Simple Fall Table Decorating Ideas

Cozy Tablescape

Credit: Helen Norman

Set the table in autumn style with these stunning fall table decorating ideas. Whether you're throwing a casual pumpkin carving party, or hosting the entire family for a formal Thanksgiving dinner, you're bound to find ideas that are fit for your fall party. Put the season on full display with fall table centerpieces and decorating ideas. Whether you carve out a pumpkin succulent vase, DIY some adorable fall place cards, or put together a floral centerpiece your friends won't believe wasn't a florist's creation, your home will be ready for fall entertaining with these table décor ideas.

Composing the Scene

Fall Tablescape with like-toned vessels, dahlias, zinnias, and pampas grass

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: Kathleen Varner; Location and Props: Courtesy Black Sheep Antiques

A tablescape comes together quickly with an assortment of simple, like-toned vessels, but pops of vibrant color from dahlias and zinnias create the drama. Painted maroon pampas grass along with some wild grasses cut from the yard give this display a bit of height and just a touch of playfulness. When combining various flower types, keep each grouping of blooms within the same color family to help further the cohesive look.

Branching Out

Fall Foliage Leaf Centerpiece

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: Kathleen Varner; Location and Props: Courtesy Black Sheep Antiques

Foliage is the star of this bouquet that mostly skips the flowers in favor of cut stems. Pick a primary branch to begin the composition, clipping back twigs as needed to let the shape shine. From there, think of the remaining components as supporting players all working to continue the structure of the focal piece. To draw the eye to the center of the arrangement, cluster textural items (such as berries, dried hydrangeas, and wispy ferns), and allow some to droop down below the mouth of the container to create a sense of movement. If you're working with an antique, like this urn, place a small cylindrical vase at the bottom to avoid water leaks.

Sharing Abundance

Basket Cornucopia Centerpiece with Gourds

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Design: Kathleen Varner; Location and Props: Courtesy Black Sheep Antiques

It's always fun to celebrate the bounty of fall. Begin by placing the large ornamental gourd, which is the anchor of this arrangement. Use magnolia foliage as a frame; alternate displaying the fronts and backs of the leaves for added interest and texture. Pile in artichokes, smaller gourds, and pears. Then add bittersweet berries, foxtail millet grass, and feathers, loosely bunching these delicate ingredients together to give them more weight. We snagged this cornucopia from Etsy, but you'll likely find them in stock throughout the season at your local party-supply or crafts store.

The Surprisingly Easy Centerpiece

Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This 25-minute centerpiece might look professional, but it's quicker (and easier) than you might think.

Fill an oval container with potting soil. Plant a variety of succulents in the middle of the container. Be sure to leave plenty of space around the edges. Tuck in tiny pumpkins, seasonal veggies like kale, radishes, and fresh herbs to fill gaps. Scatter additional tiny pumpkins and votives on the table around the arrangement.

Floating Miniature Pumpkins

Pumpkin Votive Float

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

To make the votive, use a craft knife to trace circles slightly larger than the bottom of a tea light in the miniature pumpkins. Carve them out and tuck the candle inside.

Pumpkin Party

Create a Pumpkin Planter

Credit: Jim Franco

Pumpkin parties are classic! Impress your guests with rich pumpkin soup, delicious pumpkin dump cake, and delightful pumpkin martinis. You can never say pumpkin too many times during the fall season. Pumpkin!

Rustic Fall Display

Credit: Jennifer Davick

If you don't have a few extra antlers to spare, you can create this arrangement without them. Tuck in pinecones and assorted nuts, but make sure the pumpkins are the real star.

Pretty Pumpkins

Credit: Helen Norman

Don't neglect your coffee table when it comes to decorating for your fall party. We love these floral pumpkins. Use cut mums, a soft-skinned pumpkin, and an awl (pointed tool) to get the look. Keep the floral pumpkins in your refrigerator until party time to help extend their shelf life.

Pumpkin Place Card

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Place cards couldn't be simpler when all you need to do is put a name tag on a miniature pumpkin. We love how simply this table is dressed: elegant white china, white linen napkins, mismatched glassware, and a few cut branches bursting with fall color.

Outdoor Centerpiece

Credit: Helen Norman

Don't forget your outdoor spaces when you're decorating for a party—even if most of the entertaining will take place indoors. Get the tutorial at the link below.

WATCH: Fall Outdoor Decorating Ideas

Pumpkin Vase

Credit: Iain Bagwell

Skip the glass vase and use a pumpkin instead! Carve a hole in the pumpkin and fill with your favorite fall flowers. You can also place a piece of floral foam within the pumpkin cavity if you want a more arranged look.

Tiny Planter

Credit: Quentin Bacon

This petite planter is easy as 1-2-3 when you follow our step-by-step instructions. If you keep it watered it should last about a week.

Asymmetrical Elegance

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

The asymmetrical balance of this fall-hued centerpiece makes a dramatic statement. Get the details on how to make it yourself here.

Foiled Floating Candleholders

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller

How sweet is this DIY arrangement? With just a few dollar-store buys, your dinner party gets a cute but sophisticated upgrade. Learn what you'll need and how to make it here.

Add Height to Your Pumpkin Display

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Don't let fall decorating get you down! Add dimension to a side table arrangement with lengthy elements. Learn what you need to make it happen here.

Wax Seal Place Cards

Blue and White Table Setting with Wax Seal Place Card

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow

A wax seal feels dressy and glamorous, but it's relaxed when paired with a cardstock and a handwritten place card. Learn how to make your own and get the details on this gorgeous place setting here.

Monochrome Mums

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

You don't need a lot of fuss to create a beautiful centerpiece or side table arrangement, as this simple setup proves. Add as many containers as you'd like for it to fit your space. Get the details on how to make it here.

Fall Wreath with Dried Flowers and Herbs

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Who said wreaths were reserved for the front door? Guests will be blown away by this beautiful DIY project. Watch the tutorial video and get the written instructions here.

Succulent Pumpkin

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

You can still have a pretty, natural centerpiece without a green thumb. A succulent pumpkin will last through multiple fall parties, and it's so easy to pull off. Get the instructions here.

Place Cards with Natural Textures

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

These simple DIY place cards are casual but show extra hostess effort. Perfect for a laidback fall dinner party or easy Thanksgiving, these place cards will blend with any autumnal color scheme you choose. Learn how to make them here.

New Cornucopia

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Not your Mama's cornucopia! This reimagined classic is a fun departure from pumpkins and mums. Get the details on this arrangement here.

Cozy Tablescape

Credit: Helen Norman

Any of the pumpkin planters we've shown in this roundup are fair game for this centerpiece, but there is one unique idea here that we love: antique books add height and interest under a few of the planters and votives. Keep some of the pumpkins and votives on the table so all of your elements are at varying heights.

Autumn-Inspired Bar

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Cheers, y'all! This cozy bar offers guests plenty of room to fix a drink and grab a snack. Learn more about how to pull off this setup here.

Fun Fall Kids' Table

Kids Table Place Setting with Place Card

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow

Whether for a fall birthday party, Thanksgiving, or a fun Saturday night with spend the night company, dress up the kids' table with non-breakable dinnerware and room to doodle. Get the directions and products behind this cute setting here.

Golden Gourds

Credit: Hector Sanchez

No one will know this elegant arrangement was so affordable and easy. Plus, you can pull it out again year after year. Get the details here.

Create a Topiary

Tabletop White Pumpkin Topiary

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Whether as a centerpiece, an entryway table accent, or a kitchen counter decoration, a lush, colorful topiary is so beautiful. We love the way white pumpkins pop against lush, natural elements. Learn how to arrange it here.

Natural Inspirations

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Fall decorating doesn't have to stick with a deep color palette. Let the outdoors in with this vibrant green arrangement. Find out how to make this arrangement here.

Apple Place Cards

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Seasonal, easy, and oh-so-cute, these apple place cards work for the kids' or adults' table. Bonus points if the place cards are foreshadowing to an apple pie dessert course. Get the directions for this DIY here.

Pile On The Pumpkins

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Don't have a knack for intricate floral arrangements? Having last-minute company? You can still have adorable fall decorations. With this quick and easy idea, group and stack different sizes and colors of pumpkins on a side table or as a centerpiece for a laidback look.

Fall Harvest Centerpiece

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Mix fresh fall flowers and colorful produce for a cheerful and easy arrangement. Set out bud vases with blooms you incorporated for cohesive party decorations. Get the written instructions to make this centerpiece here.

Crepe-Paper Pumpkins

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

These DIY pumpkins cost so much less than similar store-bought looks, and you can have them for years to come. Fall guests won't believe how professionally-made they look. Find the instructions here.

Nature-Inspired Place Cards

Green and Earthy Thanksgiving Table

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow

A cool, natural color palette is a relaxed but gorgeous way to host this fall. A nature-inspired color palette and mix of textures pulls this look together. Get the instructions for how to make this place card and the product details from this pretty place setting here.

Woodland Monochrome Centerpiece

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This rustic arrangement is woodsy but vibrant. Make several in differing sizes for a major centerpiece moment. Get the details on this arrangement here.

Mix Colors and Sizes

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Take advantage of all the gorgeous pumpkin colors out there and mix up your arrangement! Bright yellows and greens add a bold pop, but mellow blues and whites create a laidback look. An arrangement like this could work indoors or out.

Apple Topiary

Credit: Southern Living

Pumpkins don't get to have all the fun in the fall! This adorable apple topiary is such an easy DIY project for crafters of any level. Watch the tutorial video here.

Modern Twist Mums

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

You only need two fall essentials—apples and mums—to complete this adorable arrangement that's perfect for a casual dinner or shower. Set up these mini mum arrangements on the sideboard, as a centerpiece, or both! Get the instructions here.

Cute-as-a-Button Place Settings

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller

These too-cute napkin rings are easy and festive for fall. Use an autumn-inspired color palette to set the scene. Get the instructions and supply list for this craft here.

Natural Elements Faux Pumpkin

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

If you're not into the orangey hues of fall, entertain with an earthy color palette and incorporate these DIY faux pumpkins. Mix up sizes and crafty add-ons for a rustic look. Learn how to make them here.

The Perfect Southern Table

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Welcome friends for a fall dinner party or Friendsgiving with the prettiest Southern table. Crisp linens, handwritten place cards (with a topiary to take home!), and as much silver as you can find come together for an elegant but colorful affair. Learn how you can recreate this look here.

Make Pomanders

Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

Spice up any centerpiece, fill any empty vessel, or add color to any side table with festive and fun DIY pomanders. Not only will they look adorable, but they serve as a natural air freshener so your house will smell like autumn. Watch the tutorial video here.

Tabletop Garden

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

Welcome guests in with a bountiful autumn arrangement. Get the details on what goes into this fun focal point here.

Sequin Style

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

If you like everything to have a little sparkle, there's no reason your pumpkins shouldn't! These faux pumpkins can be reused every fall for a glittery addition to your decorations. See what you'll need and how to make them here.

Autumnal Place Cards

Personalized Place Cards

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller

Even if crafting isn't your expertise, you can put together these adorable DIY place cards. It's perfect that they're customizable to fit your color scheme. Get the details on materials and instructions here.

Dramatic Stack Centerpiece

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This whimsical arrangement flips the script on a traditional pumpkin stack. You can play with different pumpkin colors and sizes to match your décor. Learn what you'll need and how to make this cute arrangement here.

Fall Bounty-Inspired Table

Credit: Helen Norman

Use seasonal favorites like red apples and crisp fall leaves in your centerpiece for an outdoor table that feels one with nature. Add height with longer branches and mix and match plates for a relaxed feel. Get the details on this setup here.

Pumpkin Serving Pieces

Credit: Photo by: Helen Norman

Pumpkins can multi-task, too! These adorable pumpkin serving pieces are perfect for an appetizer spread or dessert table. Play with different pumpkin heights and colors to mix it up. Learn how to make them here.

Fall Foliage Place Cards

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This DIY project will cost you $0 if you have a permanent marker and any kind of twine or ribbon on hand. Even a place card this easy is still personalized and fun for guests to arrive at their seat to. Get the instructions here.

Faux and Floral

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Easy faux pumpkins meet gorgeous real flowers in this sweet arrangement. Reuse your faux pumpkins throughout the season and switch out the flowers to match your party décor. Find out how to make it and what you'll need here.

Use Humble Materials

Credit: Photo: Erica George Dines

Rustic meets classic when you pair humble materials like a kraft paper placemat with pretty fall china, grain-sack napkins with handwritten place cards, and your fancy silver with a burlap table runner. A mix of laid back and dressy is perfect for a cozy fall party.

Spice Up the Patio

Stack a Pumpkin Trio Centerpiece

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

If you're entertaining outdoors this fall, turn your patio into an autumnal paradise with bountiful mums, a pumpkin topiary, and a corn tapestry. Find out what you'll need to recreate this look here.

Unexpected Hues

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Fall decorating doesn't have to be in warm hues of orange and yellow. The season's favorite flowers, mums, get a moody upgrade in this fuchsia and purple centerpiece. Learn how to make this cool-toned centerpiece here.

Fall Pumpkin Tableau

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This fun arrangement proves even the most unassuming side tables could use a little fall cheer. Varying heights and colors lend dimension to this setup. Learn how to recreate this look on your own here.

Pear Place Cards

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Simple, sweet, and seasonal, these pear place cards might be the easiest DIY of all time. Learn how to make them and what you'll need here.

Make Custom Candleholders

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

How cute are these candleholders? Whether entertaining indoors or out, tea candles are an affordable way to up the ambiance of a party. Simply cut a 1-inch circle into each pumpkin, scooping out the centers with a tablespoon, and insert votive candles.

Festive Fall Arrangement

Festive Arranging

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller

Blend woodsy birch sticks with modern fuchsia mums for a centerpiece that pops. You only need a cheap cylinder vase, which you probably have in the back of a cabinet somewhere, a hot glue gun, and birch sticks from the craft store to make this happen. Get the details here.

Tack Pumpkins

Credit: Helen Norman

Add a little whimsy to your pumpkin arrangement with upholstery tacks! Rustic and warm, these pumpkins maintain a grown-up look. Find instructions and what materials you'll need here.

Place Cards in the Shades of the Season

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

How warm and welcoming are these sweet place cards? Find out what you'll need to make them yourself here.

Rustic Centerpiece

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

This cozy fall centerpiece doesn't involve complicated arranging. Simply line up pumpkins of different sizes and colors and place natural elements like antlers, pine cones, and whole nutmeg around the pumpkins. This is a beautiful way to setup a laidback Thanksgiving table at the hunting camp or lake.

Glitter-Dipped Metals

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

These easy DIY pumpkins will add instant glamour to your fall decorations. Using faux pumpkins ensures you can use them again and again. Get your sparkle on with the instructions to make these here.

Warm and Natural Centerpiece

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Warm orange hues and natural elements come together for an inviting centerpiece that's Pinterest-worthy. Wrap a plain glass vase with strips of burlap for a rustic touch.

Layered Details

Down-to-Earth Table Setting by Gena Knox

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This earthy setting still seems sophisticated, thanks to rustic elements layered with streamlined details. Recreate the look by choosing a 3-color scheme and choosing a mixture of modern and natural details.

Textured Faux Pumpkin

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez/Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

It's easy to leave out texture when it comes to decorating, but elements like this DIY project add major dimension to a fall table display. Plus, these would be adorable stacked up in different sizes in a large bowl or on a large tray on a coffee table. Get the instructions here.

Fall Foliage Arrangement

Credit: Photo: Helen Norman

No expensive trips to the florist are required with this stunning arrangement. Fill a large vessel in the foyer for a seasonal welcome and incorporate smaller arrangements throughout the house. Get tips for how to put it together here.

DIY Place Cards with Unconventional Materials

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Casual enough for the kids' table but personal enough for the adults-only dinner party, you can make these affordable DIY place cards for every fall party you host. Find out what you'll need here.

The Great Outdoors

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

In many parts of the South, fall is extremely mild, which makes it a beautiful time of year to host outdoors! This natural tablescape features rustic elements like burlap place mats and pumpkin floral arrangements with upscale details like matching taper candles and sterling silver cups.

Cute No-Carve Pumpkins

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

No mess here! Make adorable no-carve pumpkins with just a few materials and place them all over the house for a cohesive look. Get the instructions here.

Compact Centerpieces

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Fall décor is often associated with rustic vibes, but you can easily bring a little mod to your party, while still keeping the colors and feel autumnal. Learn how to make these simple and sweet centerpieces here.

Rustic Touches

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Buffy Hargett Miller

Fill any empty vase or vessel with these DIY fall moss balls for a no-fuss, natural centerpiece. Get the instructions here.

Super Simple Pumpkin Centerpiece

Credit: Hector Sanchez

Simple, sweet, and impossible to mess up, we'll be putting these pumpkin centerpieces on every surface in our house this fall. Find out how to put it together yourself here.

Party-Perfect Sideboard

Credit: Photo: Miki Duisterhof

Equal parts functional and beautiful, this sideboard will still the show at your fall dinner party or Thanksgiving gathering. Colorful bouquets of orange dahlias, red and yellow roses, and calla lilies offset festive plates and dressy silverware.

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