Name a better feeling than an invitation with your name on it. There’s a shared desire in us all to hear the words “You’re invited,” then have something to look forward to. As seasons change and we’re presented with the return of routine, consider fall a challenge—or rather, an invitation—to trade hustling through life for making each moment count.
Which brings us to this: a guide to gathering. Whether you’re looking to start a supper club, host an outdoor dinner party, or throw a back-to-school brunch, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see how we styled, and set, our fall table(s). Plus, a few go-to practices for embracing well-spent time together.
Setting a Place
If you ask us, the sign of a successful gathering is a welcoming environment and a pile of dirty dishes in the sink at the end of the night. This starts with opening your cabinets to intentionally set each seat around the table. Creating a place for each guest tells them they were anticipated—and are wanted—in your home.
Look 01: Warm + Cozy
Linens: We’re all for pairing different colors, materials, and patterns to achieve a layered look. But this season, we’re mixing and matching—with an emphasis on matching. Pairing a table runner with corresponding napkins lends a cohesive feel to the table. Like here, our Maisley Floral Grid Table Runner calls back to the warm, moody napkins at each place. Tip: If you don’t have napkin rings on hand, use extra ribbon to tie bows!
Wares: Fall is the perfect time to lean into the vintage, nostalgic details that feel fresh, yet familiar. Our (new!) Heirloom Garden Floral Plates pair nicely with dainty tabletop pieces, like etched glasses and vintage flatware with unique detailing marking each handle.
Decor: Don’t be afraid of a little height! Adding taller elements—like candlesticks, wooden boards, and even wine glasses—can be practical and beautiful ways to add varying heights without obstructing a view across the table.
Look 02: Clean + Classic
Linens: Another fall staple: all things plaid. Pairing timeless, neutrally patterned linens with hints of color (like green placemats!) adds visual interest while being something you can return to, year after year. Tip: Folding a napkin and placing it on the left side of each place is another great way to set flatware!
Wares: Consider mixing ceramics/stoneware and glassware—like our French White Speckle Plates and Emmeline Amber Scalloped Glass Plate. They have a similar function yet a contrasting look, which offers a sense of balance and shape around the perimeter of the table.
Decor: Try utilizing serving trays and platters for a family-style feel, alongside other tabletop pieces that can double as decor. Think salt + paper shakers, honey holders, large bowls, etc. Choosing even the more “utilitarian” pieces with beauty in mind can make dining that much more fun.
Look 03: Timeless + Natural
Linens: Deep, earthy hues and glimmers of gold and brass nod to the colors sweeping nature—and look especially beautiful on an outdoor table. Here, an embroidered cream napkin looped through an antique brass ring breaks up all the green with a neutral hue. Tip: To add even more texture without committing to a full tablecloth, try draping an extra runner (or two) over the table.
Wares: Consider this a reminder that chargers are more than decorative—they help define each place setting and can even protect linens (like a tablecloth or place mat) from spills and stains. Stacking scalloped or organically shaped dinnerware can add a little extra movement to each place. This setting is highlighted by metallic hints woven throughout, as seen in the napkin ring, charger, and flatware, for a streamlined look.
Decor: Flowers are always a good idea, whether you’re celebrating outside or looking for ways to bring the best of nature into your home. Bonus points if you pick blooms from the garden to make your own centerpiece arrangement! Find a few vases to inspire creativity.
Curating the Menu
Embracing Every Moment
Nowhere to be, except here. Set the scene for uninterrupted hours around the table with glowing candles, the smell of dessert baking in the oven, and a cozy playlist of tunes from some of our favorites—like Johnnyswim and NEEDTOBREATHE.
Most importantly, remember the post-meal clean up can wait. Time tends to suspend at the table, so linger as long as you’d like.
