.

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or the New Year, it is a time of giving and receiving, and just as the earth gives us trees around which to gather, garlands and wreaths to mark our annual celebrations, we want to show our thanks to the earth by supporting the farms that give back more than they take.

Once Upon a Time…

Come hear a tale or two at the Gypsy Storytelling Caravan at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch!

In our fast-paced and over scheduled world of glowing screens and text messages, we invite you to experience the joy of unplugging from technology and connecting with people! Together, the children and the storytellers bring Halloween alive and transport the audience in to the creative and magical world that is the very essence of Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch.

Mr. Bones is proud to keep this ancient art of improvisational storytelling alive in his Gypsy Caravan. As you step through the curtains of Mr. Bones’ Gypsy Storytelling Theater, you leave behind the “real” world and enter a magical forest lit by a full moon and twinkling stars. Our resident Bards and Master Storytellers, Jennifer and Kelli, will conjure up classic Halloween tales told by the light of a glowing campfire. Children are warmly encouraged to play along during the stories, either in the form of traditional call-and-response, or in taking on the silly, spooky characters and acting along with the story.

Check out Mr. Bones’ favorite Halloween reads:

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything is a perfect first Halloween book.
Click here to see this book online.

Frankenstein by Ludworst Bemonster
We love this take on the classic Madeline series!
Click here to see this book online.

It’s Raining Bats and Frogs by Rebecca Colby has been a beloved favorite.
Click here to see this book online.

For older kids and grown ups the artist in us loves The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg for its amazing sketch-y illustrations.
Click here to see this book online.

When we started hunting for Mr. Bones’ new Pumpkin Patch, we were absolutely enchanted by Culver City. With a rich history and some amazing wild open spaces in the middle of an up-and-coming community it covers all bases. The foodie culture is a hive of restaurants, cafes and watering spots to delight even the most adventurous palate. We were delighted with the diversity and originality of family and kid friendly venues and inspiring lifestyle and retail offerings.

1. We LOVE Jag Gym—it’s a healthy, fun and safe environment for kids to learn gymnastics. They have drop-in classes and camps almost every day school is out of session. It’s the perfect place to drop the kiddos off and explore Culver City. Visit Jag Gym online.
   
   

2. Another fixture in the Arts District is Coolhaus, the now famous purveyors of “architecturally inspired” ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. You may have seen one of their sleek ice cream trucks cruising around the city. Our favorite is the Dirty Mint Chip, and word on the street has it that the have a seasonal Pumpkin Ice Cream up their sleeve. Visit Coolhaus online.
   
   

3. Get some inspiration at Rolling Greens Home + Garden. Stroll through their extensive nurseries and hot houses and check out their lovely curated selection of home furnishings. You’ll want to call the place home, sweet home. Visit Rolling Greens online.
   
   
   

4. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook – This 500-foot peak is a wild, open space sanctuary right in the middle of the city. The stairs, featured in a Nike ad are infamously brutal and a favorite training ground for serious athletes. But the climb to the top is worth the effort offering majestic 360-degree panoramic views of the City of Angels.  Visit Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook online.

5. Our new neighbor at West LA College is The Star Eco Station Exotic Wildlife Rescue Center. This is a rare haven for endangered and illegally-trafficked exotic animals confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Book in advance to hold the pythons! Visit The Star Eco Station Exotic Wildlife Rescue Center online.

6. Grab a healthy bite at Matthew Kenney’s Make Out Everyday. He’s the raw food chef and a recent NYC transplant. His chic and casual eatery has a full menu from juices and smoothies to bowls, wraps and salads. Visit Matthew Kenney’s Make Out Everyday online.
   
   

7. Find the Best Cooking Classes in Town at The New School of Cooking in the Arts District. The school known for its professional-track chef training program also well shorter classes and workshops for the rest of us. Bonus: they have a café with deliciously inventive offerings at lovely prices. Visit The New School of Cooking online.

8. Hooray for Zoogayoga, the only yoga studio dedicated to kids where every pose is Child’s Pose! Visit Zoogayoga online.

9. Just five minutes away from the new Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is Bar Nine Collective, where exceptionally good coffee is served in Mason jars in this Portland-chic venue. Add to that delicious pastries and house-made hazelnut milk and resistance is futile. Visit Bar Nine Collective online.
   

   
   

10. It’s nearly impossible to find a great Dosa in LA, but Mayura’s Masala Dosa is top notch. This unassuming Indian Restaurant is in a strip mall next to a check cashing place, and the parking can be tricky but it is well worth the effort for the freshness of their dishes.
    Visit Mayura’s online.
    

I began the week with a panic. Unseasonable rain transformed our smooth sailing set-up into a grueling scene out of a disaster movie.  Ankle deep in mud, with sheer will and dedication, my crew transformed a mucky bog on Doheny Drive into the magical Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch.  Open and ready for a spooky Halloween and a great Opening Day!

This fall, Mr. Bones is not just about fun and making lasting memories.  We’ve partnered with Yoplait yogurt to help build strong California families and give back to the community. For every pumpkin purchased at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch this season, Yoplait is donating $1 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to help strengthen local California families, up to $10,000.

Allison Sweeney kicked off this partnership, by sharing some of her tips for keeping her family lean and healthy, not to mention showcasing an ultra-cute DIY Halloween necklace.

Hearing the kid’s squeals of delight, as they explored the pumpkin patch, put all our hard work in perspective!

Come join us—share in the memories and with the help of Yoplait, you can not only keep your family California Strong, but also do some good in the process.

See you soon!