Some of my favorite memories growing up were watching my Mom decorate our home for the holidays. And not just Thanksgiving and Christmas, mind you, the whole shebang: New Years, Valentine’s Day, etc. You get the point…all the way down to Memorial Day. We actually had a “tree” made out of simple dowel rods small enough to fit on our kitchen table that we decorated for each occasion with tiny seasonal ornaments hung on each branch.
I have to admit, however, that my style tends to gravitate towards the simple, and due to the fact that I have inhabited mainly apartments and small spaces since leaving home, I have not accumulated much seasonal decor. Literally, my husband and I have a tiny Christmas tree that we decorate with ornaments that we have picked up or been gifted since marriage. That’s about it besides a few small holiday items, like dish towels, that my Mom has given me over the years.
Now that I am a Mother myself and a homeowner, I am getting excited about starting traditions of our own. I wanted to share some inspirational table decor and festive fall items that I spotted in the latest Pottery Barn. Here goes!
Use layers to create your own yummy fall table. Start with the base layer which will be the table dressing or linens. Try using a runner similar to the one pictured above or bunch up 3 or more placemats in the center of the table. Color is key. It should stand out in contrast with the table, but not be so “loud” that it demands all of the attention. I love the simplicity of the creamy runner that is pictured. It has the perfect texture to it so that it works seamlessly with the design and has fall written all over it. A simple patterned runner or placemat could work as well.
Next step is to pick the tallest “tier” and find a spot for it. This will be one of the main focal points. Examples include the 3-tiered plate stand filled with yummy food. Use different foods and play with colors and textures to make it interesting and entice the appetite! Of course the food should be season appropriate. A huge pumpkin would also do the trick nicely as a focal point. The tallest tier doesn’t have to be smack-dab in the center of the table (it can of course, but don’t feel limited). Place it in the back so it doesn’t block the other layers/tiers. Arrange it where you want the attention drawn by placing it left or right of the scape, or put it in the center for a more symmetrical look.
Slide in a few other levels, like the pies and beverage dispenser shown above. Some cute fall ideas are using glass vases and canisters and filling them with small and colorful gourds and/or pumpkins. Throw in some fall leaves, acorns or pinecones for another dimension to the design. If you use different sizes and heights to fill in the table, this is wonderfully eye-catching. Next, layer in some plates, napkins and glasses. Try contrasting the napkins with the table cloth or for a more simple look, coordinate them so that they blend. Napkin rings can be as easy as tying your napkins up with some raffia. Cheap but still fall-ish.
Last but not least, add the final touches with interspersed accents such as leaves, small pumpkins, gourds and candles. Or antlers, like the picture below! Another fun idea for parties is to have place card holders with each person’s name on it. Make it interactive and have them pick up their card and find their spot at the table. Below are more examples and pictures of beautiful tablescapes. Have fun with this and get the kids involved! Have them cut out place cards that have their picture on it, or let them fill in the table with the pumpkins. Have a craft day and make placemats and have them laminated. Use pinecones that they have painted to add to the design. You get the idea! Be creative and enjoy starting new holiday traditions with the family.
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