2022 Fall Tablescapes: 5 Tips for Creating a Classic Fall Tablescape

Molly and I love to create special tablescapes, especially classic fall tablescapes! Fall is a season full of family, friends, holidays and events. This makes it the perfect time to gather around a classic tablescape and enjoy a delicious meal. Growing up, my mom always put together the most beautiful tablescapes, especially for the holidays. I’ve learned so much from her throughout the years! Today I’m going to share five tips for creating a classic fall tablescape. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, having friends over to visit and dine or you’re simply looking to make an ordinary weeknight a little extra special, I hope these 2022 fall tablescape ideas and tips help you along the way!

How to Create a Classic Fall Tablescape

Fall is a season that leaves us craving warmth and comfort. Therefore, I like to create classic fall tablescapes that are both cozy and inviting. Making your guests feel comfortable and welcomed is the most important part of any gathering. I always keep this in mind as the number one goal when creating tablescapes. Not only has my mom taught me numerous tablescape tips over the years, but she has always been a wonderful example of how to be an excellent hostess. I would highly recommend checking out her southern gracious hostessing tips to get started on your tablescape adventure. After you have the hostessing basics down, the fun begins! It’s time to start designing your tablescape. Here are my top five tips for creating a classic fall tablescape in 2022.

1.  Use Rich Autumn Hues on Fall Tablescapes

The colors of fall are simply stunning and they make for a beautiful tablescape. Everyone loves beautiful fall foliage. There’s just something so nostalgic about the turning of the leaves and the cool, crisp autumn air that sparks joy. This year I’ve been pulling inspiration from these colors for my fall tablescapes. I’m currently loving rich shades of green, brown and gold to decorate a table. These rich colors have a slight moody vibe that really escalates the tablescape.

Of course, I have to stay true to myself and note that blue is always a mainstay color in our home each and every season. Blue might not be the first color that comes to your mind with a fall tablescape, but there are so many fun ways to give this color a “fall” touch. You can pair blue with one of the most typical autumn hues, such as brown or green. You can also incorporate traditional fall decor in shades of blue, like blue pumpkins. This blue, white and green fall tablescape is a great example!

2.  Add Warmth to Tables with Candles

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, candlelight always and forever! Never underestimate the cozy, welcoming feeling that candlelight creates. All different types and heights of candles make wonderful table decor. I like to switch it up and use different candles for different tablescapes including tapers, tealight candles and a variety of different candle shapes. Here’s a pro tip: Purchase candles from thrift stores, they are so much cheaper! If you love thrift shopping, be sure to check out this list of tablescape decor that I recommend buying at thrift stores.  If you’d rather get them new, Anthropologie is always carrying great ones.  Love to scoop them up when they are on sale!

3.  Decorate with Natural Elements on Fall Tablescapes

Fall is full of so much natural beauty, don’t let it go to waste! I love creating a classic fall tablescape using natural elements from outside. You can clip flowers or greenery from the yard and bring them inside. This makes for beautiful, easy and free table decor! My mom has always done this and it makes her centerpieces fun and unique. White flowers mixed with greenery, small potted greenery plants, and colorful, vibrant flowers are some of my favorite pieces of nature to add to a classic fall tablescape. And who could forget everyone’s favorite fall decor item, pumpkins! Mini pumpkins along a table are so cute and festive. You can even create a fresh floral arrangement inside a pumpkin for a fun and creative fall or Thanksgiving tablescape.

4.  Add Multiple Layers of Table Decor

I’ve always believed that layering decor on tablescapes adds character and depth. There are many ways you can layer table items. First, you can layer different shades of the same color. For example, using slightly different shades of green on your tablecloth, plates, glasses, candles and plants creates a beautiful fall tablescape. Another option is to layer patterns. Don’t be afraid of mixing patterns. Gingham, floral print, stripes…it might seem scary to mix these types of patterns together, but sometimes when you play around with it the end result is magical! Lastly, layering different items is important when creating any classic tablescape. A tablecloth, placemats, different sizes of plates, napkins, utensils and more, there are so many pieces needed to complete a fall tablescape.

5. Be Creative and Have Fun with Fall Tablescapes

You might feel pressured to create the “perfect” fall tablescape, but I say let this stress go and have fun! There are tons of ways to be creative and design a fall tablescape that brings you joy. Add cute and personalized touches of decor. Custom place cards, classic tablecloths, and beautiful tabletop accessories make for wonderful special touches. One of my favorite items to add to a fall tablescape are For Pete’s Sake Pottery pumpkins. 

Yet, you don’t need to spend a ton of money to create a classic tablescape. Another lesson I’ve learned from my mom is to be creative with what you have. I bet you will be surprised at how many creative table decor items you can find lying around your home. Search through your old fall decor boxes, look inside of your cabinets and be resourceful and creative. I might even have used a bedsheet as a tablecloth a time or two!

2022 Classic Fall Tablescapes

I hope you find these five tips for creating a classic fall tablescape to be helpful! Remember, above everything else, being a gracious hostess and having fun in the process are most important of all! I know it might seem overwhelming at first, but with these five tips you will have a beautiful fall tablescape in no time! Remember to use rich autumn hues, add warmth with candles and add natural elements and multiple layers. If you use these fall tablescape tips for Thanksgiving or a dinner party, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. What worked for you? Are there any further questions I can help answer? And for additional fall tablescape ideas, be sure to check out this Thanksgiving tablescape, this blue and white fall tablescape and last year’s classic tablescapes. Happy tablescaping!