Image courtesy of MarthaStewart.com
With the fall around the corner, I am looking forward to entertaining. Of course there are the big holidays . . . Halloween and Thanksgiving . . . but what I look forward to the most are the casual evenings with friends and family. Baked pastas, braised meats, hearty soups with crusty bread and good red wine are my favorite foods of the season.
While I am craving informal get-togethers and simple food, I still love a beautiful table. I think that the beauty of fall is that table settings can be sparse and unfussy. My favorite looks include individual branches, jewel-toned colors, and fruits and vegetables to set the scene. Here are some of my favorites.
Image courtesy of NordicDesign.com
The richness of the floral center piece above comes from its simplicity – a single type of flower in a dark vase with candles of varying heights makes the meal feel special. The dark accents provide a beautiful contrast with light linens and table setting.
Image courtesy of nousdecor.com
Again, the use of dark linens and light floral in the image above creates a beautiful contrast, but the cotton branches steer the table towards informal.
Image courtesy of BoltonBuildersInc.com
The use of simple oranges instead of florals brighten the neutral table above. And, in my family, the use of fruit encourages my guests to have a wholesome palette cleanser before dessert (and sometimes after). Toss whatever is left after dinner into a beautiful bowl to use as decor on a kitchen counter.
Image courtesy of HGTV.com
Pussy willow stalks are a simple, beautiful accent floral.
Image courtesy of MarthaStewart.com
The jewel-toned florals above make a simple table feel luxurious.
