Favorite Fall Tables

With fall beginning to make an appearance, I’ve been dreaming about entertaining and hosting friends and family. There is something really special about the changing of the leaves, lit candles, and warm decor that feels so inviting. I’m ready for all of it. I’ve rounded up a few of my fall table ideas from throughout the years so it’s all in one spot.

GRAZING TABLES

First up is the easiest route to go. While it may look impressive, it’s all very simple. Find a good spot such as a dining table, sideboard or island and get to planning. Once you know what area you are using, you can cut a piece of brown paper to fit the space.

*Learn from my mistake and place a layer of foil underneath the brown paper. That way if anything is has oils, it won’t soak through to your surface.

The trick is to have many different items. And you don’t need a lot of each one . . .just a lot of variation. Fill in gaps with slices bread, popcorn, pretzels and crackers. Those times cover a lot of surface. Be sure to have some greenery and candles to use as well. I like to dry orange slices and then incorporate those as well. There really aren’t any rules . . . just have fun with it and there will always be something for everyone.

I’ve also hosted a sit down happy hour where the grazing table is right on the dining room table. Baked brie, crackers, nuts and fruits are always crowd pleasers. A fun and simple way to host your best girls.

*This gold flatware is really beautiful.

FORMAL DINNERS

Last Thanksgiving we had an empty basement. We had not ordered furniture yet so it was the perfect opportunity to rent tables and cheers and enjoy a formal sit down dinner. We hosted 26 and it’s one of my favorite memories in this home. Renting plates, glasses and linens is something to look into if you are hosting a huge crowd. They don’t even require you to do the dishes so you just load them back into the crates. It was a dream with that many people.

We relied on pretty flower arrangements and candles down the center of each table. It had an elegant and cozy feel. Try to keep the centerpieces low so that they do not interfere with conversation.

WARM AND COZY

I really love to use plaid on my tables. Whether it’s a large scarf or a traditional table cloth, it’s a very simple way to cozy things up. For this table I used leaves from outside and small votives mixed in amongst the hydrangeas. I’ve used my brown goblets for years and years. These are a splurge but I found these with a more budget friendly price.

*Blanket scarves are great . . .you can wear them and use them on your table!

Here I used layers and ribbon to create something unique. The handwritten place cards and leaves get tucked into each napkin.

BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL

This table brings back so many memories as my parents were still with us. I loved this bright arrangement. I used a large copper pot for the base of the flowers and filled in the table with fruits and vegetables. The brown paper was fun because I could write each guest’s name in chalk. The napkin rings were actually antique hardware pieces that had been handed down through the years.

OUTDOOR TABLES

I’m a sucker for a pretty outdoor fall table. I love to have a basket of blankets nearby in case someone gets chilly. There is nothing better than lingering at table with crisp fall air. This tablecloth is still one of my favorites. It washes and dries like a dream.

For this dinner we pulled over a table to hold extra blankets as well as some greenery. The table is ideal for smaller spaces (we have had it for years). This night we kept it simple and served soup. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or over the top. But there is something really special about the ritual of setting a table to welcome friends or family. I hope these have given you some inspiration to host this coming fall.