This time of year can be extra overwhelming. We’re deep into our school routines and things are going smoothly there. You’re back on the workout wagon after a busy summer and the house has been winterized-ish. But the realities of the shorter days and cooler temperatures are setting in, which leaves you feeling a little claustrophobic. As the holidays approach, to-do lists are growing. Figure out what to do with the kids over the long Thanksgiving break ✔, dispose of your Jack-o’-Lanterns before they turn to mush ✔, and panic that Christmas is next month ✔✔. With most of the effort put into appetizing spreads and scrumptious feasts during the season that’s a little food obsessed, who has time to make things pretty? Contrary to that little voice in your head that’s telling you to put down the “yes” button and step away, this just might be the best time of year to tap into your creative side, take a deep breath, and dabble in a little DIY fall tablescaping. From theme creation to gathering items and seeing your design come to life, creating your own gorgeous tablescape will leave you feeling accomplished and fancy.
First, gather rich colors of the season by hand picking flowers from your own backyard such as hydrangeas, sedum or your potted mums, then hang them to dry. Statice, bunny tails, broom corn, and straw flowers are some easy-to-dry options as well.
Next, for a timeless dining experience, start with putting out place settings. A neutral cloth placemat is a great place to start. Add layers with a laser-cut wooden placemat or charger, then stack salad plate over border plate and add a napkin. Don’t forget eye-catching glassware and equally stunning flatware to give it shabby chic charm.
You only need to go as far as your front porch to add beautiful finishing touches. After the costumes have been worn and the candy has been handed out, your Halloween porch has great repurposing candidates. The white pumpkins that lined your front steps are perfect small centerpieces at each place setting as a gift to your guests. Weave deep green faux eucalyptus leaves through your tablescape and wrap them around white pumpkins and classic candlesticks. Finish with crisp white taper candles as a stark choice to add atmosphere to your occasion.
Much like choosing an outfit with color schemes and accessories, the same is true for the art of setting your table. Changing up the print and texture of your napkins, switching out your color scheme, or getting creative with your glassware has the ability to completely shift the mood. This season, create a warm, rustic arrangement with pops of gold tone and creamy accents to set your table in fall style. Bring the outdoors in with dried foraged delights, sweet Halloween pumpkins, and gratitude place cards for a cozy and inviting atmosphere for you and your guests.
If you’re inspired by these images, shop this tablescape by visiting these local businesses.
Floral arrangement – hand-picked at Lakeside Farm and Flowers
Plates – White Birch House
Laser-cut wood placemats – White Birch House
Candlesticks – White Birch House
Table runner – White Birch House
Cotton woven textured canvas placemats – Threshold at Target
White napkins – Threshold at Target
Gold flatware – Threshold at Target
Eucalyptus garland – Hearth and Hand with Magnolia at Target