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

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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.

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.

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Photo By: Jason Kisner

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Rustic Fall Table Setting Ideas for Outdoor Celebrations

Related To:

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

Shop This Look

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