Dallas entrepreneur turns pumpkin passion into porch-perfect business

Dallas (KDAF) — What started as a small favor for a few families has quickly grown into one of Dallas’ most in-demand seasonal decorating services.

Crystal Brown, owner of Good Gourds, launched her business in 2021 after friends and neighbors found themselves waitlisted for pumpkin porch displays. She offered to design a handful of custom arrangements, and demand took off almost overnight.

Now, Brown’s fall displays have become a staple across Dallas, mixing heirloom pumpkins, stacked arrangements and seasonal greenery to transform front porches into autumn showpieces.

“I always recommend starting with your largest pumpkin as the base and layering smaller ones on top,” Brown said. 

“Varying colors and textures really brings the display to life, and if you don’t have stairs, hay bales or planters can add that extra height.”

Brown also shares tips for homeowners who want to try decorating on their own, including sourcing pumpkins from local farmers markets such as Kelley Produce and keeping displays shaded to extend their lifespan. She also suggests cleaning the pumpkins and spraying them with diluted bleach to prevent rotting. 

This year, she said she’s seeing a trend toward muted palettes, white pumpkins and even metallic accents like gold skeletons. For those who prefer a sleek, modern look, she suggests sticking to a clean color palette and symmetrical stacking.

Good Gourds sets itself apart by offering delivery, setup and seasonal refreshes- services Brown said many competitors don’t provide.

She still has limited availability this season and encourages interested customers to book soon. “The easiest way is to text or DM me on Instagram,” she said. “We’ll get you scheduled quickly.”

As a special for viewers, Good Gourds is including five extra specialty pumpkins with any package booked by mentioning the segment.

More information can be found on Instagram at @goodgourdsdallas.