There’s something quite magical about cosy Autumn dinner parties. The table looks radiant, everyone feels relaxed, and the menu hits on exactly what we crave as the temperature drops.
The trick to creating a successful Autumnal table display is to keep things simple and stick to a minimal colour palette. Create a pleasing layout, but don’t over accessorise as it can look cluttered. I’ve compiled a list of my top things to consider so you can create a display that your guests won’t forget!
Invest in some standout pieces
No dinner table is complete without beautiful cutlery, crockery or glassware. Investing in some high-quality dinnerware is a smart choice as it will last a lifetime and make your table display look fabulous everytime you use it.
I was gifted these beautiful cocktail glasses and cake stand from LSA International. Inspired by the folk traditions of woodworking, the Tatra collection featues angular designs and assorted patterns carved by hand into mouthblown glass and natural ash from FSC certified sources. The contemporary mixed material collection is the winner of the 2018 iF Design Award and would look stunning in any contemporary home. The cake stand is definitely my standout piece as it creates a stunning focal point on the dining table.
When you use one or two feature pieces, be sure to keep the other tableware fairly plain. White plates and bowls are a safe choice as they don’t detract from the rest of the display.
Add Autumnal accessories
I know it’s a bit cliche and obvious, but using autumnal accessories can really bring your table display to life! One suggestion is to buy some munchkin pumpkins and small ghost pumpkins as they are little (so they don’t take up much space) and look really cute.
I really like the idea of adding decorative spices as they are multifunctional, they look beautiful and also add a subtle scent to your room. For this display, I used cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise. Other suggestions for accessories include pine cones and conkers.
Think about your flavours
Food is such a good way to connect to nature and the seasons. For starters and main courses, consider root vegetables such as turnips, carrots, squash with darker greens. A warming stew with dumplings or chilli con carne are perfect comfort food for your guests in the colder months.
No meal is complete without a comforting dessert! For the perfect pudding, spices such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are ideal. Put the finishing touches on your fall party with this show-stopping ginger and salted caramel cake! It looks beautiful on LSA’s cake stand.
Consider Seasonal fragrances
Fragrances can be added to your dining display in a number of different ways. The most obvious way is through scented candles, however, fragrance can also be added through flowers, herbs and spices. As mentioned above, cinnamon and star anise create a subtle fragrance that helps to create an Autumnal feel.
Don’t forget to think about your flowers or foliage too. Keep it simple with a green garland or pop Eucalyptus and berries into a vase. Red berries look good too as the red tones add warmth. Flowers help to add a scent to the display – orange and yellow roses are always a winner. Another idea is to display herbs on your dinner table instead. For Autumn, sage, thyme, and mint add a soft, calming fragrance.
Are you currently planning a seasonal dinner party? Or maybe you are having an Autumnal wedding? Then consider using my tips above to create a beautiful but simple table display that your guests will adore.
To get a 20% discount on any of LSA International’s products, please use the code EMI_LSA135.
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Eve x
*Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with LSA International. LSA International gifted my a cake stand and set of cocktail glasses in exchange for a blog post. All opinions above are my own and I only work with companies that fit within my brand.
Thanks for sharing, love entertaining and love Fall! Which is your favorite candle for the occasion?
Thanks for reading! Autumn is the perfect season for dinner parties. Something like apple and cinnamon would be perfect this time of year as the scent transitions nicely into the Christmas period too.
I love fall decor, it’s so pretty!! Nice post xx
I think Autumn is definitely the prettiest season. Thank you Joy x
Loves those pears on the cake!
Thank you! x
Hi.
I loved the perfect colors combinations. All very simple but, so perfect and, and, it all says “Autumn”, that is one of my favorit seasons of the year.
Thank you for reading. Autumn is one of my favourite seasons too.
The wine glass really caught my eye! 😊 such a fun way to drink wine over the airy night. I can imagine it all 💖
Thank you, I think the wine glasses are beautiful too.
I’m not hosting anything autumn this year so – I don’t have to worry too much about decor. That being said, I do really love your ideas!
I’m glad you love my ideas! Maybe next year?
These are such awesome home decor pieces! I love the thing you put the cake on! (and the cake as well)
Thank you. The cake stand is so beautiful and it was really fun to bake the cake (and eat it after).
omg these are gorgeous! love the decor pieces, and perfect time before the holidays! Thanks a lot.
Thanks Chad. I hope you found this post helpful.
I love all of the autumn decorations. I am not hosting this Fall but these are all amazing ideas.
I love the little pumpkins and the spices. I’m glad you like my ideas Evelyn.
These all look gorgeous! The color combinations are perfect. I do really love your ideas!
That cake stand is to die for! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for it in the future.
The wine glass looks lovely. Over all some really good ideas. Perfect for autumn.
I’ve been to a number of dinner parties so far this fall (Canadian Thanksgiving), and the tables I liked the best were those that relied on only a few accent pieces. The less clutter the better.
I do love attending parties but as of the moment, I don’t have the plan to host any because I am so busy with my jobs and aside from that we are going on a vacation for my daughter’s 7th birthday on this coming month so need to save a lot but everything here is a nice idea.
I do love this beautiful table setting it looks so simple but beautiful. Thank you for sharing your idea with us.
That is such a beautiful table set up! And it gives a perfect Fall vibe!
Autumn is one of my favorite seasons 🙂 This is such a great idea. Perfect since we are having a family reunion this autumn. This could be a big help.
I absolutely love this set up! So stylish and neat. I do love it when everything is styled up when we have guests
Oh, I wish you lived near me, I’d ask you to dress my dining room for sure! This looks lovely and those glasses are just beautiful. I agree with you about a centrepiece, but it’s hard sometimes when there’s so much of my daughter’s stuff all over the table to start with, haha. Lovely, inspirational post, thank you for these tips. x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Autumn is such a great season for all things colorful! i love the decor and i love decorating my place with pumpkin, candles, etc! Centerpieces are so cool too! those glasses are so nice!
Such an elegant layout for the table! I like filling our house with hazelnut or apple-cinnamon scents for the autumn. I keep skipping out on the mini pumpkins, they make a huge difference for bringing in the autumn vibes! You’re so right, investing in top quality pieces is the key for a standout table design 🙂
Natonya | https://justnatonya.wordpress.com
Autumn is my favourite season & I love having hazelnut in our house! I’m allergic to cinnamon so I can’t be around it!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
This looks so pretty – perfect for Autumn! Them cocktail glasses are really interesting, I haven’t seen some designed like that before. That cake stand is amazing too, I love the design of it – it’s looks so elegant. I’ll definitely keep it in mind to invest in some good quality dinnerwear when I move out. Thanks for sharing!
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
LSA International is one of my favourite brands. Sometimes you can find them in TK Maxx. Love, Iga http://www.igaberry.com
Oh wow this is such a gorgeous seasonal table spread! I love the glasses, they remind me of some that we used to use at my Nans over Christmas, they’re so classic aren’t they!?
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
This looks great. I’ve thrown some dinner parties for Summer and Christmas time but never for Autumn (Fall). This has definitely inspired me too.