As quick as a blink, fall is upon us. Soon you and your family will be gathered around the table sharing a lovely meal and creating new memories together. Did you know that you can take your fall table from casual to elegant with just a few simple decor pieces?
Whether you are preparing for Thanksgiving or just a fun night in with your closest friends, we’ve got a few fall table decor tips to impress your guests! We’ve even included some fun printable place cards to make things a little easier while setting the table
Fall Table Decor Ideas
There are many creative items you can place on your fall table–pumpkins, candles, pine cones and vintage bottles are great additions to your decor. All of these items below are very affordable and can be found in any craft store and flower shop.
Additionally, using bold colors makes a big difference as well. Remember to get creative with your flower choices. Fall does come with beautiful orange hues but check your local flower shop. You’d be surprised at all the different varieties of flowers and greens you can find.
Elements of a Fall Table
Although there are no major rules to setting a table, there are a few necessary elements to keep in mind. Below we have highlighted what you will need for the perfect table setting. Remember, no matter what you are serving, these items are key for a successful dinner party.
A more elegant event such as a wedding usually requires a bit more items: two spoons, three forks, three glasses, three plates and two knives. Check out these guides to get a better idea of what you need, depending on your event.
The elements of your table decor and place settings can vary depending on what kind of theme you have, but the table usually contains all of the following:
- Table runner or centerpiece – A runner is a traditional accent that runs the length of the table, providing a perfect base for a centerpiece.
- Plate setting – Whether you are throwing a casual or fancy party, plate settings make the table more inviting to your guests.
- Silverware – Every place setting should have silverware, unless you are having a buffet-style dinner party. A fork and a knife should suffice. If you are including soup, add a spoon as well.
- Napkins – A napkin should always be included in your setting. These can be cloth or paper and are usually placed on top of the plates.
- Glasses – Set two glasses for dinner. One can be filled with water while the other can hold your guest’s beverage of choice.
- Additional decor – You can add other elements such as bottles, flowers, candles or plants. Twine is also great for piecing things together such as adding a tag to your napkins.
What Centerpiece Works Best?
Depending on the size of your dinner party or the table you have at hand, there are certain centerpieces that work better than others. Below we have highlighted three different centerpiece ideas: grouping, line and standalone.
Line Centerpiece
A line centerpiece can be quite easy to create. You’ll need a personalized table runner for maximum effect, however you can also get away with just lining up items right in the center of the table. It’s fun to create a fall line centerpiece using pretty branches, leaves, candles, and flowers.
Grouping Centerpiece
As mentioned above, a grouped centerpiece works best for square or round tables. Grouping consists of taking individual items such as bottles, pumpkins, cutting board and candles and placing them in the center.
Standalone Centerpiece
A standalone centerpiece is the most common, mainly because you only need one decorative piece to work with. A vase filled with flowers creates the perfect inviting table. Remember to get creative with your flower choices.
Tables sizes and shapes
Whether you have a round, rectangle or square table, your centerpiece should always enhance your decor. Always make sure to not block someone’s view with a large piece that hangs low; larger items should stand tall on the table.
- Round table – a standalone piece in the center works best since it can be seen from every angle.
- Rectangle table – a long line centerpiece is perfect for this shape. It allows for everyone who is seated to enjoy all the different pieces to your decor.
- Square table – a grouped or standalone piece will stand out in a square table. If it’s a smaller table, consider using only two to three grouped items.
As you can see, creating the perfect fall table can make a huge difference when entertaining. Personalizing your table with pretty candles and place settings will create a warm and welcoming environment for your guests. Don’t forget to download our printable place cards!
77 More Fall Table Decorations
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our list below based on what you have on hand, like flowers, pumpkins or other accessories.
Chic Halloween Dinner Table by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Cozy Fall and Wildlife Tablscape by Home is Where the Boat Is
Rustic Toolbox Table Planter by Little Vintage Nest
Friendsgiving Harvest Tablescape by The Sweetest Occasion
Light and Simple Autumn Hosting by Inspired By Charm
Bountiful Harvest Gathering by The Sweetest Occasion
Simple Florals for Fall by Pretty Providence
Abundant Autumn Pumpkin Centerpiece by Home is Where the Boat Is
Boho-Chic Runner of Florals by Megan Welker
Fall Cork and Color Blocks by Inspired By Charm
Serene Table with Autumn Blooms by Living with Liddy
Rustic Basket Pop of Color by The Lettered Cottage
Garden Greens Fall Tablescape by Table and Twine
Rustic Printables for Fall Table by Ella Claire
Crist and Neutral Autumn Table by Liz Marie
Chic Floral Pumpkin Accent by Lolly Jane
Country Home Fall Table by Ella Claire
Simple and Elegant Harvest Table by Jennifer Davenport
Neutral Autumn Charm by Little Vintage Nest
Elegant Dried Hydrangea Decor by Liz Marie
Festive Fall Succulent Centerpiece by Pretty Providence
Thankful Friendsgiving Placemats by Ella Claire
Quaint Rustic Centerpiece by Lovely Etc.
Woodland Florals and Autumn Florals by The DIY Mommy
Vibrant Fall Pumpkin Table by Poppy Talk
Easy Gourd and Wheat Centerpiece by Domestically Creative
Multi-Tiered Table of Fall Warmth by The Lettered Cottage
Neutral and Soft Farm Fall Table by The Lettered Cottage
Pumpkin Cornucopia Tablescape by Stone Gable Blog
Deep Country Blues and Slate Tablescape by Lia Griffith
Mixed-Patterned Country Charm by Hey There Home
Gold and Neutral Woodland Centerpiece by The Home I Create
Minimalistic Blues and White Fallscape by Two Bees in a Pod
Easy Hand-Painted Pumpkin Centerpiece by Lolly Jane
Simplistic Country White Fall Table by The Happier Homemaker
Fall Teapot Breakfast Nook by The Crowned Goat
Autumnal Cabbage and Greens Centerpiece by Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss
Rustic Formal Elegance by The Grace House
Playful Pile of Fall Pumpkins by The Wood Grain Cottage
Farmhouse Chalkboard Runner by A Thoughful Place Blog
Natural Farmhouse Pumpkin Charm by Little Glass Jar
Harvest Spread with Plaid and Pumpkins by The Crowned Goat
Classic and Cozy Dinner Table by A Thoughful Place Blog
Rustic Country Centerpiece by Little Glass Jar
Sunny Tablescape with Yellow and Gold by Up to Date Interiors
Simple Farmstand Tablescape by Little Glass Jar
Apple Harvest Brunch Table by The Crowned Goat
Minimalist Farmhouse Dinner Table by Naptime Decorator
Rustic Charm with Painted Plates by Lil Lu Boo
Grains and Greens Tablescape by A Thoughful Place Blog
Spooky Black and White Holiday Spread by The Beuaty Dojo
Soft and Neutral Fall Runner by Time to DIY
Vibrantly Wrapped Wheat Centerpiece Craft by Inspired by Charm
Soft White Table with Pops of Pattern by Simple Nature Decor
Easy Autumnal Table Garland by Good Morning Loretta
Rustic Simplicity With Pumpkin Centerpiece by Run to Radiance
Colorful and Classic Early Autumn Table by Up to Date Interiors
Autumnal Seaside Spread by Starfish Cottage Blog
Bohemian Halloween Tablescape by Amber Shirley
Enchanting Autumn Table Design by Our Crafty Mom
Crocheted Pumpkin Centerpiece Craft by Make and Do Crew
Cozy and Colorful Fall Table by Love and Renovations
Fresh Apple Candle Décor by Little Green Notebook
Cozy Bohemian Knits and Florals by The DIY Mommy
Soft and Vibrant Fall Table by My Creative Days
Wheat-Filled Mason Jar Fall Décor by View from the Fridge
Elegant and Bountiful Dinner Table by Inspired By Charm
Tri-Colored Crafty Fall Table by Hey There Home
Fallen Leaves and Woodland Creatures by The DIY Mommy
Fall Harvest Bouquet and Tablescape by The Moutain View Cottage
Elegant Purple and Green Fall Table by An Oregon Cottage
Stylish and Vibrant Fall Tablescape by Pizzazzarie
White Pumpkin and Harvest Dinner Party by Inspired By This
Indoor Fall Picnic Table Display by Two Bees in a Pod
Fall Centerpiece with Warmth and Simplicity by Time to DIY
Outdoor Splendor with Greens and Golds by Mostly Living Things
With all the inspiration at your finger tips, think about how you can decorate other rooms in your home in a fall theme. Add your own spin by painting gourds in your favorite colors or pairing your table with a personalized tablecloth. However you decide to decorate for fall, make it fun and memorable.