The Perfect Fall Tablescape
- 9 hours ago
- 7 min read
Fall is the season for hosting, gathering and late nights drinking wine and laughing around the dinner table with friends. And the setup of that dinner table, does a lot more heavy lifting than you might think.
The dinner table sets the stage for your evening; with the music, lighting, and overall ambiance supporting it. The linens you choose, the water glasses you set, and the cutlery you place, all work together to communicate one very important message: I care about your presence in my home.
If you've followed along with me for a while, you know that I try my best not to run to the store and buy a million fall themed trinkets that are going to wind up in a landfill somewhere in a few years. I do my best to shop local, to buy antique and thrifted pieces, and to allow what I already have in my collection to shine.
Of course, I love a shopping trip to home goods in September as much as the next girl. But I've come to learn over the years, that hosting isn't about having a perfect setup. It's not about having 10 matching cups and plates or the perfect matching set of napkins and tablecloths. It's about the beauty and joy of a community gathering.
But I still like to peruse and online shop for inspiration and to see if there's anything that might be worth adding to cart. I am human after all. I will add a few products I've got my eye on this season in this post, if you're interested.
I want to encourage you that even if your home or your collection of dinnerware might not be exactly the way you want it, you can still host a fabulous evening with what you have right now.
But, if you're anything like me, sometimes I look at an image of a beautifully set table on Pinterest or in a magazine and I think to myself, "How on earth did they accomplish that?" After spending the last few years in floral design, staging homes and offices - I've learned a thing or two about how to create a beautiful space. So I want to share a few tips and tricks that I've picked up, that can help you create a stunning table setting for your next Autumnal gathering.
*Notes From the Manor:
More is More - When it comes to a gorgeous table setting, don't be afraid to really go for it! Mix and match patterns, add things you wouldn't normally think of - fruits, books, candles. Utilize as much space on the table as possible while still leaving room for the actual food. We're pro-maximalism over here.
Your table doesn't have to be set just for when guests are over - you can create and style a beautiful table for yourself and your family! Having a set table makes a home feel that much more welcoming and loved.
Real plates only. I am a staunch believer in having dinner on real plates as opposed to paper. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it's also cheaper and more aesthetically pleasing! We're team "real materials" over here.
The Tablecloth
When it comes to designing a beautiful table, the tablecloth is actually the one thing I would suggest buying new. When thrifting or antiquing, linens and cloths can often have rips, tears or stains that are unsightly and that you probably wouldn't want to use. Plus, a nice tablecloth can last for decades when cared for properly and treated well. Many of the tablecloths I use, have been passed down from my grandma, to my mom, to me. And they've been kept in such great condition, that I can always grab one when I'm going for a specific style.
In the Fall season, I love a brown gingham tablecloth. Gingham is one of those patterns that can be dressed up or dressed down. And it lends itself nicely to working with other patterns. But there are so many patterns you can choose from - floral, chevron, striped. You can choose something a little simpler, and allow the accoutrements to do the talking. Or, you can use your tablecloth as the visual starting off point for the rest of your table (as you can see in the photo above).
Tablecloths, like all well made linen, can be expensive. But remember, you're hoping to hold on to this for many years and maybe even pass it on to your own kids someday - so in my book, a good table cloth is worth the investment.
The Chargers
Chargers are an often forgotten about, but vital part of the dining table set up. It wasn't until I was in my 20s that I even knew what chargers were or that they differed at all from placemats. Which, in reality, the two really don't differ that much. Chargers are large plates that go underneath your dinner plate as part of a more formal dinner setting. Whereas placemats lay flat on the table. According to Lola Valentina, "The difference between chargers and placemats is that chargers are typically removed from the table after dinner service and made of materials like glass, ceramics, or metal while placemats remain on the table becoming part of the event décor itself, coming in varieties like cotton, linen, wicker, or plastic." You'll often see chargers in more formal table settings, because they add an extra element of texture, color and thoughtful design to your table.
The Plates
Plates are my favorite thing to go antique shopping for. There's so much history behind antique plate designs and they add an incredible amount of charm and whimsy to a dinner table. I think when most people think of antique dinnerware, they envision a bunch of porcelain plates in a glass cabinet at their grandma's house. At least, that's what I envision. But mixing antique and modern styles is part of what is so fun about design! Antique plates can also be very cheap. Some of my favorite antique plates I've bought for $1 each. ONE DOLLAR. You might have to do a little digging to find something you truly love, but isn't that the magic of antiquing?
When choosing plates, I like to look for designs that are feminine and elegant. I love a gold-rimmed plate, or a toile pattern. You can find some incredible plates secondhand on Etsy, Ebay and Replacements Ltd. But I love to find little websites where artisans are selling antique plates in their own online shop. One such place I frequent is called "Feast Vintage". I've been buying antique plates from her little online shop for years and she has the most lovely collection of antique and vintage pieces.
The Napkins
Like my thoughts on real plates vs paper plates, I feel a similar way when it comes to cloth napkins vs. paper napkins. Fun fact: my husband and I have always used cloth napkins instead of disposable. It's more environmentally friendly and you can have so much more fun adding different patterns and colors to your table with your cloth napkins.
In the fall, I always gravitate towards browns and olive colored pieces - so I love green gingham cloth napkins like these from Quince.
For more tips on setting the table, check out this video on my channel!
The Glassware
I know I've talked a lot about antiquing and second hand pieces for your table already, but I promise this will be the last time. Maybe. Some of my favorite glassware have been cups and wine glasses I've found while antique shopping. My favorites being these stunning amber colored goblets I found a few years back that enhance the table so much.
This diagram from the Emily Post Institute shows that for a formal table setting, you should have a water glass, wine glass, sherry glass and a champagne glass. But, let's be honest - none of us are doing all of that. So I like to keep it simple with just a wine glass and a water glass. Wine glasses can be found at thrift stores for about 50 cents each. If you live in the Bay Area, Urban Ore in Berkeley has quite a large selection of wine glasses that are no more than $2 each. Quite the steal.
The Cutlery
When setting a fall table, don’t overlook the cutlery—it’s one of those small details that can transform the entire setting. I love choosing flatware with a little warmth and character for autumn, whether that’s antique silver with a soft patina, brushed brass, or something with an ornate, vintage-inspired handle.
Rather than worrying about every piece matching perfectly, embrace a slightly collected look; a mix of old and new can make the table feel as though it’s been gathered over years of dinners and celebrations. Tuck each place setting neatly beside the plate, or tie the cutlery together with a length of velvet ribbon or softly crumpled linen for an extra romantic touch.
The goal is for it to feel beautiful but not overly curated.
The Flowers
Now you didn't honestly think we'd get through a whole post without at least ONE mention of flowers did you? Think of flowers for your dining table the same way you'd think of whipped cream on hot chocolate or chocolate chips in a chocolate chip cookie. Without them, the experience is nice.... just not as fun.
Flowers add that final touch to your table that makes everything feel a little more special, a little more abundant, and a lot more beautiful.
For fall, I love arrangements that feel like I just foraged everything from the side of the road—French marigolds, burgundy ranunculus, chrysanthemums, wispy grasses, berries, and branches. And don't feel like you need one enormous centerpiece! A few smaller arrangements scattered down the table can feel just as lush while still allowing everyone to see each other across dinner. Let things be a little wild and imperfect, with stems spilling over the edges and flowers facing every which way. A fall table should feel warm, romantic, and wonderfully lived-in. Not like everyone is afraid to touch anything.
Another beautiful way to include flowers or plants is by placing terracotta pots with herbs on your dining table. I first saw Lydia Millen do this in a video and I absolutely loved the idea.
The Accoutrements
Finally, here is where you can have a little fun. Once you've placed your tablecloth and plates, your napkins and cutlery and all the essentials - you can pretty much add in whatever decor you'd like. I love to add taper candles, as I mentioned in my most recent YouTube video, along with seasonal fruit, napkin holders caraffes, and anything else that might add some fun, life and a little whimsy to the table.
Don't be afraid to go a little kooky here - add books, dried flowers, ceramic pumpkins, real pumpkins. Have fun!
Well friends, there you have it! Hopefully I captured everything that makes a Fall tablescape great. If not, leave a comment telling me what you like to add to your table at home.
The Fall season is the absolute best for hosting and gathering, and I can't wait for all of the events to come!
xo,
F.
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