There's a chill breeze in the air, and the first few leaves have already fluttered to the ground. You may still be somberly packing up your garden party pieces, but when one hosting door closes, remember: another one opens. That's right, everyone — it's time to start planning your autumn table decor.
There is an element of sophistication around autumn dining, in contrast to more relaxed summer tables, so it’s a time to add a hint of opulence: think twinkling candlelight, voluminous dark flowers and leafy stems, and plenty of atmospheric colors. Of course, autumn table decor has a few classic staples (pumpkin motifs and brown colorways, for example), but for a table that truly stands out this season, it's worth blending classic with the best of 2025's table setting trends.
To inspire you, I've consulted some of the most stylish people I know, and below are six autumn decor ideas that'll ensure you have the best-dressed dinner party this season.
1. Embrace Rich Color Palettes
When planning any autumn decor idea, it's best to start by pinning down your color palette. Brown, orange, beige — these are the colors that immediately come to mind when we think of autumn.
While there is nothing wrong with a little tradition, Sussex-based tablescaping expert and founder of Dress for Dinner, Gemma Stovell, says, "Autumn is a time to embrace warm, rich colors like auburn, plum, and ochre."
Swap your go-to off-white linen tablecloth for something with a more character-rich look. A rich chocolate brown tablecloth with burnt orange napkins, and red foliage in the centerpiece — enchanting.
Don't know where to start? UK-based table setting expert and founder of LAY London, Alice Herbert, says, "Keep to two main colors and then add varying tones of these colors with naturals to complement. Too many colors can make it look cluttered, but also don’t worry about matching everything."
2. Bring the Outside In
Autumn is all about the changing of seasons and the time of the harvest, and to celebrate that, it’s always fun to bring a bit of the outside in.
"There are amazing flowers in season, including dahlias (I love the burgundy) and hydrangeas in an amazing dusky red," says Alice. "These deep colors are even more eye-catching when contrasted with a neutral table scheme."
If fresh foliage isn't an option for you, there are plenty of beautiful faux flowers to choose from. Try leafy or berry-laden branches in vases among flowers for a wild, romantic look. The best part of faux stems is that you can use them in your fall mantel ideas as well.
3. Create Ambiance with Candle Light
The sun is setting a little bit earlier, and that means plenty of candlelight is essential for an autumnal party atmosphere. Plus, no autumn table decor idea is complete without a few taper candles providing much-needed ambiance.
Tall taper candles in striking colors, like oxblood and mocha brown, are my favorite way to do candlesticks this season. Graduating from a simple white candlestick shows you put thought into even the smallest of details.
Alternatively, Alice says, "Glass candle shields are having a bit of a 'moment', and aside from being functional (especially outdoors), they add a little extra elegance."
Or, you could incorporate rechargeable table lamps. "The low, amber-toned light complements the candlelight," says Gemma. "And shades also give another opportunity to incorporate color and pattern. "
4. Incorporate Tasteful Texture
Color and lighting go a long way when it comes to autumn table decor ideas, but a touch of texture will elevate your design into something more curated and contemporary.
Texture includes everything from linen placemats to wooden napkin decor and woven baskets. Gemma says, "Dried foliage also works very well for autumn table decor. Either scatter these tactile pieces along the runner or in natural stone vases to bring extra texture and dimension to the table."
But she warns, "Don’t go over the top on decor — just a few scattered velvet pumpkins, pinecones, or garland can be a lovely nod to the season."
5. Don't Forget the Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
What would autumn table decor be without pumpkins, squash, and other harvest vegetables? To keep your pumpkins from looking cliche, Gemma says, "Choose seasonal produce with rich colors and interesting shapes, for example, pumpkins, figs, plums, grapes, artichokes, and pears." Another excuse to invest in cabbageware? I think, yes.
As for styling, Alice recommends, "Fruits and vegetables look best en masse, styled in groups and at different heights." Picture grapes sprawling along the table, damsons in pewter dishes, and russet pears in footed bowls.
Fruits and vegetables, faux or real, can also be placed within the table's centrepiece. Gemma says, "Perhaps resting or stacked on the candlesticks, or at each setting next to the napkins, glasses, or flatware."
6. Make Sure You Have the Serveware Essentials
Last, but not least, for any autumn table decor idea to thrive, you need to know how to set your table properly. Form is important, but your table being functional is the biggest priority.
To begin, check the essentials. For instance, Gemma says, "The flatware needs to work for the food being served. It is important to always offer a water glass as well, and this needs to be placed just beside the wine glasses." An interesting water glass is an easy way to add a pop of color to a neutral table, and the contrast can be very chic.
Then consider the layering on the table. A placemat or charger plate is essential as a base for the crockery, and "I make sure the color contrasts, not matches, the tablecloth," says Alice.
Adding name tags goes a long way, even if there are only a few guests around the table; it shows care and adds festive formality.
Autumn is the season of gathering, and September is the perfect time to start planning all the ways to reset your home for fall.
