Rustic Fall Table Setting Ideas for Outdoor Celebrations
Fall is the ideal time to entertain outdoors. Draw inspiration from the season's flowers, plants and foliage to create a casual table setting perfect for dining alfresco.
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November 25, 2014

By:
Liz Gray
Related To:
Entertain Alfresco
With a few seasonal touches, a rustic picnic table becomes a show-stopping setting for a fall dinner party — without interfering with the spectacular view from Gooseberry Knob at The Swag Country Inn near Waynesville, N.C.
Freshly-Cut Flowers
Freshly-cut dahlias from The Swag's garden tucked into a bark-covered pillar vase are the star of this rustic centerpiece. Cockscombs and sunflowers purchased at a local farmers' market fill in the arrangement.
Butternut Squash Vases
Shorter vases made from humble butternut squash line each end of the table. Learn how to create your own squash vases in just a few easy steps. Get the full instructions for this project now.
Cabbage Patch
In keeping with the farm-to-table feel, vegetables like squash, chard and cabbages are mixed in with bright fall florals.
Non-Traditional Planter
Here, a vintage sugar bowl missing its lid is repurposed as a pot for these colorful fall greens.
Paint Sticks Turned Table Runner
Leftover paint sticks find new life as a chich herringbone table runner. All you need? Wooden sticks, felt, spray adhesive and some copper spray paint. Get step-by-step instructions for this project.
Simple Settings
Simple place settings are ideal for casual outdoor entertaining. Upgrade from paper plates and plastic silverware to clean-lined silverware and plain white plates. An antiqued metal charger adds vintage charm.
Dressed-Up Paper Runners
A kraft paper runner is an inexpensive and stylish option for an outdoor soiree. We dressed ours up for the party with a leaf-shaped stamp and gold ink. Running the paper cross-wise eliminates the need for placemats.
Watercolor Accents
Transform basic linen napkins into painterly accents that nod to the hues of fall foilage. Mix red, yellow and purple dyes with a bit of water, then brush on strips of color and blend until you achieve the desired effect.
Mix-and-Match Napkins
Mixing watercolored napkins with vintage dish towels gives the table a casual, collected feel.
Mini Succulent Planters
Elegant mini white pumpkins do double duty as a place-marker and take-home favor. Get step-by-step instructions to create these planters now.
Decorative Gourds (and Pumpkins)
Forget round, smooth orange pumpkins — for a farm-to-table celebration, bring out non-traditional varieties of oblong squash, pumpkins and gourds to decorate the space. Faux-fur throws draped over seating areas keep guests warm throughout dinner.
Rustic Chic
Try this rustic, farm-inspired table setting for your next fall gathering.

Photo By: Jason Kisner ©Copyright 2013, HGTV/Scripps Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.