Setting the Autumn Table With Plants

Now that October's here, we're dreaming of cozy dinner parties on twilit evenings, with fragrant stews and probably some luscious pumpkin desserts. Of course we're also dreaming of decorating such parties, with candles everywhere and maybe, instead of flowers, a few plants with deep, dark foliage to set the proper autumn tone...

We love the look of this fall table from Sunset, with its rustic containers and dark, sculptural plants. It's perfectly evocative of an autumn mood without being gloomy or overly seasonal.

Here are some ideas for a fall party table:

• Black mondo grass (pictured below, around the base of the branches) won't work as an indoor plant, but for a temporary decoration, try a few little four-inchers in pretty pots parading down the center of your table.

• Decorate each place setting with a spring of rosemary on the napkin.

• Use rustic dishware instead of fine china. Try ceramics or terra cotta for an earthy autumn feel.

• Place a votive by each guest's plate; the candlelight cast on each face will provide warm, October-inspired light.

• Consider burlap or natural linen for a tablecloth and napkins.

How do you set your fall table? Please share ideas below!

(Images: Thomas J. Story for Sunset; Piece of Eden)

Comments (7)

That first shot has to be out of a catalog. I don't believe anyone would set a table that way. One of my biggest pet peeves is centerpieces that keep people from seeing each other while they are eating.

posted by sally305 on October 1st 2009 at 9:37pm
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The first picture is attractive, but I don't like a centerpiece of any kind on the table when I have a dinner party. I need that space for the food.

posted by aaakid on October 1st 2009 at 9:44pm
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i think it looks nice, but im a gardener and i know that there all all sorts of things living in there. im not sure that it would really work.

posted by itsthehouseshow on October 2nd 2009 at 8:10am
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That's a little too rustic for me. When do the ants, rollypolys, and earwigs arrive?

posted by LBhirise on October 2nd 2009 at 9:09am
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It would be nice to have one big table like that or a round one to have all plants on. I agree about dinner parties and center pieces, I don't mind a few small bud vases with a few low cut flowers and a couple of candles but the plant idea would not work for me either.

posted by LoriSF on October 2nd 2009 at 11:02am
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Are people really so worked up about the possibility of creatures in these plants? Do these same people have houseplants? I think this is an attractive and 'fresh' take on the floral centerpiece, and would definitely use it.

posted by mirandabee on October 2nd 2009 at 12:14pm
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an alternative to this idea would be to have a small arrangement for each dinner guest that acts as a placecard, but is actually a very charming takehome gift.

i posted about a martha stewart concept like this, but it could also be done nicely with potted herbs, succulents or autumn plants, including mums!

http://honeyliving.blogspot.com/2009/08/takeaway-bouquet.html

posted by honey living on October 4th 2009 at 6:13pm
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