My Favorite Fall Tablescapes
Fall is one of my absolute favorite seasons for decorating (once I get over summer being over) ... and that includes setting a cozy, welcoming table. I’ve always believed that a tablescape should feel collected and comfortable. Whether we’re gathering as a family for dinner or hosting a small get-together, I love creating tables that feel like home... layered, textured, and full of personality!
But my love for table decorating goes a little deeper. The table I decorate each season is one my late father built with his own hands when we added on to our home years ago. It’s more than just furniture. It’s a piece of him. Every time I decorate it, I feel like I’m honoring him and continuing the love and craftsmanship that went into it. That connection makes every tablescape extra special to me.
Starting with the Base
Sometimes I use a tablecloth, and sometimes I don’t! I’ve learned to trust what feels right for the mood I want to create. Instead of a traditional tablecloth, I’ll often reach for a lightweight blanket or table throw, even if it doesn’t cover the entire table. It's about layering and softness.
From there, I often add a runner down the center. Sometimes it’s a store-bought one, and other times I’ll get creative with a scarf or another lightweight throw. (Target’s Bullseye section has been one of my favorite places to find unexpected “runners!”)
Finding Inspiration
Some days, my centerpiece is the spark that starts everything — other times, it comes together after I’ve already layered the rest of the table. I love using pumpkins, candles, lanterns, or florals as a base for fall. Fresh or faux gourds work beautifully, too — scatter them down the center or mix them with greenery for a full, organic look.
Layering the Place Settings
I always start with a placemat (my go-to are the round woven wicker ones), and then begin stacking:
- A charger plate for structure
- A dinner plate, followed by a salad plate or bowl (or both!)
- Cloth napkins, paper napkins — or a combination of both (I can’t resist using the pretty paper napkins we have in the shop!)
- I love a mix of heights and textures, whether that’s from stacked dishes, glassware, or even the centerpiece itself. My family has gifted me several sets of silverware (gold, black, and silver) which makes it fun to change things up depending on the theme.
- Sometimes I’ll keep utensils traditional (placed neatly to the sides), and other times I’ll get creative: tucked inside a burlap pouch, tied with a ribbon, or slid through a napkin ring and layered right on top of the plate stack.
Adding Texture, Greenery, and Details
Texture is key in every tablescape I create. Greenery is one of my favorite finishing touches...I'll tuck sprigs into a napkin ring, add them around the centerpiece, or even include them inside small burlap sacks on top of each setting.
And I always love to include personalized touches like name tags or place cards — sometimes printed, sometimes hand-lettered, sometimes stamped...and I often design them to match the theme or color palette.
Bringing It All Together
The fun of tablescaping is that there are no strict rules...it’s all about creating something that feels warm, personal, and inviting. For fall, I love mixing pumpkins, candles, gourds, and greenery in unexpected ways, playing with color, and keeping the focus on texture and comfort. I even like to add greenery to the backs of the chairs.
It doesn’t have to be fancy to be beautiful. Just start with what you have, add a few layers, and let your creativity lead the way.
Final Thoughts
No matter how simple or elaborate your table may be, the goal is the same — to make people feel welcome, cozy, and loved around it. And if you happen to mix in a few napkins from our shop or create a centerpiece from a craft project we’ve done together… well, that’s just a little extra handmade joy to celebrate the season.
#CreateInspireBeWell
