How to Create a Festive Fall Table Setting

Fall is near. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, there’s no better way to celebrate the beauty of fall than gathering your loved ones around a thoughtfully designed table, while reflecting the warmth and beauty of the season. I want to show you how to create a festive fall table setting that’s easy and will make your friends and family feel welcome!

It’s a special day because I’m joining 17 other blogging friends, hosted by Pasha from Pasha is Home and we are gathered some early fall inspiration to share with you.

If you are coming over to the cottage from my super talented friend Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!

On the chance that you are new to my Cottage in the Mitten, my name is Kim. I’m a native Michigander who loves sharing midwest living and my lifestyle with all of you. That includes home decor, my family, my faith, a pretty table setting and all things inbetween!

(Affiliate links are used in this post. I earn a small commission when you make a purchase through my links and there is no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.)

“For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.” – Edwin Way Teale

How to Create a Festive Fall Table Setting

I am a gatherer of sorts. Not a hoarder, but a gatherer of pretty table items. From dishes to linens the options are limitless when you have much to choose from! Finding creative ways to set a table from items I already have, is a fun challenge for me. However, I always seem to purchase some little something. Hence, the gathering always seems to continue.

Blue is the common color in my home. So incorporating a color to pair with blue is important to me. The trending color for fall is honey. There are so many beautiful shades of that color. Keeping with the trend, I decided to use variations of honey instead of orange, this fall.

Below is a list of items to consider when setting your DIY fall tablescape.

• Table linens
• Centerpiece
• Dishes/Stemware
• Fall themed items

Fall Table Linens

The first step in setting a table is to decide whether you want to use a tablecloth or a table runner. Here are some guidelines to consider when making your decision.

The size of your table: If your table is small, a table runner may be the best option. This will help to create the illusion of a larger table.

The formality of the occasion: If you are setting a table for a formal occasion, a tablecloth is the traditional choice. However, a table runner can also be used for formal occasions, especially if it is made of a luxurious fabric.

The style of your home: It’s always a good idea to start with your table clother or runner.

For my festive fall table setting, I used my cream and grey trimmed table runner. I usually use a runner with placemats, but opted to just use the runner this time.

I opted for some blue and white napkins and a simple piece of jute twine to create a festive napkin. Not fancy, just enough to make it stand out.

The Festive DIY Fall Centerpiece

I had the perfect honey colored vase that I’ve been hanging on to. It hasn’t been used in years, but I’m so glad I didn’t toss it!

Real and faux flowers work equally well for me. Depending on the season is how I typically decide. However, forging items from your yard, is the least expensive option no matter what season we’re in. My neighbor has the prettiest limelight hydrangeas and she was kind enough to let me cut some from her yard, to use on my DIY fall centerpiece. I mixed the hydrangeas with some sticks I found in the park to give it a slight rustic look.

With a little creativity an old vase can become a pretty table centerpiece!

Dishes/Stemware

When I was a little girl eating at my grandparents house was a treat. There was an array of different dishes and many times I got to pick which one to use. I’m talking very old dishes for the most part. Transferware, Blue Ridge Southern Pottery, etc. Having a full set of pretty dishes just wasn’t a luxury they had.

Although I am lucky enough to have several full sets of dishes, very seldom do I ever set a table with a full set of dishes, just like my grandmother. It’s just in my DNA to mix and match. A trait I like to think I got from her.

For this festive fall tablesetting, I used some blue and white patterened dishes and solid cream colored ones. I paired them with some simple stemware.

Fall-Themed Accents

Every fall table needs some seasonal accents, right? It’s important to choose a few key elements that will add to the overall look without being too overwhelming.

I always add pillows to my dining end chairs. The right color and texture of pillow on your chairs can add a touch of sophistication and comfort to your dining space.

A couple of pumpkins, pinecones and a few candles for ambiance are just enough to let you know it’s fall.

You can shop all my favorites here!

How to Create a Festive Fall Table Setting

Mismatched, cheerful and simple, yet pretty! Speaking of simple, check out My Coziest and Simple Fall Home Tour from last year.

If entertaining and setting a table that will make your guests fell welcome seems intimdating to you, I say don’t let it. With a little planning and effort, you can create a festive fall table setting that will wow your guests. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, a harvest celebration, or simply an intimate dinner with friends, crafting a fall-inspired table setting will set the stage for unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

Next up, on our fall inspiration tour is my good friend Tammy from White Lilac Farmhouse. She is sharing some affordable fall centerpieces you don’t want to miss!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!

Early Fall Inspiration From Fellow Bloggers

Easy First Touches of Fall Decor // White Arrows Home

Neutral and Natural Fall Home Tour // Willow Bloom Home Blog

Simple and Charming Minimalist Fall Decor Ideas // Eleanor Rose Home

Fall Decorating on a Budget: Easy Ideas for a Cozy Home // Cottage on Bunker Hill

25 Creative Fall Decoration Table Ideas for Your Home // The Ponds Farmhouse

How to Create a Festive Fall Table Setting // Cottage in the Mitten

6 Easy and Affordable Fall Centerpieces That You Can Make Yourself // White Lilac Farmhouse

How to Make a Stunning DIY Faux Fall Tree That Looks Real // WM Design House

How To Make A Fall Book Page Leaf Garland // Midwest Life and Style

5 Ways To Cozy Up Your Kitchen This Fall // She Gave It A Go

Favorite Faux Fall Stems for Your Home this Year // Pasha is Home

Easy Fall Flower Arrangement // Sand Dollar Lane

Easy Fall Pumpkin Pillow Cover DIY Using A Vintage Chenille Bedspread // Southern Crush at Home

Simple Ideas for Decorating Fall Living Room Centerpieces // Robyn’s French Nest

19 Easy Ways to Transition Your Home Decor From Summer To Fall // Shiplap and Shells

Early Fall Decorating // Paint Me Pink Blog

Transition Summer To Fall With Simple Changes // A Stroll Through Life

Easy Fall Wreath For Your Front Door // Amy Sadler

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