“Adding gold accents to your table is like adding that finishing touch of jewelry to your outfit. It just pulls everything together. The sparkle unites all your dining accoutrements and leaves guests trying to figure out exactly why your table is so gorgeous. Wrap a gold ribbon around a cloth napkin and add a vintage brooch or gold tassel as bling. Use gold place mats to unite the gold accents from the table. Contrast the gold with something natural, like seasonal greenery, berries, or flowers.” — Jana Platina Phipps, Trim Queen
“For a modern take on a fall tabletop, I like to use white pumpkins, with white candles interspersed with pops of orange, to keep it bright. For the kids’ table, using kraft paper as a tablecloth, set up with markers to keep them busy, is fun and inexpensive. Copper accents bring out an autumnal feel, and writing guests’ names on mini-pumpkins is an informal take on the traditional place card.” — Lisa Tessler of Link Interiors
“When entertaining, I generally use natural burlap to cover the table. In the fall, I love using seasonal branches in tall glass cylinders. Often, I entertain just at the peak of the when magnolia branches are turning from vibrant green to orange brown…perfect for fall. I place fresh-picked apples on the table, just within reach of anyone looking for a bite before the main meal. And I build a fire in the fireplace.” — Nancy Mayerfield of NM Design House
“I like to start with a natural-linen tablecloth as a neutral backdrop and incorporate texture with a burlap runner or rattan chargers. Then, I like to layer in earthy colors, with napkins and long, low flower or leaf arrangements. Orange and red are always great for the season, but don’t limit yourself: Mossy greens, chocolate browns, and deep clarets also mix well with fall foliage and can take you into the holiday season. I always put nuts (and I don’t mean family members!) on both ends of my table, in silver dishes that belonged to my mother. And don’t forget the candles! I have little pumpkin and gourd candles that I love to sprinkle around, to add a festive touch.” — Susan Carlson of Susan Carlson Interiors
“My dining-room table changes with the seasons. It’s my mini-display area. In the fall, I like to use vases of sunflowers mixed with bowls or platters of mini-pumpkins. I mix in heavily textured linen napkins with plaid place mats. It’s a way to transition my house from summer into the colder months of the year.” — Shannon Murray Petruzello of Shannon Murray Interiors