Fall Tablescape

Our tips on how to welcome the season and your guests this fall.

Now that October is quickly approaching and thoughts of autumnal foods, fall festivities and all things pumpkin related are swirling around in your head, we couldn’t help but share our thoughts on how to create an impactful and welcoming tablescape to embrace the fall season.

Before we dive in, let’s first breakdown the word tablescaping in itself. Chances are you probably know all about table centerpieces; usually florals, one central accessory or some kind of statement piece that adorns the center of your dining table. Tablescaping is essentially up-leveling your centerpiece to encompass more of the table’s entirety versus just the central aspect—combining that original notion of the centerpiece with all of your place settings as well, working together to create a kind of ambiance for your guests.

Now, you may remember our tips from last year on Thanksgiving Tablescape Two Ways, but this year we wanted to go a little further and dive into the three essential elements that will aid in getting you started on your tablescaping adventure — color, texture, and accessories.

Color Palette

Let’s first start with an overarching aspect of tablescaping for fall, or really any season: the color palette. The colors that you incorporate on your table in your accessories, the tablecloth, settings, etc. ultimately set the mood and feelings that your guests will experience upon walking into the space, while picking up small bites from the table or sitting down for dinner.

As for fall specifically, there are a few different combinations of various hues, shades and tones that we are repeatedly drawn toward. Our favorite options include a more neutral based palette, a color combination that includes more coastal colors, and of course, a warmer-toned palette featuring quintessential autumnal shades. Whichever direction you decide to go in, make sure to have at least one neutral staple and one deeper accent shade for contrast.

Textures

One of the easiest ways to make your tablescape feel more inviting and three-dimensional is to add and incorporate various kinds of texture into the mix. This could include glassware with raised aspects to it, napkins or linens with added fringe or detailing, or even small things from nature (AKA your backyard!) that bring to the table if you’re leaning toward a more natural-based tablescape.

Styling Accessories

For accessories and styling pieces, first establish the essentials that you’ll absolutely need to have on the table, and work from there. Plates, silverware, linen or napkins, potentially a tablecloth, silverware and glasses is typically where you’ll begin. Next is decor — Do you want a moodier setting or is your gathering in the evening? You may want to consider candles or candlesticks. Do you want to display food on the table itself versus serving all of your guests plate by plate? Try working in a seasonally appropriate serving tray or stand that works with your other table accessories, and think about small ways you can incorporate fall-related reminders. The biggest takeaway here is to give yourself time to try things out and play with all of your settings before your event or gathering to get a better visual sense of what you like and what works for the layout of your table.

For these two tablescapes, we selected a white linen tablecloth to act as a neutral backdrop. We then selected darker, contrasting dinnerware to create interest. Notice how we started with a woven, textural charger to lay the foundation for each place setting. From there, we layered our dinnerware starting with a dinner plate, salad plate, and a small bowl for appetizers. Recreate this look using our White Linen Tablecloth, Seagrass Round Placemat, and our Highlands Dinnerware Collection. We played around with different napkin options and ways of styling the napkin. You can also achieve this look by purchasing our Linen Napkins or for a fun print, opt for our Sage Gingham Napkins. Finish off the look with a unique element such as a leather tie or our Horsebit Napkin Ring.

Curating Inspiration

Interested in flipping through inspiration photos before committing to a specific fall tablescape style, color palette or vibe? While Pinterest can always be a great virtual resource, there’s something to be said about physically looking at a book and then keeping it on your coffee table throughout the season to serve as a constant inspirational resource AND as a decor piece. Coffee table books are also a great place to start if you’re not sure which styles you like just yet!

More questions about your own specific tablescape?! Send us a message on Instagram! And once you create the fall tablescape of your dreams, be sure to tag us (@mackenziestudio) so we can see your beautiful work.

Photography by: The Amy Rose