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5 Simple Tips for Creating Beautiful Fall Tablescapes

Aug 8, 2023 · Modified: Dec 4, 2024 by Brooke Larsen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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fall tablescape

Highlight your holiday meals with elegant fall tablescapes this season.

This fall season, bring a bit of warmth and coziness to your home with a beautiful fall tablescape. Decorating with a warm color palette and incorporating natural elements will instantly create an inviting atmosphere. Transform your ordinary dining table into the perfect setting for a cozy fall evening with only a few simple pieces.

Learn how to design a stunning fall tablescape that will create a welcome space for your dinner guests. Plus, we’ll provide you with five easy steps that will ensure your fall tablescape is perfect for any occasion.

How to create a Thanksgiving tablescape

I love this time of year. Fall is the beautiful in-between of a horribly hot summer and the freezing temperature of winter. The trees are almost bare and the temperature is slowly dropping to a brisk cold. It's also that time of year where we can all use fresh ideas for creating a beautiful fall table setting and autumn decor to match. Here are some new ideas for your fall tablescape.

5 Easy Ideas for Fall Tablescapes

Whether you are hosting a dinner party for the holidays or gathering together for a family meal, you want your dining room table looking fabulous. Creating a beautiful tablescape is a part of successful fall gatherings. Here are 5 simple tips for a classic fall tablescape.

Neutral Color Scheme With a Subtle Pop of Color

When you are considering classic fall colors for your fall table decor, use neutral colors and then incorporate a pop of color. You can never go wrong when you stick to traditional neutrals of taupe, brown, cream and white. Neutral colors are clean, fresh and soft on the eye.

Pick an accent color that adds some spice, but doesn't overwhelm the overall look. Warm colors like gold, burgundy or orange are a classic look for fall. However, for this autumn table I opted to add a lighter shade of turquoise and it did not disappoint. Don't be afraid to try something unique that isn't often utilized for a traditional Thanksgiving table.

How to create a Thanksgiving tablescape

Love this look? Shop my orb light here.

Use White Dishes

Even though we just talked about neutral table settings with a splash of color, another striking concept is using white dishes. There is a lovely simplicity about using classic white in your fall centerpiece.

White dishes make a gorgeous addition to the middle of your table because they are a striking neutral, elegant and clean.

White dishes are capable of blending in when you need them to, but drawing a strong focal point at the same time. Sometimes white and cream shades appear to clash, but they actually can go very well together if used correctly.

Create a simple Thanksgiving tablescape
Create a Thanksgiving centerpiece

Add Place Settings

With all of the fall decor sitting in the center of the table, you might think that table settings aren't necessary. That isn't so! Always include a stylish place setting to balance out the middle of the table.

Your place setting doesn't have to be extravagant or over the top, but a layered look will always present an elegant space.

Begin with a stylish place mat as the base. I love mats because they frame out the space well. Again, neutrals or natural materials are a fabulous option. A round mat provides lots of options with circular dishes, but rectangle works too for rectangular dishes. Add your base dinner plate. Then, layer your dishes with either bowls or top plates. This is a great way to add in a splash of color.

Finish the look with simple napkin rings and a holder on top, a small decor item or leave it as is. And of course, don't forget to place utensils in the correct spot.

Grateful sign for Thanksgiving

Incorporate Texture With Fall Foliage

Add needed texture to your gorgeous fall tablescape utilizing fall foliage. Different textures always bring an element of style and dimension that can make your centerpiece look truly unique and natural.

For the main centerpiece on this table I decided to use a gathering of fall foliage incorporating leaves and cotton with the taupe and white of my color scheme. It really brings the outdoors into the home and ties in more of the simplistic natural look into my fall tablescape. I also added more texture with neutral pumpkins and gourds, making sure the turquoise is well-balanced.

Grateful sign for Thanksgiving

Succulents are another easy way to transition your decor from summer season to cooler weather for the fall. They can come in a variety of colors and textures, making them perfect seasonal centerpieces.

succulents-and-pumpkins

I planted succulents in these old buckets, which adds the perfect element of farmhouse charm. Add a few pine cones and mini pumpkins and you have the perfect setting for your holiday season.

Fall decorations with succulents and pumpkins

These burlap sunflowers are another great option for fall foliage, but since my table is full I incorporated them into the open shelves in our kitchen. As well as a canvas pumpkin and pine cones from last year's Christmas decor.

Fall decor with farmhouse shelves
DIY canvas pumpkin and fall decor

Here are several great options for foliage to emphasize fall vibes.

  • Branches or faux stems (see how to style them in a vase here)
  • Succulents or faux succulents
  • Colorful leaves
  • Pine cones
  • Fall flowers
  • Grasses
  • Vases

Use Unique Centerpieces

When it comes to creating your fall tablescape, don’t settle for simply rearranging your everyday items. Instead, find a centerpiece that stands out and creates a festive atmosphere. To create a truly unique piece, try making use of natural elements that you can find in your own backyard.

Use uncommon items that you wouldn't normally use for decorating! I found this farmhouse style scale and have been waiting to put it to good use.

Shiplap pumpkins and Decorating Scale

I used painted white and light turquoise pumpkins and rearranged them around this scale. Adding two small tins of succulents brings in a little bit of natural greenery mixed with a smattering of pine cones. You can buy this scale on Amazon.

Fall Decor and Shiplap Pumpkins

Additionally, you can personalize the centerpiece with items that reflect the vibe of your household such as a favorite novel, a handmade berry wreath, or a seasonal sign. Use your creativity and fashion a tablescape that your family and guests will love.

I didn't have enough room to put a large cutout or sign on my table, but instead opted to hang my grateful cutout on the wall nearby. This is a great option if you really want to frame your space with festive decor. I also love these smaller versions of words that are optimal for adding to your table.

Grateful Thanksgiving cutout

Another centerpiece option for a great fall tablescape is incorporating pumpkins. But not any ol' pumpkin, specifically shiplap pumpkins. Creating these shiplap pumpkins is one of the easiest ways to add elements of a sign and decor pieces in one. I love the hint of fall combined with the rustic farmhouse appeal.

Shiplap Pumpkins by Start at Home Decor

And of course, I had to spread the shiplap love around to my open shelves as well. I love all of the texture it adds to the space.

Home Decor for Fall with Shiplap Pumpkins
Shiplap Pumpkins by Start at Home Decor

These pumpkins are perfect for adding elements of rustic character to your tablescape. And the neutral tones make it easy to use them all fall season long.

Shiplap Pumpkins by Start at Home Decor

Shop my kitchen here

Other Options for Fall Table Decor

  • Add a table runner
  • Use a dough bowl to style items
  • Incorporate a fall floral arrangement as a centerpiece
  • Use candle holders - if you want to make one, look here at this centerpiece or these individual ones

Want more fall decorating tips? Check out these easy and thrifty outdoor fall decor ideas for your porch.

Farmhouse style shiplap pumpkins

As we put away the bright colors of summer and begin to prepare for the chill of autumn, don't forget to bring the cozy warmth of the season into your home with a beautiful fall tablescape. Creating a stunning presentation doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Use these five easy suggestions to showcase and let the season's natural beauty shine!

From autumn leaves to pumpkins and gourds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As you set your table this season, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and joy of welcoming in the new season. A fall tablescape is an easy and fun way to incorporate the warmth and beauty of autumn into your home.

Happy Decorating!

Brooke

« Minimalist Fall Decor for Simple Home Decorating
Add Spice to Your Home With Free Printable Fall Decor »
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About Brooke Larsen

Hello Friends! I love anything DIY and home decorator! On my blog I hope you will find home inspo. Whether it is for your next DIY project or home decor. If I can do it, anyone can!

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Hi I am Brooke I am an avid DIY-er and home decorator! I share home inspo and all of my DIY projects with step-by-step directions. I sprinkle in a few recipes to help out all of us busy moms too. If I can do it, so can you!

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