Tips For A Simple Fall Tablescape

We don’t entertain much unless it is in the summer and we can host in something in the backyard. Our dining room is just too small. It fits our family perfectly but there is no room for extra people. But even though we don’t have dinner parties, I still attempt to decorate the table occasionally for our family. It helps us work on our manners (and by “we” I of course mean my four boys) and is a fun departure from the everyday norm.

Our table is so narrow, that by the time you put the plates down, there is only a tiny strip of table down the center. There is not any room for serving bowls full of food, pitchers of water, or baskets of rolls. And I have to get really creative when it comes to any kind of table top decor.

I have teamed up again with Better Homes And Gardens at Walmart to share my Fall tablescape.

Here are a few tips for creating a simple and inexpensive tablescape.

#1 Shop Your House

Use what you already have. Look around your house and find candlesticks, bowls, baskets, or even books. It is just temporary and then you can put them back where you borrowed them. I re-used these DIY candlesticks I made last year.

Tip #2 Bring The Outdoors In

Gather items from your own backyard, or a nearby park. Natural elements add color and texture. Whether it is acorns, pinecones, twigs, or leaves, it will add that extra touch your table needs. And best of all, it is free!

I went around my yard collecting leaves. When I came inside they were all stacked together in the order I had picked them. It looked like a rainbow! It gave me the idea to lay them down in that way on the table.

Tip #3 Personalize It

Add simple name tags! I used these gift tags I had left over from last year. You could even simply write their name on a paper in your best handwriting. It is all about the little details. And it shows your guests you went the extra mile.

Tip#4 Splurge On One Item

If you are going to splurge, pick one item to buy new. I have used my current dishes for a long time and I really wanted something fresh. I decided that the one new thing I would buy would be some new dinner plates. I am not sure if you can even call these a splurge since all 6 plates cost less than $24, but I fell in love with the design and needed them :) They are from the Better Homes And Gardens collection at Walmart.

I used the smaller plates from my dishes I already had. I thought they paired well together. I think next year I will add a colorful plate on top for even more color!

(source: Walmart)

Getting your table ready for guests this Holiday season shouldn’t be expensive or stressful. A few simple steps is all it takes. What are your favorite things to use when decorating a table?