Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Entertaining

Setting a Festive Fall Tablescape With 5 Simple Tips

September 27, 2023

Chris and I are passionate entertainers. We love to spontaneously invite friends over for dinner, like tonight. Chris loves to host eager eaters with his new recipes, and I love to set the table. As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to blanket the streets, our focus naturally drifts to a tablescape more fit for fall. Fall provides such a moody backdrop to layer in all kinds of autumnal touches, an ideal setting to celebrate the season with family and friends. Over the years, our table styling has gone through lots of transitions — but some "rules" feel tried and true. Read on to discover some fall tablescape ideas, but don't be afraid to weave in your own touches.

This post is sponsored by Anthropologie.

fall tablescape

Shop Fall Tablescape

1. Embrace the Fall Color Spectrum

setting a fall table

When picturing autumn, vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange often come to mind. Yet, these colors ascend to a whole new level when paired with complementary hues. For a standout Fall Tablescape, consider marrying two hallmark autumnal shades with their complements. For instance, the golden hues of yellow become even more captivating when paired with lilac wine glasses. Similarly, this marmalade tablecloth takes on a deeper, smoldering effect when offset by these blues spruce appetizer plates. Not to mention lavender dinnerware beautifully offset by gleaming gold flatware, steely taper candles, and an amber vase. The right color combinations can truly transform your table!

2. Layer in Botanical Elements

fall tablescape ideas

Sure, there are design principles around pairing botanical prints with geometric prints and large-scale with small-scale. But I think layering in the botanicals — especially when there's a color transition — is a not-so-subtle nod to fall. Our walls are climbing with cool blue ferns, so spreading out a tablecloth of burnt orange stems mimics the warming colors outside: the weather is getting cooler, but the colors are getting warmer.

If you're wallpaper-less, no worries. Try pairing a floral tablecloth with leafy napkins. Or set the table with harvest-themed plates and opt for candlesticks you might find growing in your garden, too. Let the bounty of the season inspire your fall tablescape!

3. Swap in a Festive Appetizer Plate

fall appetizer plates

If the only tabletop piece you swapped out of your day-to-day tableware was the appetizer plate, then you'd be set for the season. This is what we call working smarter, not harder, and it's the No. 1 trick up my sleeve for transitioning the tabletop for any holiday, season, or occasion. Consider this a pedestal for your place cards. You can serve meats and cheeses to start, some warm olives, or a nice salad. But everyone will be Oooing and Ahhing over the canapé plate. It's a show-stopper.

4. Opt for the Gold Flatware

gold flatware

Okay, if swapping out the salad plate is my No. 1 trick, then pulling out the gold flatware is a close second. Gilded forks, knives, and spoons just feel fancy, and there's a set for every budget. They make Sunday dinner feel like a special occasion. I'm a big advocate for "Don't Wait," so we get good use out of ours, and I swear every time I set the table in gold, our girls are even better behaved.

Don't overthink matching the serveware. It's a bonus if it happens because mixing metals can be rather chic.

Also, just take it from me — even if it says "dishwasher safe," fill the sink with soapy water and wash them by hand, followed by a good wipe down with a dry cloth. They'll gleam much longer.

5. Set up a Serve-Yourself Drink Station

drink station

Okay, this might sound strange, but setting your fall tablescape goes beyond just the dining table. I love to create a drink station moment on a sideboard that keeps the autumnal theme going. Here, I set up self-serve juice glasses and a pretty pitcher, and I stocked the Grecian bust vase with dusty lavender stems that match the rose-colored napkins. Guests can help themselves to sparkling juices while I light the taper candles and put on a perfect fall playlist.

While the idea of crafting the perfect fall tablescape might seem daunting, it's all about incorporating a few details that capture the essence of the season. Happy hosting!

— Hide Comments
+ ShowComments
What do you think?

What We're

Loving

Right Now

What We're

Loving

Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Shop All

Love Stories

Love Where You Live

In an industry that often feels designed to make you discontent, we want this to be place you come for inspiration, ideas, and encouragement to make the space you're already in feel like home.
Read All Posts
let's break this thing up

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

01

Portfolio

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
read more
02

Projects

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
read more
03

Design

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
read more
hello world!

looking for inspiration?

Decor

My Top Curated Home Picks on Sale for Way Day 2024

This post is sponsored by Wayfair I want to talk about small upgrades with major impact — and how many of them I've sourced at Wayfair. I'm talking kitchen stools... I'm talking Polly's nightstand... I'm talking the upstairs armoire! And of course we can't forget about our CLJ x Loloi rugs. Wayfair is my go-to […]
Design

A Moody Modern Traditional Dining Room Mood Board

It's been a few weeks since we launched our wallpaper collection with Lowe's and we've been loving seeing how you're using them in your homes. The moody green trim in this bedroom makeover... my heart! View this post on Instagram A post shared by chelsea cumiford | affordable home design (@chelsgc) I've also been having […]
Best Of

The Best Of September 2024

Can you believe that September has already come and gone? This time of year is my absolute favorite and we've been busy finishing up house projects (the mudroom is officially checked off the 2024 project list!) and launching two new product lines! It was such a surreal moment to see our wallpaper designs on the shelves at Lowes […]
Entertaining

12 Tips for How to Host and Make Your Guests Feel Completely at Ease

I recently got a question from a commenter who asked me how I entertain at home to make guests feel at ease. This question came at a great time since fall can be a natural hosting season from watch parties (there's football...or The Bach) to Thanksgiving. The truth is — Chris and I really *enjoy* […]
Learn With Us
Want to do what we do? Get the tools, mentorship, and training to be a Good Influencer professionally.
Learn More
Looking for Something?

SEARCH THE BLOG

We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

hello world!
Follow Along on Instagram
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
© 2024 Chris Loves Julia, LLC
PRIVACY POLICYTERMS & CONDITIONSAFFILIATE DISCLAIMERSITE CREDITCOMMUNITY GUIDELINES