Text by Claire Pool
Embrace the harvest season and robust autumnal colors amidst the changing leaves and crisp air with a gracious get-together. From lakeside repasts to leaf-peeping tableaus, we’ve collected gorgeous ideas to inspire your autumn table settings from the pages of The Cottage Journal and Southern Lady, our sister publication. Celebrate the arrival of fall at a beautiful tablescape with a heartwarming meal alongside those near and dear.
Golden Hour Gathering
Bask in the ochre tones that announce the season. A duo of tablecloths brings depth to the setting while block print napkins echo the rich hues of the bodacious floral arrangement. Warm cups of apple cider await sipping on this crisp evening together.
Pastoral Panache
This auspicious affair welcomes many guests to the table with mismatched chairs, allowing a more casual air. Baby Boo pumpkins, yellow and white cauliflower, and petite arrangements of white roses line the center of the table for conversations to flow freely all night long.
Playful Palette
Incorporate rich hues of purple into your fall setting for a twist on traditional oranges and yellows. This lilac-and-magenta tablecloth imparts a regal tone to the tablescape, paired with dots of ruby and chestnut for warmth.
Indoor Oasis
When the temperatures become too chilly for alfresco dining, find comfort in the vivid offering’s October brings, like radiant sunflowers and fresh pears. An intricate motif dances along a matching table runner and napkins while accents of pewter offset the invigorating vibrance.
Flora & Fauna
Precious portraits of wildlife steal the show atop dinnerware at this fall table. Bright orange, blush, and white flowers mingle in a wooden vessel alongside fresh gourds and woven pumpkins for a stunning centerpiece.
Orchard Influence
Allow the various red, yellow, and green hues of fall’s favorite fruit to inspire your alfresco setting. A portable bar complete with copper mugs and chilled wine will keep guests happy all evening.
Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy a hearthside meal accompanied by burnt sienna linens and a cornucopia centerpiece. Apple cider donuts wait on standby for after-dinner delights surrounded by the bounty of orange, white, and green gourds.
Subdued Soirée
Revel in the foliage of autumn as it imparts color onto your lakeside scene by using neutral yet textured linens as the foundation for the table. Brass candleholders and ceramic dishware complete the rustic look as you take in the views over dinner.
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