15 Entertaining Essentials You Need for Fall

From harvest dinners and Halloween parties to Thanksgiving feasts, these tabletop essentials will make fall entertaining a breeze.

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August 15, 2022

For those of us who love to entertain (and eat), fall is the best time of the year. Between Halloween and Thanksgiving, there's plenty to celebrate. First, though, you need to gather the proper entertaining essentials to ensure your gathering is absolutely perfect — or at least appears to be. While you'll definitely want to have some seasonal staples on hand, like cute pumpkin napkin rings and place card holders, you can keep everything else fairly neutral so you can use it year-round. Think warm metallics and classic patterns that work just as well in the spring as they do in the fall.

We've highlighted our favorite tableware for fall, from rust-hued napkins to beautiful matte-gold flatware. Set your table for the season and bask in the glory of being prepared way ahead of time.

$9.86 (Set of 6)

How adorable are these pumpkin place card holders? These sweet accessories would be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table or day-after brunch with the family. They have a gold resin finish and would pair nicely with practically any fall color palette you choose.

If you take your fall entertaining very seriously, you might want to invest in a sophisticated set of dinnerware. Rustic and organic vibes abound with a bit of glam in the form of a subtle gold ring on each dinner plate. This perfectly imperfect plate would look gorgeous with a gold set of flatware, too.

$19.98 (Set of 12)

These lightweight cotton napkins are available in a variety of colors, but we think the rust hue couldn't be more "fall" if it tried. If you prefer a mostly neutral table, colorful napkins are a great way to add a pinch of visual interest.

$24.88 (Set of 20)

You don't have to have a seasonal set of flatware on hand, but these gorgeous matte-gold pieces would look lovely on any table, giving you that extra bit of sparkle. They're made of stainless steel, too, so you can quickly throw them into the dishwasher for quick cleanup.

$31.95 (Set of 4)

Here's another easy way to add seasonal fun to your dinner table: pumpkin napkin rings. These cuties depict plump, polished pumpkins in rich shades of mahogany. They're a perfectly unique accent for the entire fall season, from harvest dinners and Halloween parties to Thanksgiving feasts.

$23.99 (Set of 4)

We'll be using these stunning faux leather placemats long after fall ends. We love that they look like the real deal, surfacing subtle texture on top. Plus, the placemat features a non-slip bottom to keep the table crisp and tidy.

$29.95 (Set of 4)

Stemless glasses are the easiest option for large gatherings and parties because they're suitable for a variety of drinks: red wine, white wine, rose and even water. Plus, they’re easy to store, comfortable in hand and pop right into the dishwasher at the end of the night.

$38 (Set of 4)

Make cocktail hour a little happier and more glitzy with a set of brass coasters. These sleek coasters are made from stainless steel in an antique brass finish that will look stunning in the fall but equally as beautiful during spring and summer entertaining, too.

$27.99

Keep your table protected during seasonal meals with an all-cotton table runner. This handsome check pattern is timeless and versatile for both special occasions and everyday meals.

$165

This one-of-a-kind cake stand is hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, giving it an organic beauty that's perfect for the centerpiece of any fall table, displaying decor or delicious desserts.

$31.93

Particularly perfect for pumpkin bread, this loaf pan creates centerpiece-worthy baked goods shaped with detailed pumpkins, pine cones and acorns surrounded by a fluted edge.

$299.95

Bring the charm and nostalgia of the pumpkin patch to your autumn table with this five-quart pumpkin cocotte. Don't let the glossy, enamel finish fool you — this dish is safe to use in the oven or on the stovetop to cook roasts, stews and seasonal soups. Ready to serve your guests? Loop handles make it a breeze to move the cocotte from the stove to the table and then right to the dishwasher when you're finished.

Handwoven with pieces of nito fern by artisans in the Philippines, this lovely basket is a pretty way to serve bread or seasonal brunch pastries. You could also use it on a buffet table to house napkins, flatware and other mealtime essentials.

$29.99

Bring seasonal texture to your fall display with these decorative pumpkins, featuring a natural rattan design. They’re just as beautiful sitting alone or paired with other decorative pieces on a mantel or shelf for a beautiful seasonal touch.

$78 (Set of 4)

Inspired by the vintage candlesticks you might find at your favorite thrift shop or estate sale, these beauties feel like they were hand-picked just for you. The set includes four candlesticks of varying sizes to add interest and texture to your fall table.

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