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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