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Fall Table Decor: Using Velvet Pumpkins in an Elegant Fall Tablescape

ByLory Bernstein

In this post: If you’re looking for romantic fall table decor ideas, create a beautiful and elegant fall tablescape with velvet pumpkins.⇒

Velvet pumpkin table long view

If there’s one thing I most like to share with my readers it’s how to approach decorating in an unconventional way.

This is all the more so when doing a tablescape, since it’s only set for one occasion.

Often I like to use elements on my tables that go beyond dishes and stemware and today I’d like to look at using velvet pumpkins in an elegant fall tablescape.

Velvet pumpkin table centerpiece

No doubt you’ve seen velvet pumpkins used all over the home, as they come in rich lush colors of every variation, from pale soft colors to deep jewel tones. They come in a wide range of sizes with an array of embellishments, and while I love to tuck them in between pillows on the sofa and chairs, my favorite place to use them is in a pretty fall tablescape.

They can drive the color story of an entire table, or play off the patterns in your dishes and floral arrangements. In today’s table my central concept is an unconventional mix of the softest blush pink with a gorgeous rich burgundy. Mossy green acts as the bridge tying the palette together.

Velvet pumpkin table plate stack

Before we get to the pumpkin centerpiece which drove the overall theme, let’s take a look at the plate stack which pulls from the colors I knew I ‘d be working with.

I generally start with some kind of metal charger and this time I went with silver. I chose it for it’s decorative elegance, while at the same time acting as a quiet foundation. I tend to use silver when I want the chargers to merely complement what’s going on on the table, whereas gold or copper would make a much stronger statement.

A clean white dinner plate comes next and is topped with these wonderful market vegetable salad plates that come in an assorted set of 4. (They are discontinued but can sometimes be found on eBay or through Replacements. See the resource list below.)

Velvet pumpkin table ruffle tablecloth

The underpinning for the table is a lovely blush pink throw whose gentle ruffles seem to soften any room or table it comes near. It’s tossed loosely across the table, not really covering it, and this relaxed askew positioning only adds to the romantic nature of the display.

Velvet pumpkin table wine goblets

For stemware I went with my favorite glen plaid crystal goblets. I use these over and over as they work with so many different looks. I also have the champagne flutes, as well as high balls, and double old fashioned glasses in the same pattern. They catch the light in the most wonderful way and the buttoned-up pattern acts as a surprising contrast against the more feminine aspects of the table.

Velvet pumpkin table napkin and ring

My napkins are embroidered white linen that I bought years ago with a coordinating tablecloth, but I rarely use them as a matched set. This appears to be a habit I repeat often – the mixing and matching of contrasting elements.

I used my most glimmery crystal bracelet napkin rings to maintain the look of holiday elegance. (These are also discontinues – originally from Pottery Barn – sometimes available on eBay, but I’ve included some similar options in the resource list.)

Velvet pumpkin table pumpkin runner

Of course, the true stars of this table are the stunning vivid-toned velvet pumpkins, whose delightful sheen only adds to their charm. I chose pinks, berries and greens and I find their depth of color and soft plumpness to be truly very beautiful. Add to that the natural stems and they really are a special component to include.

Velvet pumpkin table side view

To really amp up the look, I tucked soft pink roses and dried purple and green hydrangeas into the presentation because I feel tables look best with fresh flowers, even when there are other elements that are highlighted for seasonal or decorative flavor. They also help drive home the pairing of whisper pink with deep claret.

Velvet pumpkin table overview

The footed silver bowl at the heart of the centerpiece is a new item, but you can just as easily use a vintage piece here and take advantage of its patina. While is does gleam, it’s still bears the quiet elegance that silver imparts. I popped in the largest pumpkin and tossed the smaller ones around it as a makeshift runner on the table. Flower blooms were then tucked in for interest and a bit of complexity.

Velvet pumpkin table left view

This table does not aim for simplicity, instead making use of unexpected pairings to create its personality, while adhering very much to the idea of romantic informality.

The shimmer of silver and crystal also helps to accentuate the contrast with the deep and lush pumpkins.

Velvet pumpkin table closeup

I find year after year I return to my bin of velvet pumpkins and combine them in new and different ways each time. Just when I feel I’ve seen them one too many times, I create a new palette or display idea and they look fresh again.

What a wonderful reflection of the rich and lush season they are here to help us celebrate!

Velvet pumpkin table centerpiece
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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 velvet pumpkins

56 Comments

  1. So very elegant and romantic…I so love the beautiful colors of the Plush Pumpkins…and crushing on that gorgeous silver urn. It certainly would be hard to choose a favorite Fall tablescape as they are all so very beautiful!

    1. Thanks so much, Shirley! I sure did get away from traditional colors this year, didn’t I? I’m having fun with it… 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!!

      1. Absolutely stunning Lori! I love the whole look. You’ve even used my favourite colour combo. We’ll done!

  5. The acorns are adorable. I love the soft colors for Fall. Somehow I always go with maroons, bold oranges, golds and earth browns. I did visit French garden house. Thanks for the introduction. So much to see! I spent tons of time on the site. I think my favorite item has to be the antique French glass pale pink rosary. Amazingly beautiful!

    1. She does have wonderful things, doesn’t she, Heidi? And yes, I actually have done the rich browns and golds in the past. Maybe I’ll add one more in this year… 😉 We’ll see…

  6. Lory, You amaze me with your creativity! This tablescape is gorgeous but all of yours are. You are gifted in design. I love everything you do!

    I love the blue toile footed planter but the french china is exquisite also!

    1. Thank you so much, Bonnie! What a nice thing to say… 🙂 And yes, I love so much on her site too!!

  7. What a gorgeous table setting, Lory! I love the pumpkins, the first original pumpkins made by Monya and still the BEST. {many copies out there, but these? Hand made with love and care, of superior quality!!}

    It’s so exciting to see a fall and Thanksgiving table set with unconventional colors, so feminine and romantic. You have such a talent for combining colors, patterns and textures to create beauty! xo Lidy

  8. Beautiful table and colors as always, Lory.

  9. Loving the velvet pumpkins and the gorgeous silver bowl. This is going to be a difficult decision as to which is my favorite!

  10. How to do out do yourself every time! Simple stunning Lory!! Those pumpkins are plump and lovely – the table divine!

  11. Total gorgeousness.. The rich colors are so beautiful together on that table. This is so dorky but your table takes my breath away. I can actually see me sitting there sipping on some champagne.

    1. I love that!! Thanks so much, Laura! I admire your style all the time so that really makes me feel great… 🙂 Fun blog hopping with you!

  12. Cathy Sales says:

    I really love the ruffled throw! Feminine and beautiful

      1. Cathy Sales says:

        Lol. If I had seen the last few posts, I would have commented then! ?. See what happens when your posts come up on my FB page!!

  13. Oh, Lory, your table is something out of a dream! I love the velvet pumpkin. I first saw them a few years ago and have wanted them every since, and that blush pink ruffled throw has me swooning! I have an inner girlie girl who absolutely loves decor like this. Stunning, stunning, stunning!

  14. Yours is one of the most elegant table settings I’ve ever seen! Those velvet pumpkins alongside the beautiful silver bowl holding those gorgeous roses is stunning! I love the soft, feminine colors of the whole table. The vegetable-themed salad plates coordinate with the purples on the table and just pop against the white background. You have done a fabulous job!

  15. Love the Ribbon Rose Khaki Bowl Set of 4, with the matching sugar bowl.

  17. bobbi duncan says:

    So elegant! I love the colors.

  18. As always, everything is so beautiful and so well styled!! I am loving the rich mix of colors and textures on your table and I LOVE the velvet pumpkins- (I think Starfish Cottage needs a few!)
    Wishing you a wonderful week…

  19. Lory, this is a beautiful blog hop, but I must say, your table is stunning! Your elements – the chargers (be still, my heart!), the RL glen plaid (that masculine yang to all the feminine yin!), the plush pumpkins (such luscious colors together!). I could go on and on, but I hope you get how much I love this table. Hands down, this should be the one for Thanksgiving. Just exchange Plush Pumpkins heart-shaped pumpkins in the same colors and you could call it your Valentine table! Lidy’s shop – I love so many things there – but I would choose at least one of her unique, figural or standup napkin rings to add to my collection. Happy November!

    1. Thank you so much, Rita! I actually think I agree with you and do want to use this one, but I’ve got something else to share soon using these pumpkins, so we’ll see… 😉 Stay tuned!

  20. Hi Lory ~ Your colors are so rich and unexpected… You’ve created a beautiful Thanksgiving table!

  21. I love the Velvet Pumpkins!

  22. Hi Lory, you are the first Lory I have come across whose named is spelled exactly like mine. Just wanted to say that. I love your table setting. It is so pretty and romantic. I Love that it’s not the traditional Fall table.

    1. Oh wow, how funny! So nice to meet you, Lory! I’ve never met another one either. Welcome and thanks for the kind words… 🙂

  23. The colors of those pumpkins are so rich and elegant. I am crushing on the throw too! What a pretty table.

  24. Geraldine Turner says:

    I look at the site for the ruffle pink throw, it doesn’t show the pink. Do you know if they still have it in the pink and if not, do you know where I can get one like it. Plus the silver bowl, I looked at that site, they show one in a gold color is it the same one that you have? Can you give me the Item numbers for both of these Items? Thanks Geraldine Turner

  25. Sunshine Sunflower says:

    Hi Lory, I just love all your style! After a visit to the website my favorite must have item was the “Our Daily Bread” European Linen Embroidered Towel in Flax.

  26. Absolutely gorgeous Lori, your table is amazing. I have the same colors in the pumpkins plus the throw. My favorite colors for fall decorating. LOVE the silver bowl, just fantastic. As always your taste is exquisite. Thanks for always brightening my day, we have the same taste so its always a joy to see your posts.

    1. Thank you for such a sweet comment Judy! Made my day… 🙂 So nice to know like-minded people have found and are enjoying the blog!

  27. Teddee Grace says:

    Just beautiful. The pieces in your collection of velvet pumpkins and acorns are so well chosen.

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