The Art of Autumn: Timeless Tablescapes for Fall Celebrations

Pure Joy Bride Susan G., Anna Delores Photography

As the air turns cooler and the days get darker earlier with incredible sunsets complementing the seasons colors of gold and red, the autumn season reminds us to slow down and savor the beauty of gathering. This season of abundance offers endless inspiration for setting a table that feels both heartfelt and refined – where natural textures, dark undertones and elegant details, every element comes together to tell a story of warmth and togetherness.

Adorn your table with seasonal touches like heritage glassware, earthy tones and textures inspired by the season’s palette, or deep-hued florals in rich tones. Thoughtful details—like handwritten place cards or sprigs of fresh herbs—add that unforgettable, curated touch.

The Grazing Table's Opening Statement

Start your autumn gathering like we do at Pure Joy Catering with a Farmer's Market Grazing Table, where the season takes center stage. Create an overflowing selection of organic fruits and berries, fresh breads, jams, dried fruits, breadsticks, and artisan cheeses served in your favorite dishes. All the beauty and flavor of the Farmer’s Market as an introduction to the festivities. Don't forget to create some dimension with wood risers and your favorite holiday decor.

Incorporate an Unexpected Hint of Color

Not drawn to the deep, earthy tones but still love the heritage-inspired look for your table? Start with your favorite jewel tone and build around it with complementary chargers and napkins. Soft, warm beige hues and clear accents bring balance, while candle holders add just the right touch of sparkle to complete the elegant ensemble.

These antique cut goblets from PotteryBarn come in an array of colors and styles from traditional clear to eye-popping holiday red and is sure to be a statement collection year-after-year and are versatile enough to shine across all your favorite celebrations. Etched glassware is a timeless addition that seems to never go out of style, continually being seen on tablescapes and not losing traction any time soon.

Elegant Folding

Napkins are one of the finishing touches that bring your table together. Your napkins can be folded, tied with your favorite ribbon, secured by a touch of glam with a metallic ring or placed neatly fanned in a wine glass. It can be as simple or fun as you would like if you're talented enough for the origami turkey or pumpkin fold.

We love these washed spice orange linen napkins with a fringe trim (left) from Crate&Barrel that add a beautiful warm texture on top of your dishware, sealed like a bow. They are sure to last and hold up to the many cranberry sauce mouth wipes your guests will indulge in. Couldn't resist the obligatory fall leaf pattern, these ivory and chestnut border block and hand-printed napkins (right) look great with the traditional or we love it with a more artisan style table weaving in an eclectic, worldly touch.

Feathered Flourish

Pay homage to that turkey roasting all day for moment by adding lovely feathers into your decor. These pheasant feathers add softness and such a lovely print to the hard leaves and dried fruits typically seen in centerpieces. Obsessed with this 3 foot centerpiece by Williams Sonoma with hand-woven and artfully placed details such as stalks of flax and wheat, preserved oak leaves creates a spectacular arrangement.

Don't know what to stuff your holiday cornucopia with? The simple answer, anything you love! Ornamental gourds and magnolia leaves featured with pheasant feathers are a splendid idea that offer something more elegant than the ornamental baby pumpkins and apples. Southern Living also added pears and berries to create this showstopping piece.

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

Shine to Great Heights

At Pure Joy, we abide by the Messy Sexy rule, adding a rough-hewn romantic look to any table. These extra tall tapered candles with metallic holders and velvet ribbon ooze with messy sexiness from PotteryBarn. These provide 17 hours of light, setting the cozy mood and can be used throughout the season by adding a poetic and abiding aesthetic your family will look back on for generations.

A Season of Plenty

Any season, any day, we believe in making it look bountiful. Whether it’s lush centerpiece florals, the warm textures of dried and fresh fruits and vegetables, each element is carefully layered to create a sense of abundance and seasonal charm. It’s about filling the table with life, color, and natural beauty that feels effortless yet thoughtfully curated. Our Bountiful Cheese Table is among the most popular for our client's special day, featuring a stunning urn of fragrant pears, grapes, apples and berries sourced seasonally from our local farmers' market.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn (right centerpiece)

Unable to get to your local farmers' market, then try these gorgeous handmade faux pomegranate branches. Simply placed in your favorite vase or as part of your centerpiece, there is no wrong answer here.

From soft and dramatic candlelight, vintage textures and patterns (break out grandma’s linens!), and etched glassware with a pop, your autumn tablescapes will come together as personal and timeless as the memories made this time of year.

With each carefully chosen element, your table tells a story of seasonal beauty, cherished traditions, and the joy of being together.

Written by Shayna Cogan

Pure Joy Catering & Santa Barbara Venues