A Fall Table, Two Ways

The fall season is all about gathering, entertaining and eating great food over great conversation, right?  So what better place to do that than over your beautifully decorated dining table? 

We know that for many, the holidays bring an added stress of making everything "perfect," and we're here to help!  A beautiful tablescape doesn't have to be time or budget consuming.  We're big proponents of using what you have and making it count.  So we've both designed some easy table setups to share with you guys.  I'll feature mine today, and Jessica will follow with hers.  Let's get started!

I started by laying down a piece of plaid houndstooth I found in the fabric bin at the thrift store for $3.  Fabric isn't a necessity for a tablescape, but if you do want to use some, don't feel like you have to splurge on a table runner or tablecloth--sometimes a piece of fabric is just as good, if not better!  I bunched mine to create some movement and texture in the middle of the table.

Next I added my vintage brass candlesticks that I've collected over the years (largely at thrift and antique stores).  Are you sensing a pattern?  I love the hunt and thrill of a good deal!  I swapped out my normal white tapers for some marigold ones for warmth and a nod to the traditional fall colors.

Once I had my candlesticks spaced out how I wanted them, I started to add in the magnolia branches I clipped from the tree in my yard.  Greenery is one of the easiest and cheapest (free if you can use trimmings from your own yard or a sweet neighbors!) to build a table centerpiece.  I stuck to just magnolia on mine, but you could certainly use a variety of clippings for a more layered look. 

Next I added some mini white pumpkins I picked up on a trip to the grocery store for $1.50 each. Nurseries and farmer's markets are another great place to look for more selection.  And remember, you don't have to stick to pumpkins.  My grocery store had some beautiful green squash that would have been a fun choice too--and they were 99 cents!

The next layer to the table was my dishes, which themselves got layered.  Layer, layer, layer friends!  I also added some green napkins and glassware that used to belong to my mom.  Who said you can't use green for fall decorating?

The finished product cost me $13.50 ($3 in fabric and $10.50 for pumpkins!).  The best part is that it didn't take long at all to put together. 

When you're shopping for entertaining decor remember to look for pieces that you will be able to use in a variety of different ways for different events.  That way the next time you have a function, you won't have to run to the store, just to your storage closet!

GET THE LOOK

Happy fall, y'all!