10 Tips For Creating A Fall Tablescape

Today I’m sharing 10 tips for creating a fall tablescape.

During the fall season I’m thinking about the turning of leaves. Those are the colors I like to work with for a fall tablescape.

Do you remember last year when I went to World Market and bought several plates, two place mats that you see above, and the checked napkins?

I wrote a post about how to save money in mixing and matching your table settings by only buying salad plates.

You don’t have to purchase 4 or 6 or 8 settings for your table. You can mix and match. It’s actually more fun and doesn’t bust your budget.

What Is A Tablescape?

I think of a tablescape as the icing on the cake. It is the decor that sets the mood for dining.

From the linens you bring out to the candles you use. And of course it’s also the dishes and cutlery and glassware you add to the table.

In essence, it is the decorative way your table is presented.

10 Tips For Creating A Fall Tablescape:

Tip#1: Use white dinnerware for a base

I think food looks best on white plates. Then the focus is on the food instead of the dinnerware. And everything goes with white.

White plates with a pleasing texture always grabs my attention. I like to mix my white plates with plates that have a different texture.

One place you could look for white textured dishes would be at thrift shops or antique malls.

You might find white dinnerware on sale that a store or website lets you buy by the plate. Then you can just purchase a few to mix and match.

Tip#2: Choose your colors

If you already have white dinnerware, then you can add other colors for interest. As well as to display your seasonal table with the colors of fall.

You could use a white plate and another color for the salad plate. And then layer white again.

This will make for a more pleasing table. And everything doesn’t have to match.

*Purchase a few new salad plates in a fall theme

Instead of buying new dishes for a fall table, look for pretty salad or dessert plates instead.

If you can’t find enough of the salad plates that you’ll need, mix them with older fall themed salad plates.

If that won’t work for you, just use your white dinnerware. Place a pine cone or other fall element in the middle of each plate.

That’s how you will signal that it’s a fall table.

Tip#3: Shop your home and yard

Before you go out and buy anything special for your fall tablescape and/or holiday dinner, look through what you already have first.

You could use your own cloth napkins that happen to be in fall colors, for example. A simple neutral table runner will work as well.

Tip#4: Use a cutting board for condiments & decor

I like to use a cutting board as a surface for condiments or seasonal decor.

Maybe you have fall or Thanksgiving themed salt and pepper shakers to elevate. You could place candles or flowers on the cutting board too.

A wood cutting board brings in texture and the deep richness of color.

My Fall Tablescape:

This year for my fall tablescape, I ordered two salad plates and a couple of fall candles I found on Etsy. I purchased them at Heirloom Nest Candle Co.

Every year I know I can look at my decor and come up with something that will work in a fall tablescape. So I used my regular white plates and cloth napkins that work for fall.

But it’s fun to buy a few things to mix in with your old decor.

Here’s a better look at one of the two salad plates I purchased from Kirkland’s. It is called Autumn Spice Toile, and here is the link.

Isn’t it pretty?

Tip# 5: Elevate decor in some way

I used my white cake stand to elevate the pumpkins. That enabled me to have a little extra room to add the pears underneath.

The eye is automatically drawn to the higher element, then travels down to the other decor.

*This tip would apply to any tablescape at any time of year.

Using Elements Of Nature:

Tip# 6: Use natural elements in your fall tablescape

Go outside and look for natural elements for your fall table. You could use ornamental grasses, flowers, or herbs. Pine cones and acorns.

You can’t go wrong when you use nature’s gifts. And the best part is that these things are absolutely free!

Tip #7: Use seasonal candles in your tablescape

Order or buy seasonal candles for your tablescape. Or if you’re crafty you could make them yourself. Maybe you already have what you need.

Concentrate on a scent that is reminiscent of fall.

Seasonal Candles I Ordered From Etsy:

I ordered a few candles for fall from an Etsy shop called Heirloom Nest Candle Co. and they arrived yesterday. They smell divine! I love the fall scents.

How nice it will be to have these candles on my table while I eat my evening meal.

I can light one or both for when I’m in the living room watching TV. I’ll turn the lights off and enjoy the glow of light from the candle.

Tip #8: Layer your linens

When you layer linens on your table, it brings a richness to the other elements on your table.

You could layer several place mats over one another. Add a pretty tablecloth to your table, etc.

Layering is very popular on tables right now.

Tip #9: Use colors that compliment one another

Complementary color combinations are the colors that sit on opposite sides of the color wheel. Combining these colors creates an effect of high contrast, catching the eye and leaving an impact.

Here are 10 two-color combinations that work well together.

• Yellow and blue
• Maroon and peach
• Black and white
• Deep purple and blue
• Cream and green
• Blue and beige
• Lavender and yellow
• Pink and green
• Two tones of blue
• Green and coral

Tip #10: Mix rustic and elegant elements together

If you don’t want a formal setting, then rustic mixed with elegant elements show that the social occasion is more casual in theme.

I think everyone is more at ease with an informal table setting.

Examples of Rustic Versus Elegant Elements:

Rustic Elements:

• Wood
• Metal
• Greenery
• Pine cones
• Herb sprigs
• Leaf stems
• Acorns

Elegant Elements:

• Table runner
• Fresh flowers
• Charger plates
• Cloth napkins
• Wine glasses
• Place cards
• Candles

In summation, tablescapes are fun to create. Use your imagination and just go with what you like.

If you love color, then go with color. If you’re more comfortable with neutrals, then go that route.

Add a bit of your personality to the tablescape and you really can’t go wrong. Please yourself first and foremost.