Outdoor Moody Fall Tablescape

Sharing my outdoor moody fall tablescape using fresh blooms with deep red tones and golden candlesticks for a dark and unique autumn table setting.

There’s something so inviting about a fall tablescape to me- it’s one of my very favourite things to style. And it’s one of my very favourite tables to sit at. Years ago we started inviting friends over for a friendsgiving style dinner and I was hooked- I hope to continue this tradition for years. Although the last couple of falls have looked a little different, this year I am wanting to make sure it happens again. Which got me to thinking… the weather’s pretty nice outside too!

So this past week I set up a fancy tablescape for my family. We enjoyed eating by the patio lights and I’m now planning to have guests over for another. I decided to challenge myself to a modern take on the fall colour palette. Today I’m sharing this moody fall tablescape with you as part of the Seasonal Simplicity Fall series along with so many other talented bloggers. You can find all their posts at the bottom of this one, just scroll down :)

In the past, I’ve really shied away from traditional autumn colours. I don’t love bright, bold colours on the best of days and pairing them all together in the autumn was definitely not my jam. You can see that in my fall home tour. I’ve styled totally neutral fall tablescapes (and. this one!), tablescapes with lots of hand lettering, some pinks, and even greens. I love how these turned out but thought it was about time to try a dark fall tablescape and give the traditional autumn colours of red and orange a twist.

I’m so happy with how this turned out. I raided my garden and chopped armfuls of amaranth and dahlias and even some fall grasses. The deep reds and brownish oranges look so beautiful against the black table and retaining wall cover. It pops and is moody and is the perfect dark fall table setting. If you’re interested in gardening, I did make a video about starting my cut flower garden in our small yard!

I have almost a system when it comes to setting tables. I love to fill the table with decor, but there’s nothing more annoying than not being able to use your plate or flatware or set down your glass. I always start by setting the table with the number of place settings I’ll be needing. I set out the plates, napkins, cutlery and then I know what space is available to decorate.

The next thing I added was the red spike amaranth. I love the deep red leaves that this plant has and it instantly felt autumn-esque once I’d added these to the table. I try to face branches facing towards of the ends of the table and cover the middle where those branches meet with smaller branches. If you wanted this to be more durable, you can also wire these branches together using floral wire.

After adding the base garland, I started layering in complimentary colours. For this, I added coral fountain amaranth as I love how it drapes along the table.

Next, it was pumpkin and candle time! The pumpkins are large, so adding them in now will make sure you have room for them once all your flowers in place. Candlesticks need a steady footing so I like to wiggle them into the fall garland for tablescapes so that they are sturdy on the tabletop as I added the rest of the details. I chose black candlesticks to stick with the moody vibe of the table decor.

Now it’s finishing touches to the fall garland! I added in some flowers, starting with the biggest dahlias, then working down to the smallest ones. The flowers you see in this garland are different varieties of dahlias and then the little dark ones are scabiosa. These are two of my favourite varieties to grow in my garden as you can cut them and they will continuously bring you new blooms! I tucked some grasses in at this point too.

I finished off this dark and moody fall tablescape with some DIY place cards. I just used leaves from the amaranth plants and lettered on them using a gold leafing pen (affiliate link). I love how these compliment the brass candlesticks!

After I finish decorating the table, I tuck the glassware in and it’s ready to enjoy! I could sit here for hours, laughing and sipping wine. Now I just need to get my organizing pants on and get some friends invited ;)

And now to my other friends!

Today I’m joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Fall Seasonal Simplicity Series: Outdoor Spaces hop. Be sure to check out all of the beautiful inspiration by visiting their posts. All the links are just below the images.

THE HAPPY HOUSIE / LIFE IS BETTER AT HOME / INSPIRATION FOR MOMS / RAMBLING RENOVATORS

FINDING SILVER PENNIES / SHE GAVE IT A GO / GRACE IN MY SPACE / THIS IS OUR BLISS

MODERN GLAM HOME / A PRETTY LIFE / LIFE IS A PARTY / CLEAN & SCENTSIBLE

MY SWEET SAVANNAH / LEMON THISTLE (ME!) / CRAFTBERRY BUSH / LOVE CREATE CELEBRATE

TARYN WHITEAKER / TATERTOTS AND JELLO