5 Foolproof Steps for Fresh Fall Tablescapes
With this simple approach and materials you've already got, you can make a gorgeous natural arrangement in no time
Instead of having the same setup of fruit and candles on your dining table this fall, get creative with what you have in your home. You can create a basic tablescape with fresh produce, flowers (or weeds!) from your backyard and a few kitchen supplies. Try re-creating the autumn arrangement I made here or use it to inspire your own ideas.
1. Start with a base grouping of colors. Gather your materials, keeping them simple and centered around one to three colors.
For this arrangement, I decided on a trio of fall colors — red, orange and yellow.
You don't have to use everything you gather. Just because you have it does not mean that it has to be part of the final arrangement. Edit, edit, edit!
You don't have to use everything you gather. Just because you have it does not mean that it has to be part of the final arrangement. Edit, edit, edit!
2. Evaluate your natural materials and their limitations. Once you have a group of objects that fit your color scheme, examine the natural materials to see what they can do and if they have limitations. For example, the bittersweet I used for this arrangement grows in intertwined braids with stems at 90-degree angles.
What did that mean for my design? Well, braided lengths of bittersweet make a perfect circular wreath, so I used that as my starting point.
The stems' 90-degree angles also dictated how I used the plant. I can't place long stems of bittersweet in vases the way I would do with a typical cut flower, so the plant needed to be used in a different way.
3. Create a centered base. I tied my vine into a wreath, securing the ends with a little twine, and centered it on my table. Under the wreath I placed a basic runner that works well with the length of the rustic wood table.
See how to make a simple burlap runner
See how to make a simple burlap runner
The loop cried out for a circular piece to fill its void. An orange pitcher placed in the middle began to set the stage.
4. Balance the basic structure of the arrangement. Use any two items in your color palette to balance out the arrangement. Keep the heights of the items slightly staggered for interest. I created a grouping of three with the center pitcher. You'll want to stick with odd numbers when balancing out your tablescape. If your arrangement needs to have staying power for several weeks, stick to kitchen items, decorative accents or long-lasting winter produce.
5. Sprinkle! The final step: Sprinkle your final color throughout the arrangement, bulking up various areas to add balance. In this case, I used simple but striking pimiento peppers.
Whether you want to design a tablescape, a mantel arrangement or a beautifully loaded wheelbarrow by the front door, these basic steps will help you get your arrangement right:
• Stick to one to three colors
• Feature natural materials
• Create a center
• Balance the arrangement's visual weight and color
Tell us: What's your go-to fall centerpiece? Share a photo in the Comments!
• Stick to one to three colors
• Feature natural materials
• Create a center
• Balance the arrangement's visual weight and color
Tell us: What's your go-to fall centerpiece? Share a photo in the Comments!