“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” —Oscar Wilde

Taking the time to create a thoughtful harvest tablescape is the key to crafting unforgettable experiences, all season long.  With shorter days and cooler temperatures approaching, we can look forward to fall gatherings, shared meals, and cozy evenings with loved ones around the dinner table.

There is no better way to capture the essence of the season than with a beautifully designed harvest tablescape that pairs delightfully with a meal shared with family and friends.

In this post I walked you through how to create a tablescape from scratch, step-by-step.  If you have never designed a tablescape, I would recommend you read that post first for the basic step-by-step process and then head back here for fall-specific tips!

 

No. 1 – Choose a Fall-Inspired Color Palette

While I consider myself to be primarily a spring and summer girlie, by August I find myself craving deep, rich color palettes. Shades of burgundy, burnt orange, brown, and olive scratch an itch that brighter hues just can’t quite reach. Choosing a color scheme with muted, yet rich tones will set the tone for a cozy, intimate gathering.

For a more simplistic table setting, you can simply use variations of the same 1-2 colors for a monochromatic look.

Here are some of my personal favorite color palettes for the season:

 

No. 2 – Create a Seasonal Centerpiece With Fall Stems & Florals

Utilize Earth’s natural beauty to your advantage by bringing the outdoors in. Place some fresh flowers or  seasonal branches into a vase you already own for simple and free floral arrangement.

If you don’t have access to fresh florals or allergies are a concern, here are some faux stems I love that will create the same exact vibe:

[Tap the image above to view on Amazon!]

 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

No. 3 – Layer, Layer, Layer!

Experiment with layering different  elements like table runners, placemats, dishes, etc.  Layering your dining table works the same way as layering clothing.  The pieces work together to create more visual interest, whilst providing an element of warmth.

 

No. 4 – Add Natural Elements & Textures

Add even more depth and warmth by incorporating a variety of textures.  Woven materials, wood, brass, rattan, and leather all add a richness that will charmingly accentuate any fall tablescape.

 

No. 5. – Mix Patterns

Don’t be afraid to flex your creativity muscle and mix-and-match patterns you may not ordinarily pair together.  Autumnal tablescapes provide more freedom to experiment due to the typical muted color palettes and our natural gravitation toward maximalism at this time of year.

Additionally, mixed patterns can be a nostalgic nod to vintage styles of home decor that will warm the hearts of your guests.

 

No. 6 – Decorate With Seasonal Produce

Pumpkins, apples, gourds, and squash are a naturally occurring array of produce that, when added to your tablescape, can add elements of height, texture, and visual interest. A tablescape filled with a bountiful harvest  adds an autumnal flair your guests will appreciate.

 

No. 7 – Add Interesting Glassware

Swap your usual glassware for a more vintage gold-rimmed glass or a tinted, textured glass to add another layer of interest.  You can usually find these at thrift stores or you can purchase relatively inexpensive sets at stores like Ikea, Crate & Barrel, H&M, or Amazon.

Here are some of my faves:

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No. 8 – Swap Your Silver for Gold or Bronze

Substituting your usual silverware for gold, bronze, or black utensils is a subtle upgrade to your table settings that will add to the overall autumnal look.

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No. 9 – Incorporate Fall Scents

Did you know that research has found that smell is actually the strongest trigger of nostalgia?  Scented elements like cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, and scented candles evoke that warm, fuzzy feeling the moment your guests step through the door.

 

No. 10 – Curate a Fall-Inspired Menu

Traditional fall comfort foods like pumpkin pie, not only warm the senses, but are often a beautiful addition to a fall harvest tablescape.

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No. 11 – Use Autumnal Serving Dishes

Create continuity from kitchen to table by serving your meal with autumnal casserole and serving dishes. I’ve said it before and I will say it again – food served from a beautiful dish somehow just tastes better.

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No. 12 – Add Ambiance With Layered Lighting

The don’t call it mood lighting  for nothing!  Making sure your dining area is balanced with layers of lighting is essential to cultivating a warm, cozy mood. If there is no overhead chandelier, or the overhead lighting is too harsh, consider adding floor lamps and/or table lamps on the perimeter of the room.

Then, play around with adding small, battery-operated table lamps, taper candles, pillar candles, and/or tea lights directly into your tablescape until the vibe is just right.

 

No. 14 – Add Unique Accents

Attention to smaller details like salt and pepper shakers, condiment bowls, and bread plates adds a sophisticated touch. This is a fun place to add the textures we talked about in tip number four.

 

No. 15 –  Personalize Your Place Settings

Personalized place settings can elevate a tablescape in any season.  Seasonal accents like mini pumpkins make the table settings feel especially thoughtful.

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No. 16 – Update Your Artwork

Design beyond the dinner table and add or update artwork in your dining room to a moody, artful print. Etsy is a great place to find inexpensive fall prints that won’t break the bank.

 

No. 17 – Add Throw Blankets and/or Pillows

Chances are, you already have some cozy throw pillows or blankets laying around. Put them to use in your dining area by adding just a few to the chairs around the dinner table to bring in additional warmth.

If throw pillows/blankets don’t work with your dining setup, simply add them to a basket nearby for the same cozy effect!

 

Harvest Tablescape Mood Boards

Below are 3 mood boards to inspire your next harvest tablescape design:

 

Harvest Tablescape Mood Board 1

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Harvest Tablescape Mood Board 2

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Harvest Tablescape Mood Board 3

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  09  |   10  |  11  | 12  |  13  |   14  |  15 

 

Use these tips to guide you for any farom intimate dinner party settings to your Thanksgiving table. Creating a beautiful fall harvest tablescape is completely doable for decorators of all skill levels.

 

I hope you are as excited as I am to make this season of gathering feel extra special and I cannot wait to see what you create!

 

xo, tjp