Gathering with the people we love is a gift, whether we find ourselves eating off paper plates or Grandma’s fine china. Even so, adding a few beautiful accents can bring extra meaning to the moments we share, and it doesn’t take much time at all.
In this tablescape, LeAnn Parker of @silvertoothhome uses touches of the outdoors—real leaves and pine cones—along with simple, handwritten place cards to add personality, warmth and intentionality to any autumn table. Follow these directions to prepare your outdoor accents (because dirt and bugs are definitely not invited to the table), and you’ll have a stunning tablescape that costs little more than a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or through Fontainebleau.
For the edible part of our autumn table, we turn to food stylist Sarah Juenemann of @GrazingKC for tips on designing a simple yet deliciously impressive charcuterie board. So head over to Acquistapace’s or Trader Joe’s with your short shopping list, and let’s get started.
How to Preserve Pine Cones
Bake pine cones to remove any tiny critters, dry up sticky sap and give them a beautiful, glossy finish. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange the pine cones in rows, leaving a little space between them since they will open as they bake. Place them in the oven for about 30 minutes. If your pine cones were gathered on a damp day, they may take longer. Keep a close eye on them and pull them out when the house smells like pine trees and the cones have changed from a matte to glossy finish. To style, simply scatter them around the table or use them as place-card holders.
How to Preserve Leaves
Gather fallen leaves and check them for dryness. Look for leaves that are mostly dry but not brittle or limp. If they are still too fresh or flexible, press them between sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book for a few days before proceeding.
When you’re ready, place the leaves in a single layer on wax paper. Using a foam brush, coat one side of each leaf with a thin layer of Mod Podge, available at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Let them dry for about 30 minutes, or until the white coating turns clear. Flip the leaves, brush the other side and allow them to dry again. To style, scatter them around your table or nestle them among your pine cones and place cards.
How to Write Place Cards
Handwriting your guests’ names on place cards adds an extra personal touch to your autumn table. Start by writing each name in pencil, then trace it with a thin-tipped Sharpie. Finally, go over each downstroke with a thick-tipped Sharpie to create a hand-lettered effect.
How to Create a Gorgeous Charcuterie Board
Shopping List:
3–4 fine cheeses (a variety of soft and hard)
1–2 cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto
2–3 seasonal fresh fruits
1 dried fruit
Nuts
Olives
1 jam, honey or mustard
1–2 types of crackers
Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary works especially well)
- Cheese — Build the foundation of your board with cheese. Add your softest cheese as a full wedge or block, and pre-cut harder cheeses by slicing or crumbling them.
- Charcuterie — Fold cured meats into quarters and arrange them throughout the board, building around the cheeses.
- Color — Add pops of color with fresh fruit, dried fruit and olives.
- Crunch — Fill the remaining gaps with nuts and crackers for plenty of crunch.
- Garnish — Finish your board with fresh herbs, then gather around and enjoy!