Ideas for Setting a Simple And Inviting Fall Tablescape

Host a memorable Thanksgiving by following these three easy ideas for setting a simple and inviting fall tablescape.

As we continue to celebrate holidays and milestones with only our immediate family, I think it’s important to still take the time to make these occasions feel special. It’s so easy to let ourselves become overwhelmed and frustrated with so many restrictions, but just like any other year, it’s important to express gratitude and give thanks (you can download and print our Thanksgiving Thankful List printable here). So even though we may be missing an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by family and friends, we can still make the holiday one to remember. 

And one of my favourite ways to create a memorable holiday is by setting a beautiful and festive table. I think it’s such an easy way to create an inviting atmosphere and really help our family and guests feel comfortable and ready to celebrate. So today I’m sharing three simple ideas to help set a beautiful table to celebrate and give thanks. 

Start With The Centerpiece 

My starting point for every table I set is always the centerpiece. It will help to guide the overall look and feel of the table you are setting and determine what other elements are needed to create a tablescape that feels fresh and abundant.  

I start by choosing a vessel, whether it’s a planter, vase or bowl, just be sure the size is appropriate. An arrangement that is either too big or too small will ultimately overwhelm or underwhelm the tablescape. I used this simple but pretty kitchen utensil holder because I think it’s the perfect size for our table and I love the detail. 

Next, choose a variety of flowers or greenery in varying colours, shapes, and sizes to give dimension and depth to the arrangement. For this tablescape, I picked carnations, dahlias, roses, hypericum berries, and ornamental grasses in shades of peach, orange and blush. While the flowers came from a local florist, I foraged the grasses on one of our daily walks. I think the grasses add the perfect dose of texture and the deep brown colour really helps to make the arrangement feel seasonal. 

It’s nice to remember if a bouquet of fresh flowers isn’t in the budget, you can simply step outside and find an abundance of beautiful grasses or branches to use as a centerpiece.

Include Organic Elements

One of my favourite tips for setting a beautiful table is to incorporate organic elements. Of course, we did this with our flower arrangement, but I always like to add a few other pieces as well.  

A few ripe pears nestled in a pedestal bowl along with an heirloom pumpkin on the sideboard was enough to add a little bit of interest and extra colour. Adding organic elements is a great way to give a tablescape life. 

Add Warmth

Fall is all about embracing the warmth and coziness of the season, so I always try to include that feeling of warmth when I’m setting our Thanksgiving table. 

This time I achieved it through the warm brass and gold tones throughout our dining room, paired with a few hosting essentials in the same tones. I used our gold flatware and included our brass tapered candle holders. I also pulled out our little brass pheasant I found a few years ago at a thrift store. I think he’s so cute and adds a whimsical touch to our fall decor each year.

So even though many of us will not be gathering with our extended family and friends this Thanksgiving, I hope these tips have inspired you to set a beautiful table for a small gathering too. Remember, any holiday or occasion can be special, it sometimes just takes a little bit of extra thought and planning. If you enjoyed this tablescape, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to look at the other tables I’ve set over the years, including last year’s Thanksgiving tablescape and of course, a special table just for the little ones (you can find all of the tablescapes I’ve set here).

I also hope you’ll take some time to find inspiration in these beautiful fall tablescapes set by some of our friends…