How to Set a Table for Fall

I hope you enjoy these tips on how to set a table for fall. I love entertaining in the fall and I can’t believe it’s almost here.

Whether we are ready to accept it or not, fall is almost here. It will soon be time to swap beach days for homework. And late summer night movies for enforced bedtimes. I am going to miss summer but I have to admit it’s a lot more fun to entertain when it’s not 100 degrees outside. Today I thought I would share a few of my favorite fall tables and also share some tips on how to set a table.

I love creating tablescapes. I am a bit of a flea market shopper and over the years I have acquired a lot of dinner plates, linens, and silver. Many of my favorite plates cost only a dollar and as did many of the linens. I am a huge bargain shopper and love that I can shop my butler’s pantry when it comes time to set a table. Keep your eye open at estate sales and flea markets and remember my golden rule. It doesn’t have to match!

I love creating table settings using both mixed plates and silver. Please know, originally I mixed different styles of plates and silver because I didn’t have enough to set one table of the same pattern. Now I mix everything on my tables because I love it.

Of course, you don’t have to mix and match. I would just encourage you to layer. I love to layer placemats and chargers and plates. I often use a tablecloth too! The more depth I create on the table, the more I love it.

How Do You Arrange Flowers on a Table?

Flowers on a table are a must. Use fresh flowers when you can but don’t be shy about using faux flowers too. I love using faux greens because they last forever! I am always buying faux flowers on sale. These tables were set more for “show” than for a dinner party. It’s very tempting to use tall centerpieces but you don’t want to block your guest’s view. You can stagger tall centerpieces as an alternative, as that can work.

I also love to use paper flowers for my centerpieces. I made these paper flowers and you can make them too with my paper flower tutorial. 

How Do I Set a Table Correctly?

There are some basic rules that you need to know regarding how to set a table. Let’s try a quick fun quiz. I purposely set this table incorrectly. In the table setting photo below, there are quite a few errors in this place setting. Can you find all five? (For the correct answer, check my blog post tomorrow.)

Where Does the Silverware Go?

Take a look at this guide below which explains how to set a table. Some things are non-negotiable. The forks always go on the left and the knives and spoon are on the right. The basic rule is that silver is placed in the order of use; that is, from the outside in.  And you should only set the table with silverware you will use. No soup; no soup spoon.

Where Does the Napkin Go When Setting a Table?

The napkin should be folded or put in a napkin ring and placed either to the left of the forks or on the center of the dinner plate. Sometimes, a folded napkin is placed under the forks.

When setting a table for fall, feel free to add pumpkins and lots of seasonal decor. I think it makes the table more festive!

The most important tip I have about setting a table for fall is to have fun! Be creative, don’t be afraid to mix and match and make it fun for you and your guests.

Be sure to take some time to check out these wonderful fall table inspirations.

Ella Claire & Co. | Dear Lillie | Zevy Joy | Rooms for Rent

Inspired by Charm | Craftberry Bush | Maison de Pax | Julie Blanner

The Handmade Farmhouse | French Country Cottage | My Sweet Savannah | Maison de Cinq

City Farmhouse | My 100 Year Old Home