Fall Outdoor Tablescape DIY : Simple and Beautiful Ideas
Follow along as I create a beautiful DIY fall outdoor tablescape and share some simple ideas for your fall table inspiration.
Fall is the perfect time of year for an outdoor dinner party. It hits right in that sweet spot after the sweltering summer heat has lifted but before the cold breezes of winter start blowing. When the days start to get shorter, and the evenings are wonderfully crisp and cool.
I am joining several friends today to share some of our favorite fall outdoor spaces. If you came over from my friend Kim’s @shiplapandshells, Welcome, I am so glad you are here. I have no doubt you loved her beautiful front porch.
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I have been busy prepping my fall dining table and am ready to host my friends for a fun-filled evening. The menu includes pumpkin soup, pear and arugula salad, smoked pork chops, baked apples, pumpkin pie, and ice cream. Doesn’t that sound so delicious and festive for the fall season?
While the menu is certainly important to set the fall mood, the decorations can play an even more significant role.
Have you started to think about your fall or Thanksgiving table yet?
If you haven’t, don’t panic; there is still plenty of time to create a beautiful fall tablescape in your outdoor space.
Follow along with me as I show you all the elements I used to set my table and share many simple fall decor ideas with you.
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Planning a Fall Outdoor Tablescape
Choose Your Theme
The first step when planning a new tablescape idea is choosing a color scheme.
This year’s fall harvest tablescape was inspired by these cute pumpkin plates I found at Hobby Lobby, featuring warm tones of gold, green, and blue.
Elements of My Fall Table Setting
Once I had my inspiration and color palette in mind, I got to work planning the rest of the place settings.
Dishes
Mixing and matching different patterns and textures adds interest to the table. The green dinner plates and white chargers also came from Hobby Lobby and perfectly complement the pumpkin plates. I always try to use what I have at home before buying new pieces, but I found I was lacking in fall dishes. Plus, I scored these on sale at 50% off, so there was not too much extra cost involved.
Linens
For my linens, I worked with Nicky from Middleton Makes, who created these custom ice-dyed linens for me. She was so wonderful to work with, and the table runner and napkins turned out gorgeous. I gave her my Pantone colors and she matched my inspiration plates perfectly.
Silverware
I chose gold flatware (that I already owned) to go with this theme, as it adds a warm tone to the table.
Glassware
And look at these dreamy gold glasses! I mixed these in with some vintage glasses I have had for years to complete my outdoor table settings.
I love it when I can make a beautiful tablescape using a mixture of old and new pieces. Some great places to shop for unique dinnerware and glassware are thrift stores and antique stores. You never know what you might find to inspire your next place setting!
Fall Decor Ideas for My Table
Next up is adding some DIY fall decorations. I knew I wanted fall flowers, candles, and mini pumpkins for my fall decor. When people are dining, it is essential to keep the décor low to the table so you can still see each other and converse easily without any tall decorations getting in the way.
Candles
I chose brass candle holders to accompany my gold theme and paired them with these gold-tone infinity wick candles. I love that they are battery-operated, have a remote control, and never blow out. This is very important when you are dining outside. The candlesticks and taper candles are a nice way to bring height and drama to the table without being distracting.
Pumpkins
Then, I finished my table decor by adding some beautiful velvet pumpkins. I love the soft colors and texture they bring to the table. Alternatively, you could use small white pumpkins or painted pumpkins in fall colors or neutral colors to match your theme.
Personalize your table
Personalizing place settings for your guests can also be a nice touch. For example, use autumn-themed place cards, napkin rings, or wine glasses. Handwritten name cards or small decorative items like mini pumpkins or pinecones can be lovely.
WOW Factor Table Centerpiece
I always like to have a wow factor when my guests arrive. Typically, this means a large floral arrangement in the center of the table. While this is beautiful, it is not always practical. As I mentioned, keeping your tablescape decorations low is essential so that people can see one another while seated in the dining room.
Luckily, I have discovered an easy way to have the best of both worlds. For my outdoor fall table, I created a fall flower arrangement that is totally wow-worthy to greet my guests and welcome them to the space. Then, when it’s time to eat, I will simply move it to another spot nearby where it can still be enjoyed, but it will be out of the way.
To make this simple fall centerpiece, I started with a vintage leather train case as my vessel for my flower arrangement. It was the perfect color and added an element of surprise to the table. One of my favorite things when decorating is to try to use unexpected items. Not only will your decor be completely one of a kind, but it will also be a great conversation piece.
Supplies for A centerpiece
Gathering my supplies, I started with a beautiful blue bow contrasting with the browns and golds I used in my preserved foliage. Next, I chose an assortment of faux gold fall leaves, dried blue hydrangeas, and nice off-white pampas grass. I love the light and airy feel the pampas grass gives to an arrangement.
When it comes to fall centerpiece ideas that make a statement, just about anything goes. Some ideas include natural elements like pine cones and fall foliage or fall decor favorites like faux pumpkins and fresh flowers. You can also use beautiful silk flowers.
Fun Outdoor Lighting for Your Fall Table
Take your fall outdoor tablescape to the next level by adding creative lighting. This is a great way to make your outdoor space cozy and inviting for your guests and can give it a magical quality for the fall season.
To give the outdoor table in my planting garden year-round appeal, I made these beautiful hanging lights from repurposed wire garden baskets. While this may not seem like an easy DIY project, it was actually quite simple. You can see the step-by-step process here: Repurposed Garden Baskets Make Beautiful Outdoor Hanging Lights.
Lampshade Idea
I dressed up my hanging lights a little to match my fall outdoor tablescape. Nicky from Mitleton Makes was kind enough to send me some extra napkins, so I tore them into three-inch strips and wove the fabric through my baskets to create these darling lampshades.
The beauty of the light fixtures is that they are easy to change out the shade.
In the picture below, I used a paper shade from Ikea that I dipped in a paint bath to create a fun and spooky look for Halloween.
Other fun lighting ideas to enhance your fall table decorations include:
- Mason jar lanterns
- Pumpkin candle holders
- Fairy lights in foliage
- Paper bag luminaries
- Hanging Edison bulbs
- Decorative lanterns
- Floating candles
- Wine bottle candle holders
Remember to prioritize safety when using candles and open flames outdoors. This should always be the most important consideration over aesthetics. LED candles or battery-operated lights can be a safer alternative, especially if it’s a windy evening.
With the right lighting, your fall outdoor tablescape will create a memorable and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Adding soft throws or cushions to your dining chairs is another fun touch to create a cozy atmosphere in your outdoor dining space.
As the weather cools down and we move towards fall, I hope you’re inspired to try out a new tablescape for your next outdoor dining experience. Be sure to check out my friend’s outdoor spaces by clicking on their links below.
Next up is my friend Coco @thecrownedgoat. Follow along to see her beautiful porch and how she has decorated it for fall.
Have a wonderful week.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are a few other beautiful posts you will enjoy:
15 Beautiful DIY Ideas for Your Thanksgiving Party
Simple DIY Magnolia Fall Centerpiece in a Pumpkin Frame
How to Make a Terra Cotta Pumpkin, Just Like Pottery Barn
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So pretty and well done, love it
Thank you for sharing your links with us at #282 SSPS Linky. See you again next week.
It’s all so gorgeous! Love the whole magical setting!
Thank you so much Amber, it was so fun to create this setting.
Wendy, you have the best outdoor space for dining! Love your dish combination with the napkins and table runner. What a relaxing tablescape!
Thank you Michelle.
Your fall table is so beautiful!!! Every detail is so beautiful! I adore those lampshades!! Such a great idea!!
Oh my, so beautiful. I love the pretty cloth chandeliers you added and your tablesetting is gorgeous. What a perfect setting for a great dinner party. Your dinnerware and pumpkins are added treasures. Great post.
Thank you, Marty. I am glad you enjoyed my post.
Beautiful tablescape, Wendy! And the menu sounds delish:) I picked up those Hobby Lobby plates last year, too, and was so excited to pull them out this year. Your custom table linens to match are perfect!
Thank you, Lora, I am glad you enjoyed my post.
Wendy, I love the colors you chose for your table setting. The died linens are perfect. Another beautiful table, my friend!
Thank you, Kim! I appreciate you stopping by to visit.
Wendy, you have such a wonderful setting for outdoor dining. Beautiful tablescape and love the color combinations. Perfect for dining when the weather is still summery. Beautiful!
Thank you, Debra, it is so lovely to be able to be outside.
Your centerpiece isn’t the only wow factor. Your entire outdoor space is the wow! Love your table and ideas. pinned again!
Thank you so much, Cindy. You are such a doll.
This is amazing, Wendy. I love the blues, the browns, and the gold colors you used for this Fall tablescape. They’re such a pretty combination! The lanterns you made are fabulous too. I love how you can change them out for the different holidays too. That is so cool! Hugs, CoCo
Thank you so much, Coco. I apologize for the late response. I was traveling for two weeks and am just catching up.
Wendy I love the ideas and creativity that you shared in the post. The dyed linens are just gorgeous. Thank you SO very much for joining the hop! I have pinned and will be sharing on IG and FB.
Laura, thank you so much for including me in your hop today! Have a wonderful day.
Such a beautiful tablescape! I love the colors you used!
Wow Wendy you have created one of the most beautiful fall tables that I have ever seen! What a lovely outdoor setting you have. Thank you for all of the inspiration…I was drawn to the touches of blue with your natural elements! Stunning!
Hi Kelly, Thank you so much. You know I love that blue…
Wendy what a gorgeous table! It’s abundant and beyond incredible!
Thank you Stacy!
I absolutely love the color palette you chose for this fabulous fall tablescape, Wendy. And your floral arrangement is breathtaking. Well done my friend.
Thank you Kim. I think floral arranging has to be one of my favorite things to create.
This entire post is perfection from the beautiful tablescape to the lampshades. You know I think you are one of the most creative people. Thanks for sharing all your greatness with us.
This is such a beautiful outdoor tablescape Wendy! I love the colors and lovely details!
I love this beautiful blue and gold tablescape Wendy! And thanks so much for including me in this talented group of ladies!
Thank you, Michele. It was a pleasure to have you, and I look forward to doing it again.
Wendy, your tablescape is s gorgeous! I love your color palette. Happy Fall, my friend.
Your tablescape is gorgeous! I love it. Perfect for Thanksgiving. Such. Wonderful group of talented ladies. Thank you so much for including w. Hugs to you
Thank you so much Diane, I appreciate you sharing with me today! Now, If I just had your view. :))))
Your fall table is gorgeous. I love the hanging lamp shades!
Happy Fall,
Kippi
Thank you so much Kippi. They are very easy to make and I love that I can change up the decor on them so easily.
Your fall table is gorgeous, Wendy! Pinned and scheduled to my FB page.
Thank you so much my friend! You are so sweet to pin it. I see you too have been busy getting ready for fall. Your mantle looks amazing.
Such an amazing and beautiful space! So much to look at and enjoy! So well done, my friend!
Thank you so much Missy! It was a really fun project. I love fall and am so looking forward to some cooler weather. How about you?
Wendy, you have created a magical setting for an amazing fall tablescape! You have obviously put so much thought and creativity into every detail of this beautiful table! I would love to be a guest at this dinner! I don’t even know where to start with it all so pretty! I may have to break down and try gold leafing. Your tiny acorns are adorable! I have pinned this! Thank you so much for joining in this inspiring fall hop!
Sweet Chloe, thank you so much for including me, I had so much fun and learned so much from this experience. You were so kind and gracious to me being a newbie! I can’t wait to blog hop again with you. I will also be doing a blog post just on those sweet acorns soon.
Great color scheme and choices! So pretty!
Thank you Christin! It was a very fun project to work on!
Such a gorgeous tablescape! It’s just full of fall inspiration!
Thank you sweet Robyn, it has been such a fun project to work on!
Your table looks so perfect, but the lights are AMAZING. What a fun idea and they really put it over the top. That is such a clever idea I’m trying to see where I can do it at my house. It was fun hopping with you today. Can’t wait to check out your workshops!
This really is spectacular! I need an invite to your next dinner party outside! So nice to know you Wendy! Great Blog Hop!
If you will do the cooking, I will do the decorating :)))))
Your fall decor is so lovely. You are one talented ladt. Hugs to you.
Thank you my friend!
Oh my gosh, this is just breathtaking!! Everything is just amazing Wendy!
Jennifer, my sincere apologies! I don’t know how I missed adding your @cottagebunkerhill into my post on IG today!
I had your hashtag there, I am still new at this and trying to make sure I have all my T’s crossed and my I’s dotted, but somehow I missed it.
Anyways it is there now my friend! It was fun blog hopping with you today!
I love those dishes, they are so very cute. Your tablescape is so much fun and I appreciate all of your tips, and the pumpkins are darling! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, I am a sucker for anything with a pumpkin on it!
Oh, be still my heart! I love the colors, dinnerware and velvet pumpkins! Your table and all of the details need to be recreated here for guests. It’s stunning, friend!
Thank you my friend, it was such a fun project to put together. I just loved your beautiful blog post as well.
You did such an amazing job of incorporating all of the details to decorate your home and the recipes, I cant wait to try them out. XO
There’s something magical about outdoor entertaining in the evenings and your table is perfect. The surroundings, the centerpiece, the place settings… It’s all beautiful. Love the added hanging light covers.
Hi Cindy,
Thank you so much for your kind comment, it is people like you who make this so much fun. Happy Fall!