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Rustic Fall Table Setting Ideas for Outdoor Celebrations

November 25, 2014

By: Liz Gray

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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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Photo: Jason Kisner

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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.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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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.

DIY Butternut Squash Case with Fresh Flowers

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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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.

Farm-to-Table Centerpiece With Robust Green Cabbage

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Cabbage Patch

In keeping with the farm-to-table feel, vegetables like squash, chard and cabbages are mixed in with bright fall florals.

Planter Made From Repurposed Vintage Sugar Bowl

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Non-Traditional Planter

Here, a vintage sugar bowl missing its lid is repurposed as a pot for these colorful fall greens.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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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.

DIY Fall Table Decor With Antique Metal Chargers

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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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.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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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.

DIY Personalized Napkins and Mini Pumpkin Plants

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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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.

Outdoor Table with Rustic Fall Centerpiece and Table Setting

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Mix-and-Match Napkins

Mixing watercolored napkins with vintage dish towels gives the table a casual, collected feel.

Mini White Pumpkins as Fall Succulent Planters

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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.

Pumpkins and Squash for Outdoor Fall Decor

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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.

Outdoor Fall Table Setting With Rustic Seasonal Details

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Rustic Chic

Try this rustic, farm-inspired table setting for your next fall gathering.

Rustic Fall Table Setting Ideas for Outdoor Celebrations

Entertain Alfresco

Freshly-Cut Flowers

Butternut Squash Vases

Cabbage Patch

Non-Traditional Planter

Paint Sticks Turned Table Runner

Simple Settings

Dressed-Up Paper Runners

Watercolor Accents

Mix-and-Match Napkins

Mini Succulent Planters

Decorative Gourds (and Pumpkins)

Rustic Chic

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