Tablescapes – Tips for Transitioning from End of Summer ~ To Fall ~ To Halloween
Tablescape Inspiration – Transitioning from End of Summer to the Fall Season – Indoors and Outdoors
by Kim Hansen, Co-Founder and Artist, JK Hansen Studios
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Three different themes (Summer, Fall and Halloween)
August marks the last month of summer – the kids are back to school, temperatures begin to drop and the buildup leading to Fall and the upcoming holidays fuels excitement!
We live in Colorado at an elevation of 6800′ where we have abundant sunshine and our average daytime temperature in August is 76 degrees – perfect weather for an early morning cup of coffee and breakfast on the patio – or BBQ and dining alfresco. I try to squeeze every bit out of summer – as I know we can get a cold snap and snowfall at anytime. In fact, the first snow already fell atop Pikes Peak this past weekend and our mountain ski resorts announced their opening day schedules for the Winter ski season.
In late September, my husband and I have back to back birthdays. It’s been our tradition to head to the mountains to celebrate. The air is fresh and crisp and the fall colors are stunning! In fact, 34 years ago this September – on our birthday weekend getaway – we flew to Aspen, Colorado. We spent the first two days celebrating our birthdays. On the third day we took a Gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain. We sat on a huge boulder overlooking the Maroon Bells. The views were breathtaking! It’s one of the most photographed mountains in North America. That’s where my husband proposed to me. So Fall has a very special place in my heart and is my most favorite time of the year.
Our home has always been the gathering place for family and friends. I love to entertain and set a themed tablescape. If we are away on vacation I’ll use items on hand at the vacation rental, or if it’s a special Holiday I’ll bring a few items with me – chargers, place-mats and linen napkins to complete the table settings. Whether at home or away I always apply the same basics for my tablescapes. (See list below.)
Basics for Tablescapes and Table Settings
- CHOOSE YOUR COLOR SCHEME
- START WITH A TABLE CLOTH OR TABLE RUNNER
- ADD LOW GARLAND USING FRESH OR FAUX VINES DOWN THE MIDDLE OVER THE TABLE CLOTH OR TABLE RUNNER
- ADD A FLORAL CENTERPIECE
- LAYER PLACE SETTINGS WITH DIFFERENT COLORS, SIZES AND TEXTURES
- ADD SILVERWARE TO COMPLIMENT YOUR COLOR SCHEME
- ADD AN INTERESTING TUMBLER AND/OR DRINKING GLASS
- ADD CANDLES AND/OR LANTERNS FOR AMBIENCE
I always include fresh, dried or artificial vines, greenery and flowers, and candles and/or lanterns. Don’t be afraid to mix old with new or glass with metal. I think it gives your tablescape depth and character. These same tips can be used for any themed tablescape – indoors or outdoors.
For the centerpiece, you can use old galvanized containers, mason jars, clay pots, or whatever you have on hand. Add a few twigs, artificial flowers or vines. If you don’t have faux greenery or flowers for your tablescape, you can usually find something in your yard. Cut off a small branch from a tree or bush, use leaves and flowers from your garden.
Transitioning from the End of Summer To Fall To Halloween
I love a good bargain and love mixing old with new! I reuse many of the same pieces in my tablescapes year after year by simply interchanging them. I purchased many of the decorations and dinnerware from thrift stores, Dollar Tree and Amazon. All of the elements I have on hand work for nearly every occasion, including holidays. I have three different China/Dinnerware sets that I mix up and use to transition my Summer, Fall and Halloween table settings; three different colored silverware, and three different goblets, and copper tumblers. I have several different colored chargers, tablecloths, table runners, place-mats, linen napkins, and napkin rings.
End of Summer Tablescapes – Indoors and Outdoors
If the weather permits, alfresco dining is my preference
Fall Tablescapes
Fall Tablescapes with Copper, Black, White and Gold Accents
Halloween Tablescapes
Halloween Tablescape – Lenox Vintage Jewel China Collection
Halloween Tablescapes – Dollar Tree Chargers, Bowls and Stemware
Shop the Look
- Lenox French Pearl Ice Blue place settings
- Lenox Vintage Jewel china collection
- Black dinner plates, bowls and drinking glasses purchased from the Dollar Tree
CONCLUSION
As you can see from the above tablescapes – I reuse, interchange and mix up my dinnerware, stemware, silverware, chargers, place-mats, table runners and centerpieces year after year. It’s easy on the budget and makes for an easy transition from the end of Summer to Fall to Halloween.
I hope these tips will help you ease into Fall and inspire you to create your next tablescape!
If you have a question, please feel free to contact me, or leave a comment below. Your feedback is always appreciated.
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