How to Create a Natural Fall Tablescape
The first week of September signals the beginning of the fall season. Bright colors and pastels of summer are being taken down (maybe packed away) for the next 9 months. My rendition of a fall tablescape this year is very different from last year. This year I’m going to show you how to create a natural fall tablescape.
We’ve already seen pumpkins, autumn colors, and scarecrows in stores. Mums are available to plant in our yards. It must be time for a fall tablescape blog hop.
I’m so excited to be back in the tablescape “tribe”, hosted by Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate. This week’s fall tablescape blog hop is full of inspiration, ideas, and creativity.
I always enjoy browsing through my fellow blogger’s interpretation of a seasonal tablescape. It’s like giving everyone the same recipe for potato salad and coming up with 20 different versions. Each one is different, but they are all delicious.
You know that I love to create DIY projects and I love including them in my tablescapes and this one is no exception. Last year my fall tablescape was packed with color and metallics. This year I wanted a completely different look. As I walk you through how to create a natural fall tablescape, I’ll point out the DIY projects and I’ll share the actual projects in upcoming posts.
How to Create a Soft and Natural Fall Tablescape
This post contains affiliate links of products used in this post (ones I love and highly recommend). If you order any product through this site, I may receive compensation, but you do not pay a penny more.
My vision was to create a fall tablescape with white, creams (oatmeal, gravy), taupes and lots of texture and natural finishes. I wanted wood and fabric and texture and pattern ~ a casual table for guests that would have a relaxing, non~fussy vibe.
The dining room is the scene for my fall tablescape and I set the table for 6, which is my favorite number for a small, intimate gathering. I wanted to make placemats with a white and taupe buffalo check (Do you love buffalo check as much as I do?) and I found the perfect fabric online. Unfortunately, the fabric was not available for 2 more weeks, so I improvised and made my own placemats. I already had this awesome gingham stencil from A Makers’ Studio and I decided that gingham was the next best thing to buffalo check.
DIY Placemats
I bought a lightweight taupe fabric at Joann for the placemats. Making these placemats with the stencil and ChalkArt in Peace & Joy was fun. I love the imperfect, natural look of the placemats which laid the foundation of my natural fall tablescape. I’ll share the DIY project at a later time.
Silverware Caddy
I knew I would use our Villeroy and Boch dishes (the pattern is Manoir) for the white in the tablescape. But the simple white plates needed a touch of whimsy and texture. I knew exactly what to add ~ another little DIY.
A couple of weeks ago Sweet Shark and I had a fabulous dinner at a new restaurant in town called Sachet. Every place setting had the sweetest silverware caddy (or is it a pouch?) with an herb motif. I asked our server about them and he told us that they were custom made for the restaurant. I knew I wanted to create a similar item for my tablescape.
I searched through my fabric stash and found an oatmeal~colored fabric leftover from another project. Then I used my foliage motif stamps and Rescue Restore paint in Little Black Dress. This is one of my favorite DIY projects and I think it adds a natural, unique focal point to each place setting. At the last minute, I added some stitching around the edge in black thread. I like the extra contrast.
I used my cream gravy~colored linen napkins as a base on the silverware caddy.
Planter and Wood Palette Centerpiece
I bought 3 terra-cotta planters at Lowe’s a few weeks ago. I liked the shape and the fact that they didn’t have the traditional rim around the top for more a French feel. Orange pots are not my favorite so I painted them and gave them special treatment. (Another DIY post to come).
I did use 3 colors of Rescue Restore paint and a secret ingredient to create an old~world look. I wanted a very natural, organic look to fill the pots. A trip to our favorite nursery (Thanks to Bill at Jackson’s Pottery.) and decided that soft herbs would be the perfect look. I picked a pot of sage ~ a very fall~ish herb ~ and 2 pots of lavender because I just love lavender. (We can take the pots outside later.) The pale green leaves and the somewhat French look of the herbs fit just right with the vintage texture of the pots.
I didn’t want to set the pots directly on the dining room table, but I didn’t have a tray large enough to hold the pots. Luckily, I found an unfinished palette~style wood piece at Joann (This one is similar to the one I bought.). It was just the right size to hold all 3 pots down the center of the table. I thought the raw wood needed to be dark to ground it on the table and provide contrast with the pale~painted pots.
Well, you know me ~ this was an easy DIY fix. Gel Stain in Hazel Mahogany from A Maker’s Studio was the perfect product to use. I sanded the edges just a little and applied 1 coat of the Gel Stain, which was enough. I didn’t even seal it.
I love the contrast between the light colors of the clay pots and the dark wood “tray”.
Painted Wood Tags
I love tags and I wanted to add some words that came to mind when I thought of fall. I found some unfinished little wood tags at Joann and made them into signs for the herb planters. (DIY to come.)
The Finishing Touches
For glassware, I added the gold~rimmed wine glasses I found last year at Dollar Tree. I left them unembellished (I know, it’s hard to believe I didn’t do anything to them.) As we unpacked some of our fall decorations, I found a bag of woven “twig” like balls from last year. I added them randomly on the natural fall table. They add a round shape, texture, and color.
I just hope no one gets playful and starts tossing them around.
I hope you enjoyed learning how to create a natural fall tablescape. I loved creating the DIY projects that made this fall tablescape so special for me. I will be sharing these DIY projects in the next few weeks:
- gingham stencil placemats
- transforming terra-cotta pots
- silverware caddy with leaf stamps
- fall word signs
- stained wood palette “tray”
If you need inspiration for a natural fall tablescape, please PIN this one to remember it.
Carol, you are so talented! Not only is the table setting just lovely, but all the original touches you added are fabulous. I love the little silverware pouch – so cute! I do that same thing – see ideas when I’m out and immediately start thinking how I can replicate them at home! Such a pretty tablescape!
Wendy, thanks for your kind comment. Inspiration is everywhere!
Oh how I love this! Your placemats are amazing! I especially love the little planters too. I hope you will come over and share at Thursday Favorite Things!
So happy to join you on this hop. Happy fall!
Love. It. All!! You have shared some really fun projects that I will definitely be trying out. Especially the little silverware pouches! What a cute idea. And I am loving the Buffalo Check place mats too! Oh, and what you have done with the pots for the centrepiece, I will definitely be borrowing that idea!
Maureen, thank you so much. DIY tutorial for the placemats will be posted on Friday. Silverware pouches video is on Monday.
Carol, I cannot tell you how much I love this soft and natural fall tablescape! I really want to borrow your silverware holders. They are darling! The centerpiece using the pallet and the pots is gorgeous! The personal touches and DIY projects really makes it warm and welcoming!
Michelle, you are so sweet. I love including DIY into tablescapes when it works and this time I had lots of opportunities.
You can bring this potato salad to the party any time!! Buffalo checks and gingham are always a winner with me and I love all your DIY projects. The natural elements are so soothing and you did an excellent job. Always a pleasure to blog hop with you.
Thanks so much Sandra. I appreciate you getting my potato salad sense of humor. Tutorial for making the gingham placemats will be up on Friday.
Sooo cute, Carol! I love fun fall crafts for decorating our homes with and your little silverware pocket is perfect, as are the sweet painted pots! Happily pinning to my Crafts and Sewing board. Lovely tablesetting!!!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Thanks Barbara, and thanks for Pinning.
Carol, you are so talented! You have created such a beautiful fall table! The natural elements give your table such an elegant look. I hope that you have a wonderful week!
Carol, I so admire all of your DIYing. I must get to my Lowe’s to find those cute rimless pots. I lovely the understated elegance of your table with the soft palette and textures. The flatware pouches are a great finishing touch! I always enjoy blog hopping with you. Have a wonderful week!
ps…I am sorry I am late in replying, I was out of town.
Carol, You’ve been busy DIYing! Love the little signs and sweet flatware pouches. It’s always a pleasure to blog hop with you!
Mary, yes, I have been busy! Thanks for stopping by and enjoying the blog hop with me.
I love how you incorporated all your lovely crafted goodies into your tablescape! The natural, neutral colors create a soothing atmosphere. So happy to be on this hop with you!
Michelle, thanks for your kind words. Great to be back together.
Carol, I love how you incorporated all your DIY talents into this tablescape. Although I am not very good at DIY, your instructions are so simple that anyone could do it so I am anxious to try the name cards for your herbs. Your table is beautiful.
Kari@meandmycaptain
Hi Kari. Believe me, you definitely can do these DIY projects. I’ll be sharing the projects in the coming weeks, so be sure to drop by.
Beautiful and inspiring tablescape!Hugs!
Carol, your table is that understated elegant look. I love all of the natural elements, it seems that is what fall calls for. It is nice to see the neutrals instead of all of the bright colors, and you are so crafty with your little signs and placemats! Thank you for sharing your talent for styling a pretty table and joining in another blog hop!
Carol, this is such a pretty theme! I love the burlap silverware caddy so pretty! I love that idea! I have never seen that! Very creative.
This looks so perfectly fallish, Carol. I love all the DIYs you’ve included that add the perfect amount of rustic luxe to the fall tablesetting.
I love your fall tablescape. I am a big fan of neutral decorations and this is just perfect,
It looks beautiful Carol. I’m so excited to see you next week. Jwssa
You certainly created a warm, welcoming table -perfect for this transition into fall.
Each project looks simple enough for most of us to do, and all togetheryour projects together makes for a wonderful personalized table. Thanks for hopping together again! Have a nice fall🍂🍁
hi carol
Sharing on this week-ending post on Saturday ish. We are in Grand Junction for tennis tournament not sure if I will have wifi driving down the mountain on Saturday! ;0) laura
Love the natural look. I think my favorite thing would have to be the silverware caddy. How cute and creative. The entire table is sweet!
Awesome! I too am trying a more neutral fall décor this year.
Carol, you are an amazing table stylist and DIY crafter! Fantastic hand crafted placemats, pouches, and centerpiece elements!
What a fun and wonderful table for transitioning to Fall! I love all your DIY projects, each one is so wonderful!
Hello Carol, the herbs add a homey feel to the table. Hand crafted accessories add some punch and besides they are so fun to make. The silverware caddies are adorable. DIY is always a big hit with so many bloggers. You have perfectly set a lovely table and you also shared the process.
Aren’t you clever to craft the elements you wanted to use for your early fall table! The natural, soft colors are such a nice choice for this transitional month, and the herb pots make a wonderful centerpiece! Beautiful Carol!
Lovely and so inviting for a nice dinner with friends this fall. I especially like the plants used in the centerpiece.
Lovely crafted items for a neutral transitional tablescape, Carol. Very nice!
Carol, You have been busy. I like your soft natural fall tablescape. The herbs especially make your table alive and natural. The placemats, wood board, labels, painted pots, and silverware caddy with stenciling DIY projects are impressive. Your enthusiasm for creating these projects is fun to hear about!
I enjoy blog hopping with you.