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22 TABLETOP BUYS TO UPGRADE YOUR FALL ENTERTAINING
FLATWARE // PLACEMAT // NAPKIN // DINNER PLATE // SALAD BOWL // WATER GOBLET // LAURA LINES PLACE CARD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN KILPATRICK
With Halloween behind us, fall entertaining is officially in full swing. Whether you’re having a casual pizza night with your girlfriends or really going for it and hosting this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, a well-dressed table is key to setting the mood. From big-picture items like linens and dishes (obsessed with these dessert plates!) to the little details such as candles and calligraphy, a lot of thought goes in to setting a pretty table. (My advice: plan ahead. Lay everything out a few days in advance so you’re not stressing at the last minute.)
Below, a selection of my favorite tabletop buys to help you set the scene this season. Want more? Scroll down for a full shopping list.
ANTHROPOLOGIE HARVEST GOLD TAPER CANDLES
Candles may be the finishing touch, but that doesn’t mean you should let them be an afterthought. They give any dinner scene – casual or fancy – an instant mood boost.
SHOP
MODA DOMUS DESSERT PLATES
Dessert plates are a quick fix when you need to add a special something or a colorful touch to a table – not to mention, they’re basically a two-for-one buy since you can use them for both salad and dessert. I love the burnt orange hue of these. They’re perfect for so many different occasions, including Thanksgiving.
SHOP
THE AVENUE BAMBOO FLATWARE
Am I broken record over bamboo flatware? I’ll say it again: invest in a novelty set (read: not stainless) of flatware. I love bamboo because it’s versatile enough to go with everything – not to mention, it works for both casual and formal settings. P.S. despite what the instructions may tell you, I put mine in the dishwasher.
SHOP
REBECCA UDALL RATTAN BASKET
Pass the bread! This rattan basket is the perfect place to house fresh rolls and adds texture to a table. It’s something you can use for any meal, year-round.
SHOP
LA DOUBLE J LARGE STRISCE NAPKINS
If you’re going for a more-is-more vibe (who isn’t?) for your table, the quickest way to get there is by adding a little (or a lot) of La Double J. The brand is synonymous with the-bolder-the-better. I love the moody hues of these printed napkins. You could easily pair them with a solid tablecloth or placemat (would be great with navy blue!) or, if you really want to go for it, layer them atop another print.
SHOP
RUM CAKE STUDIO FALL MENU
A handwritten touch really adds something special to a table. It shows forethought and can tie a look together. Rum Cake Studio’s designs are artful and whimsical. They make it easy for you to customize with your menu.
SHOP
CECE BARFIELD AGRA SILVER GOBLETS
These silver goblets from CeCe Barfield were easily one of the best tabletop investments I made last year. They’re incredibly versatile (water, wine, a cocktail… no rules here!) and easily work their way into formal and casual settings alike.
SHOP
ILLUSTRATION AND CALLIGRAPHY BY LAURA LINES
REBECCA UDALL BRAIDED ABACA PLACEMAT
When in doubt, opt for a straw placemat. It’s an easy way to add texture and make the table feel warm. This green hue is so good.
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CABANA CARLYLE TABLECLOTH
When it comes to layering, the tablecloth comes first. It provides direction for the rest of the table. This print from Cabana is perfectly moody for the season.
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THE AVENUE TORTOISE TUMBLER
Glassware is a quick fix when your table needs a little oomph. This tortoise set is a great buy for any time of the year (think: iced teas in the summer!) but I love the richness it brings to a fall setting.
SHOP
TORY BURCH MOCHAWEAR SALAD PLATES
These plates are from none other than the hostess with the mostess Tory Burch. The designer’s eye extends far beyond the closet as proven by her exquisite taste in tableware. I love the abstract patterns of these salad plates, each one with a slightly different spin. The addition of powder blue to an otherwise obvious autumnal palette feels fresh and unique. Use these for salad or dessert – or both!
SHOP
KIM SEYBERT SPRUCE PLACEMATS
Kim Seybert’s beaded placemats add a heaviness to a table that is often necessary if you’re using a white tablecloth or no tablecloth at all. Bonus: you’ll never have to worry about wrinkles with these.
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TORY BURCH BRASS CORN HOLDERS
The devil is in the details when it comes it comes to setting the table. Seemingly small additions like these brass corn holders make a big impact.
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KIM SEYBERT TWIST NAPKIN RINGS
Though I use them sparingly, napkin rings can be a really nice finishing touch for a table – not to mention, another way to add in a textural element when your table needs it. I love this wooden set. The twist design is unique and if you look closely, you’ll see there’s a hint of gold painted over the wood, giving it a level up for more formal tables.