An Easy & Affordable Orchard Inspired Autumn Tablescape

October 8, 2024

Interior designer & storyteller of home. Here you’ll find timeless design tips, cozy inspiration, and heartfelt ideas to help you fall in love with your home all over again.

Hi, I'm kayla

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If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy table that brings the beauty of fall into your home without breaking the bank, then this earthy, orchard-inspired autumn tablescape is just what you need to welcome the changing seasons. Featuring easy-to-find elements like bright red apples and lush green stems, it’s like bringing a bountiful orchard right into your dining room. In this post, I’ll guide you step by step on how to use these simple touches to create a budget-friendly fall table setting that will wow everytime.

Many of the pieces I use are thrifted finds or items I’ve repurposed from around my home – proof that you can create something truly special without spending a fortune. But, if you’re looking to replicate this look, I’ve linked similar products to make it simple for you at the end of this post.

Step 1: Embrace an Earthy Color Palette

Begin by choosing a color palette that mirrors the rich, natural hues of an orchard. (The best hues are deep greens, earthy browns, and warm apple tones like sage, honeyed yellow, and crimson red.) For the table’s foundation, a soft linen or cotton tablecloth in a neutral shade will create a nice backdrop. The apples are the star of the show for this autumn tablescape, so keeping the tones neutral will allow the rich colors of the apples to really shine!

Step 2: Layer in Natural Textures

To maintain an organic feel, layering natural textures is key. Start with dark woven placemats to add a tactile element that really grounds your table setting. I found these placemats at our local thrift store and use them for everything! You know what they say – one persons trash..

Next, pair the placemats with simple but slightly imperfect ceramic dishes to really stack up on the organic textures. But, before you place any of the dishware, be sure to lay your tablecloth. I used my favorite ruffled edge tablecloth in a natural hue to add a sweet detail to the table. It’s gentle ruffles elegantly balance the more structured elements which really helps to soften the overall look.

Step 3: Add Fresh Greenery & Apples

Once your dishware is set, begin layering fresh greenery across the center of the table. Starting from the outside edges and working your way in, stack each leafy edge – taking extra care to hide the stems. But, you don’t need to be too picky about how the stems are laying on the table. Just keep it loose and messy to give the table an organic, unfussy feel. Actually, the messier, the better!

Step 4: Add The Finishing Touches

Next, place candles along the length of the table and fill in any empty spots with your chosen apples. You can add as many apples as you’d like. Just be sure to spread them out in a way that feels like they’ve just fallen from a tree.

For the place settings, I chose terracotta striped linen napkins to echo the red of the apples in the centerpiece. Then, to add an additional handmade element, I tied them with twine to give them a little shape. I also added a sprig of greenery and a dried slice of apple on top for a personal touch.

The glassware is incredibly affordable and features subtle lines that echo the pattern of the napkins. The brass flatware really helps to round out the table with a touch of warmth and texture. And finally, I added a vintage element with my crystal dessert glasses.

Autumn Tablescape: A Few Helpful Tips..

DIY Greenery: You can easily snip a few stems or branches from your garden to use as fresh greenery. Alternatively, most grocery stores have a great selection of stems – Trader Joe’s is particularly known for its fresh greens (and on the cheap!).
Mix and Match: Combine different types of greenery (like eucalyptus and olive branches) to add depth and texture to your arrangement.
Apple Variety: For the centerpiece, I used cosmic apples for their large size and bright color, but feel free to choose any variety that catches your eye. You can also consider stacking the apples in a decorative bowl or using them to accentuate your place settings for added visual interest.
Candle Alternatives: If you have children at the table, consider swapping traditional candles for battery-operated ones to avoid any fire hazards. The greenery can dry out quickly, so they provide an extra layer of protection while still creating a warm glow.
Mixing Textures: Incorporate a variety of materials like wood, ceramic, and glass to create even more warmth on your tabletop.
Family Involvement: Get the kids involved in picking apples or setting the table to make it a fun family activity.

Enjoy!

I hope this autumn tablescape serves as a backdrop for warm conversations with your friends and family. And remember, creating an inviting table setting doesn’t have to be expensive! It’s all about using simple, thoughtful touches that reflect the beauty of the season. Learn to embrace the charm of thrifted finds and repurposed treasures, and don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have on hand.

I hope this guide inspires you to bring the beauty of fall into your home. And if you recreate this look, be sure to tag me on Instagram. I love to see what you come up with!