Fall Table Decorating Ideas Using Rustic Decor

Easy Fall Table Decorating Ideas Using Rustic Decor to create a cozy and festive feel for your holiday or everyday fall dining.

Whether you prefer a Neutral Fall Tablescape or a Colorful Fall Tablescape, this rustic and plaid tablescape theme combines a little of both to bring in those pretty autumn colors and natural elements to your table.

Step 1: Planning a rustic tablescape

What to choose:

Wood or metal with distressed, weathered, or hammered finish
Greenery and natural elements like pine cones, sprigs, and acorns
Flannel or velvet textiles that provide a pop of color, texture, and complement the rustic elements
Candles, either neutral or a pop of color

Step 2: Choose your focal point

Start with a centerpiece or runner.
Plan the rest of your table around it.

For this tablescape, the flannel plaid runner was my starter, or focal point. I used a yard and a half of fabric from Hobby Lobby – they have a few plaid options, and seasonal fabric is often on sale so it can be cheaper than buying a regular runner or tablecloth.

It’s also nice to be able to size it accordingly so it’s not too wide or too thin depending on your table size.

Step 3: Build the tablescape

Finalize your centerpiece
Add candles
Layer place settings

Fall Centerpiece

These galvanized metal cake stands added some height to the centerpiece, but not too much height so guests can’t see each other.

Because my plaid runner was pretty bold, I used natural pumpkins, pine cones and sprigs inside the stands so it didn’t compete with the plaid. The velvet pumpkins complement the flannel runner and added another texture.

The basic natural elements, velvet, and flannel help create the that fall cozy feel.

Candles

Candles are a must! I always integrate them in the middle or at the end of my tablescape building so I know where they fit best. Because I used three cake stands and it was a little crowded, I put them inside the stands.

Place Settings

A layered setting adds more visual interest so sometimes I use both a placemat and a charger. The natural placemat tied in with the placemats and the charger matched the cake stands.

I always use basic white plates and then add some flair with the salad plates, napkins or place cards. The salad (or appetizer or dessert) plates with metallic gold “grateful”, “thankful” and “blessed” text added a subtle fall flair with leaves and acorns.