Designer Tips for Decorating with Fall Foliage

Text by Katie Ellis

When creating an autumnal tablescape flush with rich colors of the season, Gina Galvin of Peacock Park Design says it’s all about the layers—especially when it comes to incorporating fall foliage.

Creating a successful tablescape is simple if you remember to layer textures, colors, and of course, the heights of objects used. “The biggest mistake people can make is making everything all one level. You have to have some varying height,” Gina says, adding if you don’t have room to create height on your kitchen table, you can always use a sideboard or seating area to create a lovely scene.

This unique place setting is not only festive but also inexpensive! Gina arranged colorful fallen leaves from her yard between two glass plates purchased at a dollar store for a polished look that exudes the warmth of the harvest season.

Using a variety of textured linens can create a dressed up backdrop for your harvest tablescape. For a softer look, Gina recommends using landscape burlap and burlap netting.

Scattered among the plates and carried over to the sideboard arrangement are seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as a collection of vintage-style mason jars, lanterns, and candles that create a warm, romantic glow that dances across the table. The centerpieces were created by arranging a collection of branches and wild grasses in beautifully woven baskets. Turn the baskets on their sides for a fun twist on food display.