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Fall Table Decorations: Mixing Casual and Formal in a Fall Tablescape

ByLory Bernstein

In this post: Want to set a fall tablescape that’s nice enough for guests but not too stuffy? Try mixing casual and formal in your fall table decorations.⇒

casual formal mix table for fall

Are you the type who loves formal entertaining?

Suit and tie, cocktail wear, china and crystal.

Or do you prefer your gatherings to be relaxed and casual? A backyard barbecue with tee shirts and jeans.

Of course, there’s a world of options between the two extremes, but my favorite style is what some call ‘denim and diamonds’. Rather than finding a typical middle ground, I love to mix opposites together.

elegant plates on casual formal mix table

Fall Table Decorations

I’m a big fan of using contrasts on the table for the interest and individuality it adds. Whether it’s old and new, dark and light, heavy and lightweight, this contrast is one of the aspects that makes a setting look different than everyone else’s.

This is exactly the approach I took in creating the fall tablescape I’m sharing today, with woodsy bits of nature mixed with silver and crystal.

Limoges china plate stack on casual formal mix table

The plate stack embodies the mix I’m referring to, with vintage Limoges china lending pedigree, while more casual dinner plates have a farmhouse feel.

The chargers are a pretty underpinning, yet they’re actually made from a durable plastic. For me the key to having them work well together is selecting a pattern on the simpler side and ensuring a color palette that is impeccably restrained.

hydrangeas in vintage silver pitcher on casual formal mix table

If there’s one element that ties this tablescape together it’s the floral centerpiece of mixed hydrangeas. The woodsy tones are a nod to the fall season and the casual blooms provide another contrast with the more formal vintage repoussé pitcher.

casual formal mix table for fall

Sharing center stage with the floral arrangement is a moss planter topped with a glimmery mosaic pumpkin, probably not the mix you’d expect to see, as one is outdoorsy while the other decidedly glam

napkin cluster in crystal napkin ring on casual formal mix table

The white embroidered country style napkins are dressed up by the sheer organza overlays and then clustered within the crystal bracelet napkin rings.

casual formal mix table for fall

Even the foundation of this casual formal tablescape shows the mix I’m enjoying playing with here. A white linen embroidered tablecloth lends a sense of elegant flair, yet it’s smaller than the table and tossed askew, leaving the rustic wood table peeking out beneath.

silver candlestick with crystal drop bobeche

I’ve used my favorite smoky grey crystal bobeches, but put away the polished silver candlesticks and instead paired them with a more relaxed modern set.

faux acorn and artichoke on casual formal mix table

Tossed on the table are some craft artichokes and acorns to give a pleasing hint at the season outside.

crystal wine goblet on casual formal mix table

Another favorite that appears on many of my tables, these glen plaid crystal goblets are both chunky enough to work with casual, yet the cut crystal pattern can read formal, as well.

I wanted a table that would please my guests and honor the occasion, but not be too fussy for a relaxed meal. I hope the mix satisfies that goal.

And if they choose to show up in denim and diamonds, all the better!

side view of casual formal mix table

Ideas for Mixing Casual and Formal in a Fall Tablescape

  • Tablecloth and Runner:
    • Use a rustic linen tablecloth with an elegant silk or velvet runner down the center.
  • Placemats:
    • Pair formal, metallic placemats with casual, woven charger plates.
  • Dinnerware:
    • Mix fine china plates with casual, hand-thrown ceramic bowls or salad plates.
  • Napkins:
    • Combine luxurious velvet napkins with rustic wooden or ceramic napkin rings.
  • Centerpiece:
    • Use a mix of fresh flowers and casual, seasonal elements like pumpkins, pinecones, or wheat.
  • Glassware:
    • Mix crystal wine glasses with casual, colored glass tumblers.
  • Flatware:
    • Pair elegant silver flatware with more relaxed, wooden-handled utensils.
  • Candles:
    • Use a mix of tall, formal taper candles with casual, chunky pillar candles or tea lights.
  • Seating:
    • Combine formal dining chairs with more casual, mismatched seating or benches.
  • Name Cards:
    • Use elegant calligraphy on rustic kraft paper or wooden tags for a mix of formal and casual.
  • Table Decor:
    • Incorporate both sophisticated gold or brass accents and casual, natural elements like dried leaves or berries.
  • Serving Pieces:
    • Use a mix of formal silver serving trays and more relaxed, ceramic or wooden bowls.
  • Table Runner Decor:
    • Add a touch of luxury with metallic or crystal garlands alongside casual fabric or burlap runners.
  • Layering:
    • Layer a formal tablecloth with a more casual, patterned table runner for added texture.
  • Color Scheme:
    • Balance warm, casual fall colors like orange and brown with more formal, metallic tones like gold or silver.
  • Place Settings:
    • Mix elegant, monogrammed napkins with more casual, patterned or plaid ones.
  • Floral Arrangements:
    • Use a mix of formal roses and hydrangeas with casual wildflowers or seasonal foliage.
  • Table Accessories:
    • Pair formal candelabras with casual, rustic lanterns or mason jars filled with candles.
  • Dishware Accents:
    • Use a formal china pattern but add casual, rustic touches like twine-tied napkins or wooden coasters.
  • Seasonal Accents:
    • Mix formal decorative pumpkins painted in metallic hues with casual, natural pumpkins or gourds.
casual formal mix table for fall
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Resource Guide

To get the look, click on the items below for direct links to the products. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.

(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)

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fall tablescape with casual formal mix

47 Comments

  1. Stunning! I love the rich greens paired with the lighter china, fabulous. Great moss centerpiece too. Nicely done Lory!

    1. Thanks, Tina! I still seem to be avoiding the oranges of fall, but I will get there eventually… 😉

  2. Faega Abramson says:

    May you and your family be inscribed in The Book of Life for this year 5777.

  3. Gorgeous, as always, Lory! Your ability to mix and match colors, patterns as well as formal and informal is impeccable! You really raise the bar high for this tablescape series!

    1. Aww, thanks so much Julie!! I really do love all of the tables in this grouping and it’s fun to see our different styles presented together… 🙂

  4. Love all of the greens Lory and I was intrigued by the mosaic pumpkin that is so pretty! Fun partying with you ladies today…I’m inspired!

    1. Thanks, Janet! Let’s see if I can get through the entire season without doing traditional fall colors!! The mosaic pumpkin was the first one I bought this year and I really wasn’t sure what I’d do with it. Now I’m heading off to read all the other posts. Loving what I’m seeing from the thumbnails, already!

  5. Such a pretty and elegant table! I am sure your family and friends appreciate the time you have taken to honor this special occasion.

    1. Thanks so much, Chloe! They really so seem to appreciate it and it’s become a bit of an event when they first walk in and like to see the table… 😉 It makes it all so much fun! Thanks for stopping by!!

  6. Beautiful, the silver mixed with Hydrangea is wonderful. Your napkin rings and accent pieces make for a wonderful setting. I love that you give us a source list.

    Also, love the combination of moss with glitz pumpkin

    Cindy

    1. Thanks so much, Cindy! So glad you appreciate my curious mix of things… 🙂 Thanks for visiting!

  7. Your table is beautiful! I love the elegance you created without the sometimes uncomfortable formality that comes with it. An aside…I now know something to use my small bowls for besides fruit or smaller desserts. I also like that I learned something new about Yom Kippor traditions. Thanks for sharing the beauty. Linda

    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Linda! It’s fun to share my quirky style and family traditions with others and it feels wonderful to have them appreciated… 🙂

  8. Very elegant as always My Dear!!!

  10. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says:

    Lory, your table is so beautiful — love what you have done!

  11. Just stunning. Love everything and every piece on that table. Thanks for the sourcing.

  13. Lory, your table is simply stunning! Your china is beautiful, and I love the mix of greens…very elegant. What a gorgeous table to set for your family during this special time!

    1. Thank you, Shannon! I really wasn’t sure where I was going with this one, so it definitely evolved in the process… 🙂 I think that’s when I have the most fun creating!!

  14. Your tablescape is stunning ! Every detail, china, stems, centerpiece and elements are so elegant with lots of glitz, without been so formal at the same token ! Love it.

    FABBY

    1. Thanks so much, Fabby! I do love my glitz, don’t I? 😉 It’s just fun for me. Glad you enjoyed!!

  16. Lory, of all the bloggers and tablescape artist, you have to be my favorite.
    Your Chanukah table last year was so pretty, just like this one for Yom Kippur.
    Many blessings for you and yours in the coming year.

  17. This is beautiful! I especially love your centerpiece arrangement and the napkin rings!

    1. Thanks, Julie! I wish I could find more of the napkin rings because they’re my favorite… 🙂 They do come up on ebay from time to time so I’m keeping an eye out.

  18. That was a beautiful table you set. The dishes are so pretty. I really like the mosaic pumpkin on the moss pot!

    1. Thanks so much, Liz! That was one of those unplanned things that just happened when I was carrying the pieces into the dining room and put the pumpkin in the pot to make it easier to carry. Bam, instant decor!

  19. I’m a fan of fabulous bobeches, and yours definitely fit that bill! My stepson and his friend were helping me to set up a reception back in the day, and I asked one of them to place a bobeche on each candlestick. They took that simple request and turned it into a running joke. They are so silly! But they know the word now, and that’s what counts. Learning comes in so many forms!? Gorgeous mix of elements and a thoughtful setting for the occasion. Beautiful!

  20. Jean Windham says:

    Lori, I think this is my favorite tablescape you have done. You are so good at doing what I love. Mixing patterns, color sand designs. I love everything about this look. Jean

  21. Teddee Grace says:

    So pretty. I really like this.

  22. Perfection!

  23. Exceptionally beautiful without the fanfare of it. I like elegance, but at the same time, I like the feeling of hominess. This design says it all to guests: “I put thought in you, but most importantly, I want to make you feel welcomed.”

  24. Wow, for what could see, your tablescape looks amazing

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