Autumn Tablescape Ideas: Three Ways
I think I say this every year, however, TIS THE SEASON FOR TABLESCAPING! Yes, you can absolutely tablescape year round - and you should - however this is the time of year when more people are gathering around the table for family dinners and hosting friendsgiving brunches, making it the best time for my favorite styling activity - tablescaping. Last year, admittedly, was the first time I really got into the spirit of Autumn - styling for the season - and it may just be my favorite season to style now. That's likely because it perfectly aligns with a lot of the warmth & coziness that is reflected in hygge inspired design... aka my jam.
While I plan on shopping myself to do my tablescaping, I love to window shop some of my favorite tableware destinations for inspiration, especially when it comes to mixing & matching, and layering pieces. As I was clicking clacking around the interwebs, I came across a number of pieces that would be suitable for the season, depending on the meal & the company... because one thing about me is, I don't save my tablescaping just for company or just for dinner. If I did, I'd almost never have anything to tablescape lol.
Here are three ways to create a tablescape that reflects the season, while also being able transition between seasons and not having to do the most... which are two of my top tablescaping prerequisites.
Tablescape No. 1
Playfully Chic Brunch
You may not know this about me, however, your girl loves a brunch! Maybe it's the native New Yorker in me, or maybe it's just my longtime affinity for breakfast foods at any & all times of day. During my husband's deployment, the mini and I actually got into a weekly brunch routine - kinda became our thing - and it was a whole production, no matter what was on the menu. Fast forward... to the new house & we made sure we continued the tradition with my husband. Anytime all 3 of us are home in the morning, it's a brunch day! All of this to say, any time I am planning multiple tablescape templates, top of mind is one that'll be as playful & chic as brunch on a NYC rooftop.
Brunches, for the most part, have an air of whimsy and effortlessness to them; however this isn't to be taken to mean lacking sophistication. For this template, I wanted to incorporate color & pattern, while still honoring elements that are synonymous with the season - wood tones & warm hues. The gold touches and scallop-like silhouettes add an elegance reminiscent of an afternoon tea party... a tea party brunch.
Tablescape No. 2
Hygge Al Fresco
If you're like me, you're holding on to the outdoors with both hands... not to be confused with holding on to summer. If you read my post on 4 ways to extend your outdoor season this fall, then you know that dining is one of the easiest ways to extend the season, specifically al fresco dining.
Depending on the region you're in and what you're weather is looking like, the Fall is such a great time to bring hygge outside - the crisp air as the temps start to drop are the perfect excuse to light a fire, grab a cozy sweater, and enjoy a meal outside. There are so many stylish options for outdoor dinnerware & drinkware, that you can have a styled table setting that doesn't involve paper plates. Wood accents, which can also be outdoor friendly, add a layer of texture & visual warmth apropos for the season & a hygge aesthetic.
Tablescape No. 3
Cozy Dinner In
If you're unable to enjoy al fresco dining, the third tablescape is the perfect way for you to have a cozy meal indoors. While the palette may read as being "moody" in comparison to the others, this indoor table setting is as cozy as the season itself.
There is something about the color brown when used correctly that screams "Autumn is here!" so if you've been looking for a good time (or excuse) to invest in brown dinnerware, here it is. The almost monochromatic tablescape provides a stylish backdrop that also allows the food to be the star. Instead of color, I leaned into texture & pattern to give this setting visual depth & contrast. The pumpkin centerpieces can easily be swapped out with any other kind of seasonal decor, making this more a timeless tablescape, rather than a seasonal one.
If you follow me on IG, you've heard me say time & time again shop yourself because you shop the stores. Right before sitting down to write this post, I visited my room of requirement aka the garage to pull out all of my existing tablescaping accoutrements to create some of looks with what I have, because when you have the essentials, you don't always have to start from scratch... unless you're going for a very specific theme or color story.
Do you have any tablescaping plans for the season? I remember asking on my stories, and many of you expressed that while you'd like to tablescape, it's not something you've ever really tried. In the coming weeks I'll be going live on Pinterest TV and on my Amazon Influencer Storefront sharing tablescaping inspiration with the items I have to hopefully get your creative juices flowing for all of your upcoming dining & tabletop styling.
P.S. I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to tablescape inspiration and it's usually my first stop from finding exciting new ways to mix & match my existing pieces.
