Create a beautiful dining area outdoors to take advantage of the cooler fall weather while you can.
FALL | Updated September 17, 2023
Fall is the perfect season for enjoying a meal outdoors.
The weather is cooler than the humid summer months. The backdrop of nature with it's changing leaves is awe inspiring. And you might as well take full advantage of being able to be outdoors as much as possible before the snow starts falling, right?!?!
Let me show you how it doesn't take much work at all to set up an enjoyable table to dine al fresco with friends and family.
Years ago while shopping at Pier1 Imports, I came across some copper napkins rings that I thought were pretty and perfect for fall. And then my eyes fell on these gorgeous plates covered in green oak leaves and acorns.
Fall has a beautiful array of colors, but I'm always drawn to oak leaves that haven't yet lost their vibrant green. My tablesettings always tend to lean more to the neutral tones over the bright yellows, reds, and oranges we typically see.
So, here I was in the middle of the Pier1 store, grabbing wicker chargers and the cloth napkins I already had at home setting their table to see just how my fall tablescape would look and what else I might need.
My centerpiece is made up of both real and faux pumpkins and some dried (green) oak leaves and acorns gathered earlier in the season. If you have the availability, it is always a nice touch to be able to include real bits of fall throughout your home....but there are some very realistic pumpkins available as well if need be.
I also tucked in a few candles because who doesn't like to dine by candlelight as the light of the day starts to fade?!?!
If your guests will be spending any time at all sitting down before the meal is served, it is nice to have a few things for them to snack on while they wait.
- A loaf of bread has been displayed on a (clean) wood slice to give it a more rustic touch than a traditional bread board.
- A plate is full of fresh concord grapes picked up at the farmer's market.
- You can have dishes with olives or maybe some crackers and cheese. Or you can combine the two and try my homemade Olive Pecan Cheeseball!
Anything like this will keep your guest occupied without spoiling their appetite.
Because the fall nights get cool, it is thoughtful to have a few cozy throws to offer. It is your job as a hostess to keep your guests comfortable! Plus, it adds a nice bit of texture to the setting.
There is nothing elaborate about any of what I put together. And the scenery around the table is what I already shared earlier as part of my porch tour. (I just moved the table to the other side for these pictures.)
Part of dining al fresco is just enjoying what is already there. Spend the time sitting around the table with friends and family relaxing and creating memories.
I'm grateful that this fall has kept the warmer weather around longer allowing me to enjoy the outdoors a few more times.
