Caroline Creates A Candlelit Fall Tablescape

Whether you’re on the East coast or West, I think fall is the most beautiful time of year. The colors are vibrant, the hot temperatures are behind us and the cool, clear nights make it a perfect setting for a cozy candlelit dinner al fresco. And if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor fireplace or pit, even better! I was inspired to create a dreamy tablescape with new vases and glassware from Copenhagen, along with my trusty favorite plates and candles. So, here’s how I'm setting the table and the mood for a season of festive gatherings.

I wanted to give this tabletop a dark, moody feel so I went with a monochromatic palette starting with the Maya placemat in Anthracite and layering in my favorite ceramic servingware in gunmetal. The Chamberlin platter serves as a charger for each place setting and the handcrafted lace detailing adds texture. Then I layered in the Kinfolk dinner plate and the pasta bowl in the same shade and topped each place setting with our new DIANI succulent pumpkins.

These seasonal pumpkins are a favorite of mine and our customers and they're great accents for a tablescape or decoration around the house or outside by the front door. These handcrafted succulent arrangements are made every week for the DIANI Botany Bar. To inquire about a custom creation, you can email us at care@dianiboutique.com.

Each place setting also has my favorite Lace salad plate in guntmetal that I topped with a striped linen napkin and cane napkin ring. I typically use these as everyday napkins, but they also work well on a more elevated table setting.

For glassware, I used a mix of colors and sizes, starting with our new handcrafted crystal glasses from Louise Roe. Designed in Copenhagen with a sophisticated, yet simple design, the Soda glass and Gin & Tonic glass feature a rounded bottom for a weighty yet elegant feel in your hand. I also included my long time favorite Lyonnais wine glasses in grey – they're the perfect shade for fall and look great whether you’re pouring red or white.

To help anchor my tablescape, I created a centerpiece using candles, foliage and vases. To keep with my darker color palette, I used the new glass containers from Louise Roe. These mouth blown vessels can be used for storage or, in this case, as a vase if you remove the cork lid. I love the size, shape and smokey brown hue of these vessels. They can stand alone or you can add in a few stems of greenery. I used two different sizes (see here and here) and filled the center vase with Olive Leaf Branches from our olive trees around the outdoor dining table.

Setting the table for a dinner party at dusk is all about lighting – from string lights to candlelight, there's nothing better to set the mood. I added my trusty brass candlesticks (here and here) to the centerpiece and topped them with the Rope Candles in black. While I typically use the cream or natural colors, swapping out for black instantly creates a dark, more moody feel (and is perfect with Halloween coming). I also included these Pine Cone candles that are made from 100% beeswax.

To create a feeling of intimacy and coziness around the table, I brought a few of my Felted Fleece Rugs (see here and here) outside. I love the look and feel of the rugs draped over the bench. Now add in an outdoor fire and a seasonal cocktail for the ultimate fall gathering.

Candlelit dining done al fresco is a cozy option for entertaining during the fall months, and a great opportunity to enjoy the season before winter. To keep guests warm, a basket of throws will keep the party going late into the evening. 

Wherever this finds you, I hope the fall season is bringing you joy and plenty of fun gatherings outside.