The clocks are going back in just over a week and I can’t wait!
I know that might elicit a gasp of horror from some, but I actually love the dark evenings – tucked up inside with cosy blankets, and fluffy pillows and scented candles flickering.
Even after 16 years of living in the UK I love the novelty of the evenings closing in (even in the depths of winter the sun doesn’t disappear until gone six o’clock in New Zealand), and the dark skies just fit this time of year so brilliantly – a spooky backdrop for Halloween, a dark canvas to illuminate on Guy Fawkes Day, and the perfect complement for sparkling Christmas lights.
This time of year means you can be so much more creative when you’re entertaining too. In this PINTEREST generation, it’s no longer good enough to slap down a few platters of cheese and pineapple skewers – people expect Instagram-worthy gorgeousness at every turn.
The pressure for prettiness is real.
HOW TO CREATE AN AUTUMNAL TABLE DESIGN
Autumn is my favourite season by far, and just adore its warm, welcoming shades of red, brown, orange and gold. A few years ago the girls helped me collect some autumn leaves in the brightest colours we could find, which I took home and dried on our radiator.
I often use them to create colourful flat lays and autumnal table designs, teaming them with pinecones, pumpkins & gourds and even dried corn cobs.
For this design, I filled the vase with white silk roses and put lit tea lights in small gold and copper candle holders. Finally, I twisted some twinkly fairy lights around the large vase to give it some extra sparkle.
Then I experimented with some other looks – twisting in some faux ivy tendrils (bought from Hobbycraft for around £5 each) to add more colour and replacing the faux flowers with a vibrant orange pumpkin for a seasonal twist.
MY TOP TIPS:
• Stick to a general colour scheme (brights, pastels, warm colours, etc), but make sure you have one colour that contrasts enough to give it a real lift – like a splash of bright yellow.
• Don’t be shy of experimenting – I’ve used seeds, dried chillies, lemon halves and balls of moss in table designs – but don’t be afraid to take things out too. There can be a fine line between a design looking fun and interesting, and a random jumble of stuff!
• Take your time – it can take a while to get everything in exactly the right place – prepare for a lot of moving things one way, then back again, as you try to hit on exactly the right layout of colours, shapes, textures and white space.
• Sometimes it helps to walk away from your table design for a while, then come back with a fresh eye. Alternatively, taking a photo often enables you see it more clearly and spot exactly what’s working and what isn’t.
That’s my advice on how to create an autumnal table design – which is your favourite look?
Love your styling, I need more practise I think haha! I did get some lovely scented candles the other day though so I’ll give it a go!