Image credit: Talking Tables
Seasonal tablescape ideas – from tablecloths to statement pieces
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The rich colours of the colder months and fragrant fall foliage lend themselves well to inspiring various autumn tablescape ideas that can create a rustic, cosy vibe and atmospheric dining.
When it comes to styling, layering is key – with tablecloths and napkins and seasonal accents from textured miniature pumpkins to gourds.
Consider dried grasses, hanging centrepieces and earthy tableware.
Whether minimalist or maximalist is your style, these autumn tablescape ideas offer the perfect way to bring friends and family together the season.
A harvest feast
B&M have a huge new season offering which extends far beyond the humble autumn tablescape.
Covering rich oranges, deep browns and russet reds in wreaths, garlands, and pampas grasses to decorate the room with.
Don’t underestimate the powerful difference that lining the mantlepiece with statement white candles (in all shapes, sizes and heights) can make.
Pictured:
- Autumn Harvest Wreath, £15, B&M – buy here
- Small Fabric Pumpkin, £1.50, B&M – buy here
- Bunny Tails In Double Handled Vase, £8, B&M – buy here
Gingham autumn tablescape
Gingham is good all year-round but during the winter months it comes into its own.
Classic, comforting, and nostalgic it makes for the perfect base for an autumn tablescape.
Layer it over a natural linen tablecloth and add George Home’s rust-coloured glassware.
A statement dried flower garland, hanging above the table, will tie the decor together and add a cosy feel to your styling.
Autumn Tablescapes ideas: dark and elegant dining
For elegant autumnal tablescape ideas, opt for crisp, white linens and earthy tableware.
Bring in colour with an abundance of natural foliage for a rich, fragrant, and seasonal vibe.
Pine branches and cones and fir sprigs have an aromatic scent, as does eucalyptus.
If you want to bring in a pop of colour, think about mini pumpkins, gourds, and berries.
To really get in the festive spirit, try suspending mistletoe garlands above the table or adding dried mistletoe to the table.
Finally, adding low hanging, warm pendant lighting will add a cosy glow.
Seasonal centrepieces
There’s no denying it. Pumpkins are everywhere. Dunelm, Marks & Spencer, B&M, you name it, they have them.
For one of the biggest ranges on the market, Hobbycraft is your place. They have every colour, size, and style you can imagine. Ceramic pumpkins? Tick. Boucle pumpkins? Tick. Wicker pumpkins? Tick.
Lay a long hessian table runner (neutral, so the pumpkins stand out) and then group your pumpkins together in small arrangements.
Vary the heights and textures for visual interest and add in fragrant, natural foliage as a finishing touch.
Minimalist autumn tablescape ideas
When you think of autumn tablescapes ideas, the visuals that spring to mind are abundant tables overflowing with bacchanalian harvest feasts.
However, when it comes to decor, it doesn’t have to be ‘more is more’.
A simple, understated autumn tablescape can be just as effective.
Bohemia’s autumn edit of chic tableware brings in gorgeous warm tones in their quirky walnut wood bowls, plates, and cups.
They also have matching walnut wood knife, fork and spoon sets – all handcrafted in Morocco.
Add in their contemporary, ball-shaped walnut wood candle holders (they’re hand-turned on the lathe), plus tall, thin tapered candles and you’re all set for autumn dining.
Harvest grazing boards
Then, there’s the autumn tablescape ideas where maximalism reigns supreme.
Cue Talking Tablescapes – who know a thing or two about nailing seasonal styling.
Here, Pandora from Talking Tables describes her themed table.
“I have filled bud vases with hydrangea, oregano and dried flowers I’ve collected over the year. You will be surprised how many flowers dry really well and can be repurposed into future displays.”
“For my autumn table I have used deeper hues of pinks and oranges, creating a more autumnal vibe.
Lots of candles in the lovely orange and blue glass candlestick holders interspersed with the flowers. Our gorgeous bright pumpkin candles create a lovely warm glow when lit.”
“Layering and adding colour pops creates an interesting table.
“The bright blue plates work so well against all the oranges.
“Lastly the pretty Woodland autumnal paper napkins bring the whole scheme together.”
Pictured:
- Mix & Match Table Runner, £12, Talking Tables – buy here
- Halloween Yellow Ombre Pumpkin Shaped Candle, £12, Talking Tables – buy here
- Pink Glass Bud Vase, £6, Talking Tables – buy here
Monochrome magic
If the rust reds, oranges, and greens of fall don’t do it for you, opt for statement monochromatic styling for a bold look.
Rockett St. George do a fine line in black and white decor, with their striped paper tablecloths (they’re lightly laminated for spills).
There’s also black velvet pumpkins, elegant black tapered candles, gothic antique-metal candle holders and leopard print plates.
For a real monochromatic talking point on the table, try their brilliant, textured Black and White Stripe Paper Mache Table lamp – it’s a work of art.
Alfresco autumn glow
As the nights grow darker and winter edges closer, you’ve likely abandoned alfresco dining and retreated inside.
But, with a little bit of prep, eating outside as the seasons change and embracing the crisp air can be glorious.
Firstly, of course, you’ll need warmth. Consider adding a patio heater at each end of your table and put a throw (or a tucker) over each chair.
Then you’ll need candles, and lots of them to create a cosy atmosphere.
Add festoon lighting above the table to create extra light and dish up something like a warming stew, your guests will love it.
A theatrical touch
If you find traditional autumn decor (and all the pumpkins) a bit twee, but still love the colours, this theatrical autumn tablescape could be your vibe.
Take a few lengths of richly coloured fabric (deep pinks and rich ochres work well) and layer them on top of each other on the table – and on the candelabra in this case (as seen below).
Dried flowers work well in a textured vase, to finish the look.
For adding warmth to this style, texture is key. Add tall, tapered candles and a goblet of wine and let your decor add the drama.
Autumn tablescape napkins to know about
Chic details
The devil really is in the detail, and your guests will love Kate Gwilliam’s embroidered napkins, made from 100% cotton and available in sets of four.
Kate explains: “Each glass is outlined in metallic silver thread, the champagne is embroidered in a pale champagne coloured thread. Pops of fizz embroidered in silver thread add even more excitement.”
Other cocktail options include, espresso martini napkins, bloody mary napkins or old fashioned napkins (with a metallic red cherry on top).
Cutlery pockets
Chic British homewares brand Clothsmith have a passion for craftsmanship and textiles and their brilliant cutlery pockets will make the perfect addition to any autumn tablescape.
Coming in packs of two, the cutlery pockets are made from 100% linen, stonewashed for extra softness, and come in dusky pink, natural, French blue and green blue colourways.
Harvest notes
Hobbycraft has a range of pre-made embroidered napkins – or you can buy kits to give DIY embroidery a go.
Try their personalised embroidered banners – there is a downloadable template to follow to embroider a name, and a bohemian dried flower pattern on a banner that can be hung on the back of a chair.
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