10 Items Designers Always Buy For Their Fall Tablescapes

Creating a fall tablescapes is an artful way to embrace the coziness and warmth of the autumn season. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or an elegant dinner party, incorporating seasonal elements into your table setting can create an inviting atmosphere for your guests. Here’s a guide to the 10 items that designers often use to craft the perfect fall tablescape:

Pumpkins:

Pumpkins are indeed a quintessential element of fall decor and can serve as a charming and versatile centerpiece for your tablescape. Here’s how you can incorporate pumpkins into your fall table design:

• Size & Placement: Choose small to medium-sized pumpkins to ensure they don’t overpower your table setting. You can place a single pumpkin as a central focal point or group several together for a more dynamic centerpiece.
• Color Palette: Natural orange pumpkins instantly evoke the spirit of fall. For a more refined or monochromatic look, consider painting the pumpkins in white, gold, or even a matte black. These colors can add a touch of elegance and easily complement your existing table decor.
• Texture & Finish: Mix and match pumpkins with different textures and finishes. Combine glossy painted pumpkins with the rough, natural texture of unpainted gourds to add visual interest to your tablescape.
• Accessorizing: Embellish your pumpkins with additional decor such as ribbons, twine, or seasonal flowers. You can also carve them in a stylish way or use decals and stencils to add patterns.
• Functional Decor: Hollow out a large pumpkin and use it as a vase for autumnal flowers or branches. Smaller pumpkins can hold place cards or menu details for an added personal touch.

By integrating pumpkins into your fall tablescape, you can create an inviting and festive table that celebrates the essence of the season.

Tablecloths:

Tablecloths are a foundational element in tablescaping that can anchor your entire design. For fall, a well-chosen tablecloth can infuse seasonal warmth and elegance into your dining setting. Here’s how to select and style tablecloths for a fall tablescape:

• Color Choices: Embrace the palette of the season with colors like gold, cranberry, pumpkin, or earthy browns and greens. These hues reflect the natural changes of autumn and create a rich backdrop for your tableware and decorations.
• Layering: To add sophistication to your tablescape, consider layering tablecloths or using a table runner atop your main tablecloth. For instance, you could layer a sheer gold organza tablecloth over a solid cranberry base to create depth and interest.
• Textures: Fall is all about texture. Think about incorporating materials like linen, burlap, or even velvet for a luxurious touch. These fabrics can add a tactile element to your table setting that guests will appreciate.
• Patterns: Don’t shy away from patterns such as plaid, gingham, or floral prints with a fall motif. If you choose a patterned tablecloth, balance it with solid-colored tableware and simple decorations to prevent the tablescape from looking too busy.
• Seasonal Embellishments: A tablecloth with subtle fall-themed accents like embroidered leaves or pumpkins can set the tone without overwhelming. These details can elegantly tie in with the rest of your fall decor.

When selecting a tablecloth for your fall tablescape, consider the mood you want to create—whether it’s rustic, sophisticated, or somewhere in between—and let that guide your choices in color, texture, and pattern.

Candles:

Candles are a wonderful way to enhance the ambiance of your fall tablescape with both visual beauty and fragrance. Here’s how to effectively incorporate candles into your autumn table setting:

• Autumnal Scents: Select candles with scents that evoke the essence of autumn. Scents like cinnamon, apple, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and woodsy pine can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Scented candles not only add to the aesthetic but also stimulate the senses, making the dining experience more memorable.
• Color Coordination: Use candles in rich fall colors such as deep reds, warm oranges, yellows, and browns. These colors can complement the overall theme and add a sense of depth to your table setting. You can also use neutral-colored candles, like creams or whites, if your table is already abundant in color.
• Candle Holders: The holders can be as much a part of the decor as the candles themselves. Consider using rustic holders made of wood or metal for a cozy, farmhouse feel. Glass holders can add a touch of elegance, while holders with autumn motifs can reinforce the seasonal theme.
• Decorative Groupings: Group candles together for a stronger visual impact. You can arrange them at varying heights to add dimension to your table. Interspersing them with natural elements such as pinecones, acorns, and small branches can create a more organic look.
• Safety Considerations: When using real candles, be mindful of safety. Ensure that the candles are securely placed in sturdy holders and that flammable decorations are kept at a safe distance. For a worry-free option, especially for long gatherings, consider using LED candles. They can mimic the flicker of real flames without the risk.
• Table Placement: Place candles strategically around the table where they won’t interfere with guests’ ability to see each other or impede the passing of dishes. They should enhance the dining experience, not disrupt it.

Incorporating candles into your fall tablescape is an effective way to create a cozy and inviting setting for your guests, combining the visual beauty of their warm glow with the delightful scents of the season.

Placemats:

Placemats are both practical and decorative elements that can significantly enhance a tablescape. When it comes to choosing placemats for a fall-themed table, here are some considerations:

• Material Choice: For a more elegant and refined look, materials like lace or silk can add a layer of sophistication to your table setting. They work well for formal dinners and can be selected in colors that complement your overall color scheme.
• Texture for Rustic Appeal: If you’re aiming for a cozy, rustic fall vibe, woven placemats made from materials like burlap, jute, or rattan can add depth and a sense of warmth to your tablescape. These textures evoke the essence of the harvest season and pair beautifully with other natural elements.
• Color Selection: Fall placemats in earth tones such as burnt orange, deep reds, yellows, and browns can tie in the seasonal theme. However, don’t hesitate to use more muted colors like beige or gray as a backdrop for more vibrant tableware and decorations.
• Shape and Design: Placemats come in various shapes—round, square, or rectangular. The shape can influence the feel of the table; for instance, round placemats can soften a formal table setting. Designs featuring fall motifs such as leaves, pumpkins, or harvest themes can also add a playful touch to the table.
• Layering: Layering placemats with contrasting textures or colors can add dimension to your table. For example, a smaller round placemat on top of a larger square one can create an interesting visual effect.
• Protective Function: Beyond aesthetics, placemats serve to protect your table from heat, spills, and scratches. Choose ones that are easy to clean and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of dining.

When setting your fall table, consider the mood and function of the occasion to select the appropriate placemats that not only complement your decor but also enhance the dining experience for your guests.

Napkins:

Cloth napkins are an elegant addition to any tablescape and can significantly elevate the dining experience, especially for fall gatherings. Here’s how you can integrate napkins into your autumn table decor:

• Seasonal Colors and Designs: Opt for napkins in rich fall colors like deep reds, oranges, ochres, and earthy browns. Napkins with printed autumnal motifs such as leaves, pumpkins, or harvest themes can also tie in the seasonal concept.
• Fabric Choices: Linen and cotton are classic choices that add a touch of sophistication. They’re not only durable but also wash well, which is essential for reuse. For an extra touch of luxury, consider materials like damask or jacquard, which have a subtle pattern woven into the fabric itself.
• Personalization: Adding a monogram or embroidering guests’ initials on each napkin provides a personalized touch that can make your guests feel special. It also adds an element of bespoke charm to your tablescape.
• Napkin Rings: Utilize napkin rings to hold each napkin in place. Rings can be simple and elegant or more ornate to match the theme of your table. You can also get creative with seasonal items, using twine with cinnamon sticks, small branches, or autumn leaves as DIY napkin rings.
• Folding Techniques: The way you fold the napkins can add to the decor. Elegant folds or even simple ones with a leaf or a small pumpkin placed on top can enhance the overall look of the table.
• Placement: Napkins can be placed to the left of the fork, under the fork, or on the plate as part of the presentation. You might also place a menu or a place card on top of the napkin for added functionality and style.

Using cloth napkins is not only environmentally friendly, but it also gives a sense of occasion to your meal. With thoughtful choices in colors, fabrics, and additional personalized touches, napkins can greatly contribute to a beautiful and memorable fall tablescape.

Table Runners:

Table runners are a fantastic way to add a linear element of design to your tablescape, acting as a spine from which the rest of your table decor can branch off. They are particularly effective for adding layers of color, texture, and pattern. For an autumn setting, here’s how to choose and use a table runner:

• Autumn Motifs: A table runner with a leaf pattern can reinforce the fall theme. You can find designs that mimic the look of scattered fall leaves, which can be quite striking against a solid tablecloth or a bare wooden table.
• Solid Colors: If your dinnerware and other table decor are patterned, a solid-colored runner can provide a grounding element that ties everything together. Choose a color that complements the other hues on the table, like a deep burgundy, a warm gold, or a burnt orange.
• Texture: The texture of your table runner can add a lot to the table. Materials like burlap or a woven linen blend give a rustic feel, while silk or velvet can lend a more sophisticated touch.
• Width and Length: Consider the size of your table when selecting a runner. A wider runner can make a bold statement, while a narrower one can be a subtle addition. The length should be enough to hang over the edges of the table, creating a sense of flow.
• Layering: You can place a table runner over a tablecloth for a layered look or use it on its own to showcase the table’s material. Layering a runner over a contrasting tablecloth can create an attractive border that frames your centerpiece and place settings.
• Centerpiece Integration: Use the runner to anchor your centerpiece, whether it’s a line of candles, a floral arrangement, or a collection of pumpkins and gourds. The runner can help to visually connect all the elements of your centerpiece.

A well-chosen table runner not only defines the dining area but also serves as a canvas for the rest of your table decor, complementing and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your fall tablescape.

Tableware:

Tableware is the cornerstone of any tablescape, and for a fall theme, your choices can range from elegantly traditional to modern and eclectic. Here are some tips for selecting tableware that complements the autumn season:

• Color Palette: Utilize plates, bowls, and serving pieces in colors that echo the fall season, such as deep reds, warm oranges, earthy browns, and rich yellows. These can be solid colors or feature patterns that correspond with the theme.
• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns within your autumnal palette. This can add a playful and inviting look to your table. For example, you might pair solid-colored plates with patterned chargers or vice versa.
• Metallic Accents: Tableware with gold, bronze, or copper accents can bring a touch of warmth to the table and reflect the cozy ambiance of the season. Metallic-rimmed plates or utensils with metallic handles can serve this purpose beautifully.
• Rustic Elements: For a more rustic look, consider tableware with a handmade feel, such as stoneware or earthenware. These materials often come in natural, muted tones that fit right in with a fall color scheme.
• Layering: Layering your tableware can create a rich and textured look. Start with a charger, add a dinner plate, and then a smaller salad or dessert plate on top. This not only adds depth to your table setting but also gives each place setting a sense of importance.
• Utensils: Choose utensils that match the formality and style of your dinnerware. For a fall tablescape, utensils with wooden handles can complement the theme. If you’re going for elegance, choose cutlery with a high-shine finish or with subtle autumnal details.
• Glassware: Glassware can also play a role in your fall tablescape. Amber-colored glasses can add a warm glow, while clear glassware with gold trim can match other metallic elements on the table.

Incorporating these elements when selecting your tableware can significantly enhance the overall look of your fall tablescape, making it a memorable setting for any autumn gathering.

Natural Elements:

Incorporating natural elements into your tablescape is a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty and beauty of the fall season. These elements can add texture, color, and an organic feel to your table. Here’s how to include them in your decor:

• Branches: Collect branches with interesting shapes or with leaves still attached. You can lay them down the center of the table as a runner or arrange them in tall vases for height. Bare branches can also provide a striking silhouette against a more minimalistic table setting.
• Berries: Berries offer a pop of color and can be scattered around the table, placed in small dishes, or used within floral centerpieces. Ensure any berries you use are non-toxic, especially if guests might be tempted to taste them.
• Foraged Leaves: Gather a variety of leaves in different colors and sizes. Maple, oak, and aspen leaves have beautiful fall colors and shapes. You can arrange them down the center of the table, place them under clear plates for a layered look, or even use them as place cards with names written in metallic pen.
• Gourds and Pumpkins: Small gourds and pumpkins can be interspersed with the leaves and branches for a classic fall feel. They come in a variety of colors and textures and can be piled up, lined up, or used as part of a larger centerpiece.
• Pinecones and Acorns: These can be used as filler around larger items or gathered into bowls or clear glass jars. They add a rustic touch and can also be painted or dusted with glitter for a bit of sparkle.
• Dried Flowers and Grasses: Dried hydrangeas, wheat stalks, pampas grass, or other dried flowers can add softness and a different texture to your table. They can be used in arrangements or laid flat on the table.
• Stones and Rocks: Especially for a table with earthy tones, smooth river rocks or small stones can serve as organic, grounding elements. They can be used to hold down place cards or simply as decorative elements.

When using natural elements, it’s important to consider the balance and proportion of your table decor. Too many can make the table look cluttered, while too few might get lost among the other elements. Aim for a harmonious blend that brings the outside in and sets the perfect scene for your autumnal feast.

Potted Plants or Flowers:

Adding potted plants or flowers to your tablescape can infuse life and vibrancy into your setting, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere. Here’s how to incorporate these elements in a way that complements the fall theme:

• Selecting Seasonal Species: Choose plants or flowers that naturally bloom in the fall or have foliage in autumnal hues. Mums, pansies, and ornamental kale are popular for their fall colors. Succulents, while not necessarily colorful, can add texture and are low-maintenance.
• Pot Selection: The containers for your plants or flowers are just as important as the plants themselves. Terra cotta pots give a classic, rustic look, while metallic or glazed ceramic pots can add a touch of elegance. Choose pots that match or complement your overall color scheme.
• Arrangement: Instead of one large plant, consider a grouping of smaller pots for a more intricate display. You can cluster them in the center of the table as a focal point or distribute them evenly along a runner for a more integrated look.
• Adding Height: Use plants of varying heights to add dimension to your table. You can also elevate some pots with stands or place them on top of stacked books for a more dynamic presentation.
• Edible Plants: Herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme are not only seasonal but also fragrant and can be used in your cooking. Potted herbs double as practical and decorative items.
• Maintenance: If you’re using live plants, make sure they don’t require too much maintenance or water, as this can be impractical on a dining table. Also, ensure that any plant you choose doesn’t have a strong scent that could overwhelm the food.
• Incorporating Non-Living Elements: Mix in some non-living elements like pinecones, nuts, or wood slices with your potted plants to add to the fall theme without requiring extra care.

Using potted plants or flowers allows you to bring the beauty of the season directly to your table. They can create a fresh and organic look that’s perfect for fall gatherings. After your event, these plants can continue to decorate your home or serve as parting gifts for your guests.

Creepy-Chic Elements:

Introducing creepy-chic elements to your tablescape can add a playful yet sophisticated edge to a Halloween-themed event. The trick is to balance the eerie with the elegant to create a setting that’s both spooky and stylish. Here’s how to achieve this look:

• Black Tablecloth: Start with a black tablecloth as your base. It sets a dramatic stage for your tablescape and makes other colors pop, especially white or metallics.
• White Place Settings with Black Chargers: Place white dinnerware on top of black chargers to create a stark contrast. This classic color combination brings a sense of sophistication to the table.
• Creepy Centerpiece: Craft a centerpiece that’s a nod to the Halloween theme without being over the top. Consider a floral arrangement with dark flowers, such as black dahlias or calla lilies, and add in some twisted branches or thorns. You could also create a display with elegant vintage candelabras draped with faux cobwebs.
• Eerie Accents: Introduce elements like small skulls, potion bottles, or black candles to add a gothic touch. These can be scattered around the table or arranged as part of the centerpiece.
• Subtle Lighting: Use dimmed lights or candlelight to create shadows and a mysterious atmosphere. Opt for candles in deep reds or blacks to maintain the color scheme.
• Metallic Highlights: Incorporate touches of silver, gold, or brass through flatware, napkin rings, or glassware rims to add a bit of glamour and break up the monochrome palette.
• Luxurious Fabrics: Add velvet or lace as accents—perhaps as napkins or a table runner—to introduce texture and a vintage feel.
• Thematic Place Cards: Create place cards that fit the theme, like miniature tombstones with guests’ names or cards in the shape of bats or ghosts.

By balancing darker, Halloween-inspired elements with upscale decor, you can create a tablescape that is both chic and in line with the playful spirit of the holiday. This approach allows for a celebration of Halloween that feels adult and refined.

These elements, when combined thoughtfully, can create a tablescape that’s both seasonal and stylish, perfect for any fall gathering.