Fall Tablescape: How to Add a Pretty Twist to an Autumn Color Palette
In this post: Fall color has a distinct look but if you’d like to add a pretty feminine twist to your autumn color palette, you’ll love this fall table.⇒
Every year I fight the whole orange and gold thing.
Sure it looks pretty on the trees, especially against a crisp blue sky.
But would you really use the colors of a traditional fall palette to decorate your house if it wasn’t in season? Yes, we did it in the 1970’s, but those days are long past.
Ok, I’m not being fair. Actually, lots of people love the spicy colors of fall. But for me, there’s something elemental that’s missing. And I can pinpoint it quite easily.
Pink.
Or really any of the feminine tones on the bluer side of the color wheel.
And that’s the key ingredient I decided to use to ‘throw’ my tablescape colors a bit off. And it made all the difference in the world!
For me seasonal decorating is all about a progression, easing into the upcoming season. I’m not one to ravage the local farm stands, buying every pumpkin and mum in sight, plastering them across my front entrance and leaving it at that.
I prefer to be more subtle and intentional, starting with a softer touch and building from there.
I typically begin the season with gentle neutrals and slowly begin to add in more color, but always keeping my personal style in mind.
That was my mantra for this fall tablescape, using an autumn color palette but with a pretty twist.
The key to my concept for this table was to bring in some fall color but to do it in a way that retains the soft feminine feel of my French Country style.
I didn’t avoid orange altogether but rather softened its punch with the colors I surrounded it with. They needed to be equally weighted and I also balanced the gold tones with the infusion of pink.
My plate stack is actually a very traditional combination, with copper chargers, clean white dinner plates and a pumpkin print salad plate topping it all off.
For glasses I went with a subtle amber goblet, warm-toned enough to project fall but soft enough to just whisper it.
Eucalyptus leaves trail down the center of the table, peppered with craft pumpkins in a playful mango hue. I’m having great fun with velvet pumpkins this year and they’re showing up all over our home.
The most amusing secret to this table setting is that I set it and shot it in the middle of a construction site.
Our kitchen was being renovated and if you got a look at the mess that was going on behind me, you’d likely get a good laugh.
Which just goes to show you, you can set a lovely table pretty much anywhere!
As the underpinning for the setting I used a plaid tablecloth in a range of fall colors. In fact I got a little nervous that it might make it too dark, but instead it illustrates how all the elements working together combine to tell a new story.
When I get to the middle stage in styling a table, I begin to work by instinct and improvisation.
I started this table by selecting the plates and the tablecloth, but the rest evolved as I was working and that’s where I believe its true character emerged.
The washed russet napkins were a natural enough choice, but when I added the peony napkin ring, the table found its voice.
This would have been a very different setting without the pink floral!
For the centerpiece I used the floral arrangement I styled earlier in the week for my fall vignette in the living room, with pale green hydrangeas and a touch of peach blooms, as well as the lovely drape of eucalyptus leaves.
A sprinkling of small gourds is tossed in to add seasonal flavor and interest for the finishing touch.
I find I enjoy the warmth of a fall palette so much more with the addition of rosy pink.
It turns out, it’s not that I thought there are too many colors in a fall palette but instead, there were not enough.
Who knew?
Autumn Color Palette Source List
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IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
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What a lovely surprise to a Fall tablescape. At first, the thought of pink to a Fall tablescape was something I quite couldn’t imagine, but when I seen how you worked it all together with the other elements, I was sold! What a wonderful twist on the traditional color combinations for Fall. It adds so much of a softer feel to what would have been more rustic. Very pretty.
Thanks so much, Marsha! I actually hadn’t really planned the pink and in fact, the russet napkins are more orange than rose, but they “pink over” when clasped in the pink ring. It was a bit of serendipity… 🙂
SWOON Lory! How gorgeous…I think I could be happy eating shoe leather among all the autumn beauty at your table! I love your unexpected addition of the pink and roses from your napkins & napkin rings. Your copper chargers are the perfect bridge to marry the harvest colors with the pink and rose shades at your table. Your vase with Eucalyptus, hydrangeas and roses is stunning too…Pinning and sharing!
Thank you so much, Mary! I think you stated it perfectly, that the copper functions as a bridge between the colors. Very true. Thanks for stopping by!
A very unusual color combination, Lory, but I love your use of the pinks, mauves, and soft greens with the more traditional fall tablecloth colors. Your centerpiece works wonders for the tablescape, as do the goblets. Like you, I start with a couple basics on a table, and then use instinct and improvisation for the progression. How funny to know your mess was out of focus in the background. I bet the workers got a kick out of your styling. As one who’s about to go down the road to some updates in the kitchen myself, I’m really looking forward to your reveal and its details. I very much enjoyed your style on display in this tablescape. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks, Rita! Yes, actually the workers were definitely amused (and maybe a bit confused?). It’s all coming together today so I’m very excited that the kitchen is almost done. Good luck to you on your updates, too!!
I am loving unusual color palettes for fall decorating this year Lory, and being an avid fan of pinks, I am crazy over your beautiful table. Your signature Lory style is shining through, with the soft touches and delicate accessories. I love the faded greens and pinks mixed in with the brighter tones, and the bold plaid cloth was unexpected, and it works beautifully! It has been a great week of tables!
Thank you, Jenna! I think you hit the nail on the head when you mention faded colors. I think that’s where I’m at now – not quite neutral, but not vibrant color yet either. It’s amazing what you can get away with putting together when the colors are washed out… 😉
Lory, you are so talented! I adore the color pink, and I love how you have worked it into a Fall Tablescape! It is gorgeous! Every little detail is perfection from the plate stack to the beautiful centerpiece! I’m so happy and honored that I was able to participate in this Fall Tablescape Blog Hop with such a talented group of girls! I hope that you have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend!!!
Shannon, what a lovely sweet comment!! I can’t thank you enough… 🙂 It’s a pleasure blog hopping with you too, with your wonderful taste and style.
The table is beautiful and I love the softness of colors. The velvet pumpkins are a super addition and those plates are one of my favorites.
Can’t wait to see your kitchen I am sure it is going to be amazing
Cindy
Thanks, Cindy! The kitchen is so close to done now, so you will see it soon! And more velvet pumpkins everywhere… 😉
Your colors and photography are wonderful. I don’t know where to start in telling what I love about your table. 🙂 Rose napkins and napkin rings, yes! Plates, goblets, and greenery, so very lovely! sheila
Thank you so much, Sheila! Your kind words are so appreciated. It’s always nice to hear your work is resonant, but particularly when coming from someone so talented themselves… 🙂
French Country is one of my favorite styles and you’ve done it beautifully here. I absolutely LOVE the flower-filled urn as a centerpiece. Everything is lovely and you’d never know you had construction going on behind the scenes. My hat’s off to you for getting it all done so beautifully in the middle of such a big project.
Thank you, Kim! It actually was really funny, because it was at one of the messiest stages, but at least the floor was done so I was able to lift the table over the dishwasher which was sitting in my den and put it back in the kitchen. At one point I thought I’d have to do the table setting in the entry hall, but it worked out ok… 😉
Stunning!!
Thanks, Jeanie!
Lory – Such a pretty table! I love your copper chargers. I also love an unexpected pop of color as you did with the pink. Those velvet pumpkins are lovely too! Great to particpate in this blog hop with you.
Thank you so much, Elaine! I really enjoyed this blog hop, as well, as it’s really fun to get to know some amazing bloggers I wasn’t even aware of. I actually spent a good bit of time on your page today. Really enjoyed looking around… 🙂
Your table is lovely Lori. Love the pink with the plaid. Colors mix so well. The velvet pumpkins are so pretty. Your tall centerpiece is gorgeous with an array of lovely flowers. A soft feminine feel is noticed with the pink napkin rings.
Thank you, Linda! I’m glad you appreciated all the feminine touches of a season that’s not always all that feminine… 🙂
Oh Lory, your tablescapes are like a beautiful gift. Like not wanting to unwrap a gorgeous package, I can’t image bring on the food and drink to disturb the beautiful elements of your table. The first word I thought of when I saw your table was, ELEGANCE! I don’t know if that is what you were going for, but it certainly is, in every sense of the word, elegant. I have admired those salad plates myself, and you mixed them in perfectly with all of the elements you have used. Thank you so much for being a part of the Autumn Tablescape Blog Hop!
Chloe, thank you so much for your lovely comments and especially for including me in this fabulous blog hop!! I really enjoyed participating… 🙂
Whoa, when you whisper fall you really whisper FALL. What a gorgeous table and I love your chargers and centerpiece Lori! Seriously loving how you ease slowly into this beautiful fall season.
Ha ha, so good to know that people actually read the posts! 😉 Thanks so much Christine!!
I enjoy all of your tablescapes and this one is no exception. You definitely have a signature style to tablescaping and I can often spot one of your designs in a pic before I know it’s yours. I love how you worked your magic with this fall table bringing in unexpected pops of colour like the napkin rings and unexpected texture like the softness of the velvet pumpkins. The plate stack and centerpiece are perfectly chosen and arranged. The lovely plaid tablecloth speaks of fall days and makes a wonderful backdrop to your gorgeous creativity. Pinning for sure…
Thank you so much, Lori, and how fun that my style has a signature to it that you can recognize! I think that’s something we don’t really do on purpose but I’m really glad to know it’s there… 🙂 Thanks for visiting!!
Lory, what a gorgeous tablesetting! The copper chargers are perfect to introduce your pinks to the setting. I not only love the colors but also the textures that you incorporated! I would love to sit at this table! Pam @ Everyday Living
Thanks so much, Pam!
Lory, this tablescape pleases me at every level! I love the surprise addition of the pink floral napkin ring. I have these, too, and they are beautiful! I also have the plates from several years ago and love using them. You are teaching me so much about stepping out from the matchy-matchcy table settings I have always done. I get such joy out of setting tables and you are helping my tablescapes get a little more edgy. I, too, have fallen in love with the velvet pumpkins. Oh, my! I bought quite a few in all kinds of sizes last year and have added 3 more this year. Please keep your lovely tablescapes coming! I can’t wait to see your kitchen remodel.
Thank you, Martha! And how nice to know you are feeling inspired by my posts… 🙂
Everything looks so festive and elegant! I love your velvet pumpkins!!
Thanks, Samantha!
I love visiting your lovely blog. Everything looks so wonderful and represents a beautiful way to usher in the new season. xo P.S. I invite you to share at the Thursday link party (open until midnight tonight) 2 new giveaways too
Thanks so much, Katherine! And I’m delighted to link up… 🙂 Happy fall!!
Lory, you did an amazing job with this tablescape. The soft colors are stunning; and you know that I love the Botanical Pumpkin plates. They are beautiful with your color scheme. You always do such a beautiful job!
Thanks so much, Shenita!
I love your unexpected but perfect fall palette! Pink is gorgeous any time of the year, in my opinion. That sweet little velvet pumpkin really caught my eye.
Thanks, Sarah! I think I finally have to admit that I’ll find a way to sneak pink into any and every season!
Lori, I absolutely LOOOOOOVE this table. I am not fond of the color orange in general for Fall decor (yes I have very little here and there) but using pinks instead of oranges is something that is right up my alley! Your table is very lovely, as usual! Thanks for linking up with us at Thursday Favorite Things – I featured your post today on my blog 🙂
Oh wow, thanks so much, Angelina! Yes, I have a bit of orange in there too, but I find the pink really tempers it. Thanks for the kind words!!
This is beautiful!! I love EVERYTHING but especially the floral napkin rings. I never get tired of seeing pink and peaches!
Thanks, Kathy! That really was a last minute choice, but for me makes the whole table. Glad you like it… 🙂
Expressing your personal style is the key to the success of any decor be it on the table or in a room. You’ve made a very good case for subtle transition.
Thank you and I so agree with you on personal style… 🙂
Such beauty! The table is so fresh and happy!
Thanks, Valerie!!
Wow! I’m not quite sure where to begin as I love it all! I was first drooling over your stunning centerpiece. I loved the way that it is sitting in a tall-ish vessel yet the arrangement is quite horizontal. I can’t take my eyes off that – I’m a frustrated florist and plan on pursuing that in my second life! I don’t think I’ve ever seen that done before! Usually one sees a tall bouquet in a tall vase – so I’m nuts about this look and want to store that in my memory bank. I love the beautiful “leaf” dishes and the copper and then the icing on the cake …. pink!! That really surprised me and I love its end-of-Summer faded look too. I’ve always loved pinks but I rarely use them in case anything I add it to looks too “pretty” or whatever. Silly, isn’t it? We should decorate for ourselves and not worry about whether a color we secretly love is in vogue or not. I’m loving it all. We Canadians have had our Thanksgiving and I’d like to wish you American readers a Happy one too next month!
Thank you so so much, Elaine! What a lovely, thoughtful, detailed comment!! I’m particularly pleased that you were a bit surprised by some of the choices, as that means I’ve presented something new… 🙂 As I think I may have mentioned in the post, once I get past the initial plan, which is quite intentional, I move into a sort of intuitive phase and that is absolutely where the pink came from. Now it’s my favorite part of this table. But then again, I’m a very pink girl… 😉 Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, as well!!
I love the pinks against the Autumn plaid in your tablecloth…absolutely a winner…unexpected and charming. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay
Thanks so much, Cherry!!
Ha – I love to see how you subvert the orange every year! I feel exactly the same way, and I always get such great ideas from you! This post has totally made me want to go try a new one that popped into my head as I was reading this – instead of going to bed like I really should! Thanks again for the excitement of something new to imagine!
LOL to staying up all night creating… 🙂 Thank you, as always, for the encouraging words!!
Beautiful
Thank you!
Sooooo pretty. Love this table setting! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for the kind words!!