Cozy Fall Table Setting

Cozy up to this gorgeous fall table setting using warm earth tones and natural pieces. This autumn tablescape will wow family and guests alike as they gather round the dinner table.

A fall table setting (autumn tablescape) is decorated with a terra cotta table runner, mini white pumpkins, wine glasses, a large pumpkin centerpiece, candles, and amber bottles filled with delicate white flowers.

I don’t know about you, but I have been dreaming of decorating for the fall season for weeks, maybe months now. Both dark and earthy colors are associated with autumn, which are my absolute favorites during one of the coziest seasons of all. I had this vision of a fabulous, dreamy tablescape that we would eat around with our families. And I think I brought that vision to life, too!

My husband and I have been planning on hosting Thanksgiving for months now. I knew I wanted to create a stunning autumn tablescape like this that would perfectly set the scene for a fall family get together.

I had envisioned a dark table runner, tall candles, mini white pumpkins, and some sort of small floral arrangement.

This idea is almost exactly what I created, too.

Elegant and bold, but not too showy.

There is something so whimsical about creating an autumn tablescape. You can create a light and airy effect or add drama with dark, moody colors. So many different ways to put your own vision into a fall tablescape.

I personally love the more dramatic, moody effect for a fall-themed table setting, myself. I mean, it is fall. But really, this is what you make it. You have full control.

All you will need is a few natural elements, some sort of table runner, and a bit of creativity to create your best version of an autumn tablescape.

Come see how I put this simple, stunning fall table setting together.

Supplies You Will Need

Table runner or tablecloth I used this terra cotta cheesecloth table runner HERE

Mini pumpkins or gourds

Candles and candlesticks

Fresh or dried florals or herbs

Vases or amber bottles

One medium-size pumpkin

Pine cones

Cinnamon sticks

Dried leaves or branches

Plates, silverware & glasses

Small piles of fall decor are sitting on a table top before creating a cozy tablescape.

How to Make an Autumn Tablescape

Choose the effect and color scheme

After you’ve decided on the overall effect you want to create (you can get ideas easily from Pinterest), you can start deciding on a color scheme. I recommend choosing about 4-5 colors for this. Think about not only what colors go well together, but also what you’re drawn to. This is the time for your personality to shine.

If you’re having trouble, you can do an online search for “color schemes for fall.” Additionally, you can pull color swatches from the paint section at a hardware store. These are free and really fun to play with. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Choose colors that complement or contrast one another well.

A fall color scheme is created using natural objects and other fall decor.

I recommend sticking with colors on either end of the spectrum. But veer away from the brighter, gaudy ones in the middle. These are usually very saturated and are probably best left for the warmer months of year (or almost never if you’re like me). I always decorate with creamy pastels and add in one or two bolder, darker colors here and there. Do what works for you.

Select a table runner or tablecloth

I am more of a table runner person rather than a tablecloth person. I figure if I can keep the linens toward the inside of the perimeter of the table, I can keep it clean. Choose whichever you like and use this as the foundation for your autumn tablescape. It will create a guide for the rest of your table setting decor. Just be sure it is the correct length, whether it’s strictly in the middle or draped over the table ends lengthwise.

To really add depth and character, choose one you can sort of wrinkle it up to add interest. Then you can nestle in other pieces on top. Have it cascade down the ends for a sophisticated effect if you have one long enough to touch the floor.

A terra cotta table runner is laid out across a long farmhouse table.

Add in layers

Now you are ready to layer your fall table setting. This is where I like to add in pumpkins, along with dried herbs or flowers to create layers of natural elements. Layering truly is the secret to a great tablescape. Don’t be afraid to add several in, as long as they complement one another and create a cohesive look. You will want them all to look like an authentic collection. Scatter pieces along the table runner for an organic look.

Pumpkins are added into a fall centerpiece for a layered effect.

Layers of colors and textures are added to a table runner for fall.

Height goes a long way

Add height to create more dimension in your table setting. These pieces will act as your focal point. You’ll want to draw the eye toward the center, so adding decor with some height is perfect for this.

This can easily be done with tall or tapered candles and candlesticks. I love using brass or black metal candle holders for most centerpieces, too. Keep the candles neutral, though, if you have a lot of other colors going on. (Or use it as an excuse to make them pop if your other layers are neutrals.)

Candles add height to some fall table decor on a farmhouse table.

Tall, skinny vases or amber bottles are another great addition to your tabletop setting. These look so pretty alone with just 1-2 stems of a showy, extravagant flower (think: roses or dahlias) or a bundle of smaller ones. Sometimes less really is more.

White pansies are added to amber brown bottles for ambiance as part of fall table decor.

It’s all about textures

When adding in your different decor, remember to add texture. Delicate, almost papery flowers and the thin cheesecloth table runner I used in my autumn tablescape provide very light, feminine textures to the mix. On the other hand, adding dried pampas/wheat grass or a lumpy, bumpy pumpkin adds a rougher texture to the mix. Try to combine more than one texture in your tablescape.

Dried wheatgrass is added to a table setting for a bit of texture.

Don’t forget: scent matters

Maybe this means candles, maybe it means something more natural like cinnamon sticks laid and scattered about the table. Just remember to play on all five senses. This includes the ever-present sense of scent. Scents can evoke fond memories, encourage a strong appetite, and overall change the entire ambiance and mood of a room. Just try to stick to fall scents: spices, apple, pumpkin, coffee, vanilla.

Candles add both height and scent to a dramatic fall setting on a tabletop.

Add in finishing touches

Don’t forget to add the plates, glasses, and silverware to the fall table setting before guests arrive. Maybe you will even have room for a platter or two of hors d’oeuvres. Now they won’t be left wondering if everyone is eating at the table or if it’s a more casual event where you can eat and mingle on the patio or in the sitting area.