This tablescape was not intended to be Back-to-School themed, but it turned out that way! We are using a few NEW pieces from our Fall Collection like the table runner, which is actually a rug, and our found Rudraksha Strands. If you’ve never felt confident about your tablescape skills, here is a quick how-to.

First, I like to start with either a tablecloth or a table runner.

I love the rug we used because it’s nice and wide and runs off the edges. I prefer something long, but you can bunch up your choice of textile in the center, too. It doesn’t have to hang off the edge.

Placemats, or some sort of charger, is always a great idea to protect your table and add texture to your setting. Check out our Wicker Placemats HERE. They are perfect for fall with the natural texture of the rattan.

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I learned this next trick from a friend of mine. Fold your napkin in thirds and place it between the charger/placemat and the plate.

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This way your napkin is showing and the color breaks up the neutrals. Also the change in shape (rectangular fold) is another break for the eye. We used our Cinnamon Ticking Napkin HERE.

I like to layer a dinner plate and a salad plate, so make sure one of these is neutral and one is more colorful. That’s a rule that can definitely be broken, but if you want to really see the colors pop then use a neutral to break it up. For this tablescape we used these gorgeous Vintage Plates that I inherited from a friend’s grandmother. Which brings me to my next tip.

ADD VINTAGE!

This is your chance to mix in family heirlooms or fine China! Mix your everyday and your “only for the in-laws” place settings. It will make your table that much more special and unique.

The last thing on the place setting should be something ornamental. You can use place settings or anything seasonal. We used green apples but you could also try cupcakes, mini pumpkins, corks with name cards, pinecones, etc.

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I love to use a centerpiece that doesn’t block your line of site from one side of the table to the other.

A short and wide centerpiece that doesn’t block your line of site.

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If you want to use a long centerpiece, I’d make it short, and if you want to use a tall centerpiece, go with one not too wide. Also consider using a tray underneath your centerpieces to help clear the table quickly. For this tablescape we used our Willow Covered Cellar Bottle and some of our NEW Fall Stems.

You can leave it just like this or you can add some decorative pieces to the sides of the centerpiece. In our back-to-school tablescape we used our Repurposed Book Bundles which are wrapped in twine and some decorative beads. Whatever you decide to use, I like little clusters in various heights.

I love for the dining table to set the stage for the upcoming holiday and hope this has helped give you some ideas for how to set your own. Makes you want to host a dinner party, doesn’t it?