10 Items Designers Always Buy For Their Fall Tablescapes
Setting an inviting autumn tablescape is the ideal way to welcome friends and family this autumn season, but how should you go about designing one?
Sims-Hilditch suggests using branches and foliage adorned with leaves, berries or gourds as centerpieces. Large faux stems that resemble real foliage such as these eucalyptus branches also work very well as centerpieces.
1. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are an iconic fall staple, making for an eye-catching centerpiece and adding texture and warmth to any table setting. @traceymusgrove1’s autumn table uses an unassuming garland as the finishing touch to give a cohesive aesthetic; alongside medium-sized pumpkins and greenery to complete its look.
Consider adding an attractive seasonal touch with a simple wreath at each place setting, adding farmhouse appeal with its gathered cotton design and giving the table its signature farmhouse ambience.
Subtle references to the season can make any tablescape truly special, such as adding wax seals on cards for an elegant yet cozy aesthetic, handwritten place cards to each setting, antler candle holders or feathers for a more eclectic touch – or incorporating galvanized buckets with meaningful stories attached.
2. Tablecloths
An appropriate table linens can set an instant fall theme and tie everything together seamlessly. Designer Birdie Fortescue loves layering patterns and textures fabric as part of her tablescape designs: “Tablecloths provide an ideal place to express my creativity with color and texture.”
Gold hues make an elegant fall tablescape. Their rich hue adds depth and warmth, creating a festive ambience without overshadowing other decor. Even just pairing a simple gold tablecloth with wicker charger plates and metal flatware can help achieve this festive effect without overwhelming the decor.
Other colors you could consider including sunburn orange, cranberry red and warm pumpkin. Don’t be intimidated to experiment with bold patterns such as gingham or floral print – just be sure that all linens, napkins and accessories match. Otherwise it might appear too busy!
3. Candles
Candles are an effortless way to set the scene at any autumn tablescape, providing visual interest as well as ambience. Choose sweet pumpkin scents or more woodsy smokey notes depending on your personal style.
Make your candleholders festive this fall season by using fall gifts such as pinecones, acorns, apples or cranberries to embellish them for an eye-catching display. Or create an impressive centerpiece featuring corn, acorns and candles in a bowl; pumpkins with candles in various shapes and sizes or simply an assortment of candles!
Do not forget to incorporate some creepy-chic elements into your Halloween and Thanksgiving tablescapes this year. From spider webs to brass skulls, these touches can transform any table. Layering textures is another great way to bring depth and dimension to fall decor; mixing jute table runners with burlap runners as well as fabric tablecloths will really make an impactful statement about your fall decor!
4. Placemats
Placemats provide tables with protection from water marks, food stains and heat damage while serving as decorative pieces – especially when made of lace or silk. Placemats can also serve to promote local businesses, special events or menu items.
Designer Cassandra LaValle often opts for placemats instead of charger plates when decorating a dinner party table, preferring their organic simplicity and ability to be easily cleaned with damp cloth should any spillage or accidental finger prints occur. She likes using these woven nylon ones because they can easily be wiped clean if there are spills or finger prints left behind by diners at her dinner parties.
Pine cones, pampas grass, twigs and branches from nature add texture and life to any table setting. However, LaValle cautions that once wetted these elements don’t last very long. To extend their longevity she recommends “soaking the leaves and branches in a bathtub of water prior to placing them on your table”.
5. Napkins
Napkins add a polished and classic feel to tablescapes, making guests feel upscale when dining at restaurants, wedding venues and catering companies. Cloth napkins hold up especially well when washed regularly – an essential factor when considering frequent use in these environments.
Create an eye-catching fall tablescape by choosing napkins with wreath designs or seasonal motifs such as the one seen here – these napkins have subtle green wreath designs that tie in well with its overall theme!
Add some rustic flair by personalizing each guest’s napkin with their initial for a personal touch. Scrapbook paper place cards can also help mark each seat; and adding natural elements such as foliage can easily round out a tablescape.
6. Table Runners
Table runners are an easy and cost-effective way to add texture, pattern or accents to any fall tablescape without overwhelming other decorations. This runner features an intricate leaf design in neutral hues which coordinate with any tablecloth; additionally it coordinates perfectly with matching linen napkins for an unified look.
Make the table more personalized by using scrapbooking paper for place cards. Write each guest’s name on an individual square and tie them with dried wheat stalks or eucalyptus branches as natural elements to your place settings.
Setting your tablescape around one specific hue for fall can be the ideal way to bring all the different elements together into one harmonious look. From golden yellows and vibrant cranberry red hues, all the way through dramatic dark purples – using color is key when selecting linens and tableware such as this sophisticated table runner that pairs nicely with linen napkins and plates!
7. Tableware
Selecting tableware to complement a fall-inspired tablescape is key. Mix and match dinnerware featuring autumnal hues like gold or orange for an eye-catching tablescape, and pair metallic or wood-handled flatware to complete it all.
Add plenty of candles to your fall tablescape in order to create a warm and intimate setting for dinner with family and friends. Their soft glow can instantly transform any dining area into an intimate environment, perfect for enjoying dinner as a group.
Pinecones and acorns add rustic charm to your tablescape, as well as serving as unique place cards. Foraged leaves and branches look especially stunning when arranged on your tablecloth or around your centerpiece; just be sure to store cut leaves or branches in water prior to using them on the table in order to extend their freshness and avoid using toxic plants and flowers in your fall tablescape!
8. Natural Elements
Instead of going all-out when decorating for fall table settings, many of the key components can come from nature itself. Natural elements add texture and peace to autumn designs.
Lamb’s Ear Wreath for Subtle Elegance in Farmhouse-Inspired Tablescape. Its neutral green hue pairs beautifully with both tablecloth and linen napkins; further adding rustic charm. Tan candle holders and brass napkin rings round out this design perfectly.
Adding foraged foliage to your centerpiece is an effortless and budget-friendly way to bring seasonal color into the dining experience. South House Designs created this DIY Foraged Floral Tablescape featuring autumn hues combined with natural elements for an inviting autumn tablescape that your family and guests are sure to love.
9. Potted Plants or Flowers
Add autumn flair to a tablescape by including natural elements such as potted plants or flowers for an instant makeover of any setting. They’re easy to come by at home, adding vibrant color while simultaneously setting the tablescape’s mood for fall!
South House Designs created this lush green centerpiece to add festive cheer to any table, featuring foraged plants such as oak leaves, crepe myrtle pods and rose hips arranged amidst large-leaved helenium leaves that contrast perfectly against more delicate blooms.
Marigolds make for a vibrant arrangement. Easy to grow in containers and with many different color varieties available, marigolds make a stunning centerpiece in fall or winter months in most USDA zones. Their bright hues pair beautifully with pansies or succulents – they even make a fantastic seating chart alternative instead of chalkboard!
10. Creepy-Chic Elements
Pumpkins, candlesticks and creepy decor are essential pieces for creating atmospheric fall tablescapes. By strategically using them in moderation, these elements will give your guests that cozy seasonal feeling without overdoing it on creepy.
For an eerie Halloween tablescape, try adding elements such as skeletons, moss and spider webs into your design. Or pair these elements with black tablecloths and apothecary jars for an eye-catching fall tablescape!
Add chic Halloween tablescape elements like black tablecloth and white place settings, black chargers and glassware, orange napkins and stylish touches such as black chargers to elevate this design further. Top it all off with a creepy centerpiece such as crow or skull hand bowl and add black candles for the ideal Halloween tablescape!
