Check out these 3 ways to layer your tablescape during this early fall season…and the simple things you need to pull it together with ease.

It can be easy to look at those pretty magazine pictures of the perfectly styled dining room tables and just think that can’t be real life.  I get that.  And I definitely don’t know anyone who actually uses a fall table like that every day.  At the same time, you’ll often find one or the other of our tables styled on a regular basis or at least a pretty centerpiece!

Why?  Not because we are fancy dining people.  But there is something so fresh and put together about a tablescape and it can make your entire home feel thoughtful and inviting.

So don’t save the “pretty stuff” only for guests.  Let’s chat about some simple ways to set your fall table during this season…just for you and your family!

5 Elements for Your Fall Table

Staple items I keep on hand for my fall tablescapes:

• Vintage paper plate holders
• Vintage wooden bowls
• White dishes or white ironstone (and try mixing styles!)
• Simple, neutral napkins or try my favorite shop rag “napkins” for a vintage, old linen look ($2.98 for a set of 6!)
• Black flatware (not a must, but definitely a favorite for me!)

Do you have to have these exact items?  Definitely not!  These are just my favorites and are all very budget-friendly.  Fun fact:  My everyday white dishes were a clearance find before I got married.  I think I paid less than $8 for a full service set of 6!  I’m really glad I got several sets.

My baskets and bowls are all thrifted finds and you can even find great ironstone at flea markets and thrifting stops!

For me, the key to setting my fall table with ease is having favorite items close at hand.  I’ll show you 3 different tables where I used a mixture of these items.  No table feels the same, yet there are several familiar elements in each.

You don’t have to have all new things to create new and fresh looks.  Have fun mixing, matching, and reimagining what you have on hand!  Then maybe add a few staple pieces as you can to really help you get the overall look you want!

Seasonal Items for Your Fall Table

Ideas for fresh, grocery store items for your fall table:

• Artichokes
• Fresh bread rolls
• Sunflowers
• Apples
• Pears (I love the rust colored ones for early fall!)

Other than the sunflowers, these are all things you can use in fall recipes, so enjoy it as decor for a bit and then eat it too!  One of my favorite ways to decorate any table or even an event is to use the pretty foods as part of my decor.

Using and enjoying fresh items in your decor also means that you have less decor to store away at the end of the season!  That is a big win in my book.

And while it may seem like you’re buying more, you’re likely spending less in the long run.  These are all fairly inexpensive and things that can play double duty for your budget as well!  Win win!

Notice pumpkins aren’t on the list?  Because this is for your early fall table!  The real pumpkins don’t arrive in Florida, at least, until late September.  So I love to use other fun and seasonal items and that keeps me from getting weary of the pumpkins!

Do you have other seasonal items that you love using on your table?  Leave your ideas in the comments for all of us to enjoy!

How to Add Layers to Your Fall Table

An easy formula for styling your table with ease:

Sunflower Fall Table Place Setting:

• Put the napkin down first, hanging over the edge of the table.
• Add the main plate.
• Add a dessert or salad plate (try mixing and matching these for fun!)
• Add a fresh seasonal item.  Consider even using a dessert, such as a cupcake or pastry!
• Add flatware and glassware
• Put a few sunflowers in some vintage jars and mix in a few brass candlesticks

Enjoy!  This is a perfect look for those last weeks of August and I love sunflowers for a slow transition from summer to fall decor!

Artichoke Fall Table Place Setting:

Tip: For this table, I use these adorable black plaid dishes from Bico Ceramics.  I only had 4 place settings, so I mixed them with my vintage ironstone to get 8 place settings!  Mix and match to make your dishes stretch a little further!

• Main plate (either black plaid or white)
• Napkin tip: Leave it folded in thirds but laid out length wise so more of it is seen
• Layered salad plate (alternating black plaid or white)
• Add wooden bowl
• Add fresh artichokes
• Add black flatware
• Add glassware and alternated ironstone and black plaid mugs
• Centerpiece: fresh eucalyptus stems and some brass candlesticks

This table is so easy to put together with those staple piece on hand!  I love the bright and fresh look, yet with a hint of those warmer tones that I like to bring in for fall table decor.

Fresh Bread Fall Table Place Setting:

This table gives me all the warm and cozy vibes.  Is there anything more comforting on a crisp, early fall evening than a delicious bowl of soup and some fresh bread?  Take a few extra moments to make this table feel even more inviting!

• White ironstone plate
• Vintage paper plate holder basket
• Vintage wooden bowl
• Small ironstone dessert plate
• Add a few sprigs of fresh greenery or rosemary
• Tie a piece of twine around individual loaves of bread (I purchased mine from Trader Joe’s and they are so yummy!)
• Add black flatware and glassware (unfortunately, I’ve had these glasses for 14+ years and cannot link them)
• Centerpiece: DIY beam candleholder and a few little pinecones from around our yard
• Add dripless, smokeless taper candles.  THESE are my favorite!

Side note: When my table looks pretty, none of us tend to “dump stuff” on it!  That’s always an added benefit of keeping the table pretty!  Everyone finds a different drop zone!  Ha!

I hope this post inspires you to have some fun with creating simple and thoughtful tables to enjoy with your family this fall!

I’d love for you to follow me on social media!  You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!  

Blessings,