Gather around a stunning fall tablescape this autumn. These designer tips for fall table decor will help you set the stage for all your cozy weather dining. From centerpieces to table settings, bring autumnal inspiration to your dining room.
Treat Guests to Personal Pumpkins
If you're hosting a fall gathering with all the cozy foods — like stew or chili — serve up your soup in personal pumpkin crocks. They bring color and fall details to your tablescape, and guests will love popping those tops open to reveal their steaming stew dinner.
Use Nature's Bounty
Pine branches, autumn nuts, pumpkins, and gourds all make beautiful fall table decorations. Pair them in simple and elegant ways to create a nature-inspired tablescape this autumn.
You don't need to scavenge your backyard for these natural elements. Most craft stores sell faux versions of autumnal plants, nuts, and pumpkins during fall.
Warm Metals Just Make Sense
If you're going to feature metal on your fall tablescape, warm metals are the way to go. They'll complement the orange and brown shades in your decor and add to the overall cozy vibes. Bronze, copper, brass, and rose gold all look elegant on a fall table.
Pop Pumpkins Into Your Centerpiece
Short on time for decorating your fall table? Here's a little hack. Pop a few small pumpkins into your year-round centerpiece to add some fall flair. Toss in a candle, and your fall tablescape is ready in a snap.
A Plaid Tablecloth Is Cozy & Cute
Florals may dominate spring and summer, but plaid is the pattern of autumn. Add it to your fall tablescape as a tablecloth. With neutral place settings and a subtle centerpiece, the pattern really pops.
Having a tough time finding a plaid tablecloth? Use a plaid blanket instead!
Mix Styles for a Transitional Tablescape
Can't decide between a modern and traditional look on your fall table? We've been there! That's why it's so fun to mix styles in your seasonal decor. Clean, modern lines with traditional textures make your tablescape feel truly timeless. Neutral colors make your transitional style look effortless.
Use a Seasonal Runner
If your table is long, a fall-themed runner is a must. It acts as a lovely backdrop to your fall centerpiece and other decorative items. If you want to choose neutral or more simple decor, a colorful or patterned runner will stand out beautifully.
Create a Dark & Moody Vibe
Maybe the more vibrant shades of fall don't appeal to you. Your home may be better suited to a dark and moody fall tablescape. Candles, rustic metal, florals in deep shades, and organic nature elements give off a subtle spooky vibe, and we're here for it.
Pile Up the Pumpkins
Here's an easy statement centerpiece for your fall tablescape. A pile of pumpkins, when thoughtfully arranged, is a striking feature for your dining table. Start with larger pumpkins, then fill in the gaps with your smaller pieces. Aim to have the one or two largest pumpkins at the center and decrease the weight and height as you move outward.
Layer Your Linens
If you're working with neutral textiles on your fall table, play with textures and layers to add interest. You might layer a smaller tablecloth over a larger one or use a runner on top of your usual cloth. Placemats and bunches of tulle or burlap also count as additional layers.
Sunflowers Scream Fall
Fall decor isn't limited to pumpkins, you know. As much as we love them, we also love the other details autumn offers. Sunflowers are a beautiful and bright fall motif that adds warmth and plenty of height to your fall tablescape.
Use Vintage Dinnerware
An autumn tablescape is the perfect place to let your vintage dinnerware shine. Work in your hand-painted china, heirloom serving platters, and that thrifted teacup collection. You might find the colors and designs complemented your favorite fall colors.
You Can Totally Use Cool Neutral Tones
Traditional fall colors don't suit every home's color palette. If your home has more cool tones — blues, grays, and greens — then those traditionally warm tones of autumn might seem out of place.
You can totally make cool-toned neutrals work for your fall tablescape! Shades of gray, contrasting black and white, and deep shades of green or blue still speak fall with the right styling. Include traditional autumn textures or motifs, and the fall theme will shine through.
Try Trendy Farmhouse Vibes
When you're shopping for fall decor, it's hard to miss all the farmhouse-themed pieces. Embrace the trend and work it into your fall tablescape! Rustic pumpkins look effortless alongside wood details and dried boxwood or eucalyptus.
Use Burlap in Small Ways
A lot of burlap on your fall table can start to look heavy. Try using it in small amounts within the finer details of your table decor. Doing this helps the burlap feel a bit more dainty and elegant.
Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love.
Paint Your Pumpkins
Orange might not be your go-to color for decor, but that doesn't mean you can't use pumpkins when decorating a table for fall. All you need is a little paint! Paint your pumpkins in pastels, rich jewel tones, or metallics to match your decor. You can even use stencils to add seasonal script.
Use Lights & Candles for Added Warmth
You want your fall tablescape to have all the cozy seasonal vibes, and to achieve that, you need some ambiance and warmth. It's up to you if you prefer candles or twinkle lights. You might even use a combination of the two. Either way, you'll have an inviting tablescape for your autumn entertaining.
Utilize Trays & Risers
Height is an important factor in every decorating process. It can be particularly challenging on a long table or if your decor elements are mostly on the short side. That's why trays and risers are a decorator's best friend! Use them to gather your items into small displays and elevate the height for visually pleasing variation.
Work With Rich Fall Colors
Muted colors are most often seen in fall decor. Burnt oranges, olive greens, and muddy browns are beautiful. But don't forget about the richer shades of autumn. These deep jewel tones bring rich color to your fall tablescape:
- Warm gold
- Rich navy
- Vibrant teal
- Elegant purple
- Ruby red
- Jet black
Make a Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
Who needs a vase when you have a hollow pumpkin? Swap your usual vase for flower arrangements and use a small pumpkin to display your florals instead. You'll show off your creativity and your flower arranging skills with this fall centerpiece.
Small hollow pumpkins are adorable with little succulents or tiny buds.
Sprinkle Leaves Everywhere
You might not want to use real leaves for this fall decor DIY. But, a scattering of faux fall leaves adds a bit of whimsy to your tablescape. If the sprinkled look isn't for you, you can always use the leaves as makeshift runner or add them to the bottom of your floral arrangement.
Fall in Love With Stunning Tablescapes
For casual family dinners, autumn celebrations, and all your comfy weather feasts, a fall tablescape is simply stunning. Even if you choose not to use seasonal decor in the rest of your home, fall decorations look thoughtful on your dining table. Find the style and colors that fit your home and then have fun adding personality to the design.
