Rustic and Cozy Fall Garden Tablescape

Autumn is in the air, and a rustic fall tablescape is the perfect way to enjoy cozy outdoor dining. Here’s how to create a simple fall garden table setting that feels welcoming and easy.

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Rustic And Cozy Fall Garden Tablescape

Autumn is almost here, and I can’t wait to soak it all in!

The cooler mornings, gorgeous fall skies, and finally being able to sit outside without the mosquitoes chasing us right back in.

I love that we get to experience all four seasons here in the Midwest, but fall is hands-down my favorite.

After all the chaos of summer, between the heat, humidity, and packed schedules, it just feels good to slow down and soak it all in.

So I’m sharing tips and ideas for putting together a simple and cozy dinner in the garden, complete with a rustic fall tablescape that looks and feels elegant without being over the top.

Nothing fancy….just a pretty fall table, some easy touches, and the excuse to sit outside and enjoy the crunchy leaves and sweater weather before winter arrives.

Table of Contents

• Rustic And Cozy Fall Garden Tablescape
• How to Set an Easy Fall Tablescape
• How to Make a Fall Flower Arrangement
• Other Fall Tablescape Elements
• Shop The Post
• More Rustic Fall Tablescape Ideas You’ll Love
• Bringing it All Together
• Shop My Favorite Products
• More Ideas from My Friends for Styling a Rustic Fall Garden Tablescape
• Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!

How to Set an Easy Fall Tablescape

Tip #1: Choose a Theme

Whenever I’m styling a table, I like to start by choosing a theme.

Over the years, I’ve learned that without it, I usually end up feeling frustrated and uninspired.

I spend way too much time trying to piece things together, only to step back and realize I don’t love any of it.

But when there’s a personal story or some meaning behind the decor, everything else comes together more easily.

If that sounds like you, choosing a theme is my favorite tip and one of the best ways to help you style a simple fall tablescape quickly.

Inspiration can come from anywhere.

Sometimes it’s a piece of fabric or something I spot on a shelf at the thrift store.

And sometimes it’s even simpler than that.

Isn’t it funny how the smallest things can bring back your favorite memories?

And for me, that’s apples.

They remind me of my grandparents and a fall festival we used to attend every September in their small Iowa farming community.

We always had so much fun walking through the flea market and craft fair.

There was a pancake feed, food trucks, and several churches in town would host meals with homemade soups, pies, and just about everything you can imagine. (If you’ve ever been to a small-town festival or own a church cookbook, then you know those recipes are some of the best.)

And of course, we always had to sample all the amazing apple treats.

But beyond the food and festivities, I loved the time we spent together and the memories we made on their farm.

Now that my grandpa’s gone and my grandma’s in assisted living, we don’t go anymore, and I really miss that tradition.

So, adding apples to my table is a small way to honor those memories.

Tip #2: Choose Your Linens

Once you’ve chosen the theme for your rustic fall tablescape, it’s time to pick out your table linens.

Since the table is already surrounded by the colors of the garden, I kept things simple and laid a burlap runner down the center of our little patio bistro table.

I love the texture it adds, and it works with just about any tablecloth if you want to use more linens.

Tip #3: Incorporate Layers and Texture

Because I love a layered look, I added these plaid placemats in a pretty rust and blue print.

Then I set out round wicker chargers to tie in with the rustic feel of the runner and the natural backyard setting.

Tip #4: Choose Your Dishes

For the place settings, I wanted to keep the focus on the warm fall colors from the linens, apples, and other table decor, so I used my favorite white stoneware plates.

Over the years, they’ve been part of more tablescapes than I can count.

They’re so versatile and easy to dress up or down, so I use them all year long!

If you’re looking to invest in dishes that work just as well for weeknight dinners as they do for a more formal gathering, white is the way to go.

Tip #5: Coordinate Your Accessories

I tucked some rust-colored linen napkins between the layers of plates to add a little extra warmth, then chose gold flatware to tie in with the fall colors.

Everything feels cozy, but still simple enough that you could pull this together on a weeknight.

You can even change up the look with a pretty fall napkin fold or by using some coordinating napkin rings.

Then, to finish each place setting, I added some etched vintage-style glasses.

I love the delicate detail…aren’t they pretty?

They’re perfect for serving a fun fall cocktail or a simple non-alcoholic option, like my caramel apple sangria or some refreshing lemonade iced tea.

How to Make a Fall Flower Arrangement

A small bouquet of fresh flowers is one of my favorite ways to dress up a table and make any meal feel a little more special.

Here are a few quick tips on how I pulled together this simple rustic fall centerpiece and how you can make your own.

When you’re putting together a floral arrangement, think about how much space you have and how tall you want the bouquet to be.

Since there’s not much room for extra decor on our metal patio table, I kept the centerpiece simple with a small, low fall arrangement.

If you’re hosting later in the season, you could also swap it out for an easy DIY centerpiece using a pumpkin as your vase!

Or, if you’re setting a rustic Thanksgiving table, try creating a beautiful fall cornucopia centerpiece to add a festive touch to your tablescape.

For the vase, I used an old brass urn that I found at a thrift store a few years ago.

If you love the look of brass, garage sales, auctions, barn sales, and antique shops are all great places to hunt for unique pieces like this.

And, for the flowers, I used apples as my color inspiration again and picked up a few inexpensive grocery store blooms, including hydrangeas, alstroemeria, and some fern leaves.

This simple arrangement would also be perfect for a Friendsgiving brunch or a rustic Thanksgiving dinner, adding just the right touch of fall to your tablescape without taking the focus away from the meal or the conversation.

Other Fall Tablescape Elements

Who says decor can’t be edible?

On a small table like ours, a charcuterie board works as both snack and centerpiece, saving space while still looking inviting.

So, to keep with the laid-back feeling of this rustic fall tablescape, I put together a little board with cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit.

Quick, easy, and just right for a relaxed fall evening.

This personalized cheese board from Katrina at PNW Farmhouse Design Co., is just right for a casual dinner with friends or a quiet night in with wine, cheese, and a romantic table for two.

And because I love a little ambiance, I added some brass candlesticks to the table.

They give off a soft, warm glow that feels just right for a cool fall evening.

I even used a few extra apples as candle holders.

They’re quick to make, and they add a fun seasonal detail without much effort.

Shop The Post

Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please know that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!

More Rustic Fall Tablescape Ideas You’ll Love

• How to Style a Coastal-Inspired Tablescape for Fall
• Simple Tips for Hosting a Backyard Harvest Picnic

Bringing it All Together

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet meal in the backyard, fall is such a great time to take things outside and soak up the season.

I’ve learned that setting the table doesn’t have to be complicated.

It can be easy and still look beautiful.

Choosing a theme helps, but some of my favorite tables have been the ones where nothing matched perfectly, but the people, the food, and the setting made it feel just right.

If you’re looking for rustic tablescape ideas this fall, I hope this gives you a good starting point.

Pick a color you love, gather what you already have, add a few seasonal touches, and just enjoy it.

And if you’re looking for dinner inspiration, don’t miss my fall menu, including my autumn apple and pecan salad.

Made with fresh greens, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and a creamy honey mustard dressing that ties all the flavors together, it’s perfect for the season.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Xo,

Shop My Favorite Products

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More Ideas from My Friends for Styling a Rustic Fall Garden Tablescape

Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse | Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms |Michele at Vintage Home Designs

Jen at Midwest Life and Style | Shannon at Little White Farmhouse | Anne & AnnMarie at Simply 2 Moms

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