It’s no secret we love to entertain. There is something very comforting about welcoming people into your home. It can be stressful and I have learned over the years to scale it back and plan well in advance so I can fully enjoy our guests. That’s why we have people over to begin with! No sense being trapped in the kitchen or running around like a crazy lady and not taking the time to fully engage with friends or family. When I was invited to create a fall look with items from the Nate Berkus collection from Target I was immediately on board. I’m kinda a huge fan of his! I just love all of the gold accents and charming textures in this collection. A casual night of hot soup, warm bread and dear friends sounds pretty good to me. ![falltable[7]](https://athoughtfulplaceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/falltable%25255B7%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg "falltable[7]")
Entertaining during fall means plenty of time for homemade soup. We are a big soup family and my daughter often requests clam chowder. When having small or large groups, soups is a great meal that can be made ahead of times so you can fully enjoy time with your guests. Adding texture to any table is always a great idea. I love how each piece in the line has a slightly different pattern. Mixed together, it’s a really beautiful look. 
I love the idea of having a fresh loaf of bread on the table for your guests to tear of a portion for themselves. It has a nice rustic and casual feel. The pretty metal wing dish helps add some charm as well! 
While flower are always a gorgeous choice, I find that greens from the yard or a local store often create more of a fall like atmosphere. Consider adding a tiny bit of the greens to each person’s place setting. 
A tray is a simple way to create a centerpiece. Groupings of three always work. Just vary the height of each of your three items. This is one of Nate’s very favorite pieces in the line. “When this sample arrived we knew we had to make it part of our fall collection.” – NB 
While the glass X candleholder is designed for, well, candles . . . I decided to add a bit of water in the center and a fresh flower. It’s a fun way to add an unexpected splash of color on an otherwise neutral table. The plaid tablecloth is actually a scarf. When planning a pretty table, be sure to check the scarf section of your favorite store. They can add so much coziness and warmth. Not to mention, great pattern. 
Some of the Nate Berkus items used in this post: white dishes {back in stock!!} |glass x candleholder | metal feather box | metal wing bowl | white vase | antique tray | laurel leaf bowl And now let’s move this party outside for dessert! My friend, Cassie, worked with Nate on the most awesome s’more setup. Check it out here! To view a video I created on putting together an easy meat & cheese platter for guests, click here. Thank you to Target and Nate Berkus for providing some of the items used in this post. All ideas and opinions are always my own.
You are the cutest hostess. Love all of this and agree that simple is best. Friends just want to leave full and happy!
Thank you! It's taken me a while to realize that, yes, people just want yummy food and to relax and kick back. It's all about the conversation and hanging out together. And good thing no one expects any bake goods from me. Wouldn't be pretty.
You always set the prettiest tables, and I think this is one of my favorites! Everything from the layered plates with greenery on top, to the mix of gold and rustic wood. And totally genius to pop a bloom in the candleholder. You and Nate hit another home run! xo
Awe. Thanks, girl. Nate's cute stuff makes it easy. No when are you coming over to sit down and have some soup with me?!
Gorgeous. Such a beautiful setting and the soup looks fabulous too.
Thank you, Marty! WE are huge soup lovers over here. In fact, this is my favorite time of the year for that.
Where did you find that scarf?! It is the exact pattern of the catholic school uniform I wore for 9 years…would be fun to have for old times sake!
Hi Kelly. I picked that up from Nordstrom {super soft, too}. It's not online but maybe you'll have luck in store. Love the connection you have to it!
Your table looks FAB! I'm obsessed with that white place setting. So bummed it's out of stock 🙁 Great entertaining advice…. especially with Thanksgiving around the corner!
What a beautiful table setting Courtney. I love the white dishes and the cozy Fall scarf is the perfect touch. I forget sometimes to clip greenery from the outdoors. So simple and has a big impact. You table looks very welcoming and cozy and of course delicious with that yummy soup and bread. I could easily live on homemade soup at this time of the year.
Love this. Beautiful table setting. Not sure if you have ever read the book, but Reluctant Entertainer really put things in perspective for me a few years ago. Just enjoyed a brunch today with the children's team I teach with and it was super casual and so relaxed. Yummy soup, salad, and a beautiful dessert. And, my sweet dear friend, and our director made sure to make it gluten free as myself and another teacher are on a gluten free diet. It meant so much to be able to enjoy a day out and not have to worry about what I was eating. And, thank you for your sweet email earlier today! Hubby and the girls are my entire world!!
Lovely post as usual!I don't comment much as I have no time but I still read your posts every day or so!
I adore the plates you used and would really consider getting them if they were available in France.
Your post on seeing beautifully the other day was really inspirational-I printed it and stuck it in my diary…
Love from sunny France!
Of course I meant 'ageing' beautifully.That's what happens when you write on the tiny screen of an iPhone!