Autumn Styling :: A Harvest Table

When November begins, so too does the season of gathering…

A moment that signals the end of another year, where the holidays give us reason to connect and reflect. It’s a time when Mother Nature’s hibernation commences, stilling brimming with life yet distinct signs of its slumber show through. I best associate this month with Harvesting. Nature’s large final harvests and collections before the winter often take place, while Thanksgiving allows us to gather and harvest our gratitude with loved ones. The season of “harvest” celebrates communities gathering around the simple beauty of a table, one nourished with comforts.

For me, Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in Nature and all of its offerings; what it provides for us to lay upon a table but also how it feeds our soul. This day is about the joy of gathering, cooking and embracing moments together — from those we cherish, to those who don’t remain strangers for too long. And that is the very inspiration of this year’s holiday tablescape. A celebration honoring the seasonal bounty of gourds, fruits, vegetables, flowers still fragrantly blooming while others dry into works of art, all worthy of displaying.

We’re welcoming an organic playfulness to this Thanksgiving table. Instead of a structured centerpiece or floral arrangements, we’re approaching it with a contemporary touch. Each edible element really is the focal point, allowing every piece to harmoniously work with another to create height and dimension. Embrace a different perspective! Style your food to create mini installations, like we have done with rich colored plums by stacking them and adding in delicate flower stems.

Using the same technique with miniature pumpkins, it appears as if they’re effortlessly draping off the side of a ceramic dish. And take advantage of every edible element in its natural form, especially vegetable greens like that of carrots. They are beautiful long and versatile to a harvest table design. One can simply drape them along with candlelight, and it would be lovely. But by looping the carrot greens into bundles, one can add an intriguing texture and shape within the design. Carrots were even used to add height, as they draped along the top of withering sunflowers that were arranged in an Ikebana style.

Use What You Already Have

This Thanksgiving tablescape is meant to feel organic, contemporary, intentional and most importantly approachable! Because the best table stylings, especially during the holiday season, are the ones that use things we already have.

I love mixing materials when designing a tablescape — use your favorite vintage tableware, glasses, metal and wooden elements — the more character and unique a piece…the better it will all look. When using varying objects, colors and textures; I like to let them shine by starting off with a neutral base of linens.

Autumn Styling :: A Harvest Table || Dreamery Events

WHEN YOU’RE UNSURE OF WHERE TO START…

Start big! Place your larger pieces evenly along the table with varying heights to define its flow. And don’t lay everything flat, stand up and lean others against each other to create dimension.

Use a variety of natural materials. Autumn is rich in pieces that are textural beauties! Fill in gaps by adding small trinkets and elements like acorns, branches or create groupings of them.

Don’t forget personal mementos. A truly intentional table that feels inviting to all who gather around it, is one that lets your personal story shine. Add in pieces that have a special meaning to you, perhaps salt/pepper shakers brought back from a cherished trip or tableware passed down from a loved one, even animal figurines.

Light brings comforts. A table design never truly feels complete without candlelight, but keep it simple. Use slim tapers, pillars or votives in neutral colors, and even differing thickness. Make sure candles are unscented {as scents can alter the taste and experience of eating}, and certainly not placed close to anything that might be flammable.