I’ve always loved putting together tablescapes, but setting a table outdoors is by far my favorite. Give me a gorgeous fall day, a rustic table, and a few of my favorite seasonal pieces, and I’m happy.
For this one, I pulled out my old round wooden table, which has a worn, antique look that I love. I pulled a bench up alongside it and added a few cushions to make it relaxed and easy to settle into.
I already had a bunch of sunflowers in the house, so I brought them outside for a pop of color against the soft tones and the greenery. The yellow in the flowers also complemented my cream table runner with blue thin lines running through it.
I chose several pieces of my fall decor in complementing shades and textures. When putting together a table like this, don’t be afraid to pair a few dressier pieces with rustic ones. In the end, it’s all about what makes you happy to look at. If it brings you a sense of calm and comfort, most likely it’ll have the same effect on others.
I absolutely love bringing candles into a setting like this! They set the entire mood, and as the afternoon turns into evening, their soft glow makes you want to stay a little longer. I have a variety of different styles of candles, but I couldn’t resist tapered ones scattered across the table as the focal point.
Adding a pumpkin roll couldn’t have been more fitting! I set it atop a wooden pedestal stand, which raises it up just enough to give the table a little extra height. Give your company a slice of that paired with a glass of wine, and they’ll never want to leave.
If you’ve been thinking about hosting an outdoor fall gathering, I hope this inspires you to do so. Keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are absolutely no rules!
Start with what you love. Walk through your home and gather a few fall items that make you happy. That might be a stack of seasonal plates, a cozy throw, or a vase of fresh sunflowers. These are the pieces that make the table feel like yours.
Think in elements. I love looking at a tablescape as a collection of elements that come together. The table and seating give you your foundation. Plates, linens, and glassware add color and texture. Pillows and cushions bring comfort, and fresh flowers tie it all to the season. Each element adds something, and together they create a table that feels warm and inviting.
Keep it relaxed. Pull out a bench, a few chairs, or whatever seating you have, and don’t worry about everything matching perfectly.
Prepare ahead of time. Gather your items the day before. That day, put everything together with plenty of time left over to get yourself ready. This will ensure that you can relax and enjoy the gathering right along with the others.
There’s nothing like relaxing under the open sky with food, drinks, and people you care about. On a crisp fall afternoon, it truly is a breath of fresh air.
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