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A time for harvest favorites and cold-weather necessities, fall is a season where celebrations involve plush blankets, tartan-covered décor, and hints of copper and gold. Whether hosting a wedding, rehearsal dinner, or intimate gathering, creating a table display reflective of autumn’s most treasured elements (pumpkins, pomegranates, and saturated florals just to name a few!) is a unique way to spotlight the magic of the season.
We asked some of the wedding industry’s most influential players to lend their
ideas for crafting a tablescape that’s fall-approved. From colored candlesticks to specialty flatware, the inspiration for setting a fall table has never been more breathtaking.
Gravitate towards gold.
A standout centerpiece and chic placemats will only get you so far. This season, let your flatware sing. Mixed metals and dark woods will provide the perfect framework for your autumnal fete.
“Gold is such a great accent color to use in a fall table display. Whether as the color of your chargers, flatware, or décor, gold adds an element of luxury to any design.” – Lindsay Sims, Founder, TOAST Events
“Incorporate contemporary flatware constructed of mixed materials to elevate your autumn tablescape. Flatware with a sleek shape, in rich tones of gold and walnut, can transform any place setting.” – Callista Osborn, Owner, Callista & Company
Incorporate bold greenery.
A pop of burnt apricot or splash of emerald will instantly elevate the tabletop. Without falling into a trap of celebratory cliches, bring on the drama with dreamy leaves.
“Arrangements designed with a touch of the season, as in these burnished leaves, create an undeniable fall table.” – Kathleen Deery, Founder, Kathleen Deery Design
“Using dark green as the main hue in your table’s color scheme—as well as integrating physical greenery into your fall design—make for a table that’s both fresh and seasonal.” – Virginia Edelson, Principal and Founder, Bluebird Productions
Go beyond the table.
In the process of dressing up the dinner table, it’s easy to forget about the rest of the room. Instead of relegating your decorating talents to the tabletop, wow your guests with a statement from above.
“Tablescapes aren’t always about the ‘table,’ but rather, how you highlight them. Try adding environmental elements, such as ceiling installations using seasonal textures, to draw attention to the table decor and enhance the experience.” – Lindsay Jani, Owner, Simply Sunshine Events
Consider white
White doesn’t have to feel like a winter wonderland. When complemented with darker neutrals—like charcoal gray or a deep lavender—this snowy hue can feel quite clean and unexpected.
“The inspiration behind this white display was to bring the clean feel of summer into a fall wedding. The bride wasn’t quite into the heavier colors that fall brings. The crisp fall air and the simple greens helped tie together the tones of white, green, and blue.” – Stacie Shea, Founder, Stacie Shea Events
Decorate with herbs.
Fresh herbs–be it rosemary, thyme, or sage—aren’t just a great alternative for the floral averse, but will naturally infuse the room with invigorating scent.
“We love using fresh herbs in our tablescapes to add a pop of green as well as a garden scent that complements the feast the guests are about to enjoy. Whether it’s mint tucked into the centerpieces or sprigs of rosemary in the napkin at each place setting, both help contribute to the farm-to-table, fall experience.” – Heidi Hughett Event Designer, Coastside Couture
Illuminate with festive candlesticks.
Light the way for a memorable evening with candles—and plenty of them. When displayed together, soaring tapers and tiny tea lights create a visually dynamic scene.
“An element of décor that’s festive and functional, candlesticks evoke a sense of timelessness and elegance. Using colored candles (like these in a bluish-gray) we were able to create a display that felt effortlessly fall.” – Kristin Doggett, Co-founder and Creative Director, Bellafare
“Not only are candles and votives perfect for embellishing any tablescape, but they instantly provide a source of light that is soft and romantic.” – Kelly Cavanaugh, Owner and Senior Event Consultant, Clementine Custom Events
Lean on earthy tones.
From delicate blush and deep burgundy to warm gray and cozy taupe, extend a bonus dose of seasonal splendor with organic hues that space the neutral spectrum.
“What makes autumn such a unique time for designing centerpieces is your ability to draw out neutral and warm tones that reflect nature. By using a darker color palette, you create an earthier feeling on your table which immediately warms the room. Adding in small touches of color will create a contrast between your more saturated and brighter tones, making for an elegant and balanced centerpiece.” – Mathew Lahey, Event Producer, Kehoe Designs
Emphasize ordinary elements.
Think beyond standard shades of orange and expected floral arrangements with soft metallic touches and seasonal fruit.
“Fall is one of my favorite seasons to craft a warm, hospitable, and inviting tablescape. The season speaks to gathering with friends over a candlelit dinner, a setting that is easy to create for your wedding guests! You can really get creative with organic elements that can lend to elegant touches like mini pumpkin place cards, sliced pomegranates, figs, and blood oranges mixed with the floral of the season to give your tables that extra special touch!” – Keely Thorne, Founder, Keely Thorne Events
Create balance with texture and color.
Craft an engaging tablescape by way of texture. Woven placemats, rich wood candle stands, and fluted glass will take your gathering from a snoozy sit down to a lively celebration.
“Just as fall leaves, pine cones, and branches layer the forest floor, layer your tablescape with coordinating points of interest from the place setting to the centerpieces for a beautiful overall table design. Remember your centerpieces, runners, china, flatware, and glassware. Here, we chose a natural greenery runner with wood pillar candle holders,
dark rattan chargers, and the most welcoming apple to bring together the entire look.” – Chelsey Morrison, Owner, Gather Together
See more fall wedding ideas:15 Seasonal Wedding Decorations You Can Score on Etsy