Creating a Simple Stylish Autumn Atmosphere & Pushing Past Your Fears
Our friends came for dinner last weekend and I challenged myself to dig through my box of autumn decorations and use what I already had in setting my table. And also add some little autumn touches around the house.
How many times do we entertain and run to the store to buy something new?
It doesn’t have to be that way.
One less trip to the store gives me more peace of mind when I’m entertaining.
– Find a tablecloth that works well for the season
– Pull out your entertaining dishes
– Iron up the cloth napkins
– Set the table early using what you have
– Keep the centerpiece simple
– Light the candle and take a picture before your guests come
Many of you know my philosophy of using standard white dishes year round, and adding seasonal accents to make every gathering in our home special and unique.
Along with pumpkins on the porch and autumn wreaths around the house, it’s sometimes the “little touches” that remind us of the season.
Pillar candle on the kitchen counter.
Simple leaf in a tiny vase.
Small black napkins in various places.
Fall-ish pictures of kids from “the old days”.
Touch of fall greenery.
Seasonal pictures of your own food, framed.
Do I ever worry about what people will think? Yes.
Did I worry about my tablecloth not being long enough on the ends (I bought this for my old table which was smaller)? Yes.
Did I think about my menu and second-guess myself? All the time.
But what I’ve learned to do, and what I want to encourage RE readers to do, is to push past your fears and remember this:
The heart of hospitality is wherever people feel loved, cherished, and valued.
(-The RE)
A stylish table can add to the evening, for sure, but it’s not everything.
What little reminders help you keep entertaining simple?
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
I am a huge fan of white dishes, as they go with everything and it is one last part of the tabelscape I never have to worry about. I also love that you used things from around your home. One, it is less expensive and saves another trip to the store. And two, it makes things more personal and brings your families things to the table.
How beautiful. I love the idea of holiday pictures. If I don’t have the time to dust and decorate, we turn down the lights and use more candles. It makes everything more special.,
Oh Sandy! What a wonderful post…so loving and reassuring…your landmark style!
I am with you on the tablecloths. I have various tablecloths…some too small, some too big. I just make the best of it…sometimes layering…and I don’t worry about it. Regarding dishes, etc., I mix and match when I don’t have enough, sometimes alternating them in the table setting. I do the same with glasses. No one knows I didn’t have enough matching…it looks like I planned it on purpose.
For decorating, I don’t change my decor too much. I usually just focus on decorating my front porch with something that reflects the season and having a seasonal table center piece. It works well for me and keeps my stress level low.
Love,
Mary
You don’t know how much I needed this post today. I am planning dinner in our home for several girlfriends next week, and I just keep stressing over what to do and how to do it and changing my menu ……….. Your advice to just relax and go with it honestly slapped my into my senses. =)
Thank you!!
Hi Sandy!
I’m a bit late in the game with this, but I just wanted to say thanks a bunch for the 31 days post. It was such fun (and a blessing, too) getting to turn on my computer and know that I had such deliciously good content to look forward to between all you lovelies. I know that it had to have taken extra time, effort, planning, etc. etc. on your part, so please know that it was very much appreciated!
“What little reminders help you keep entertaining simple?”
Well, the inspiration that I have found here at RE is a reminder! I hear your words (from your blog, from your book) saying It’s about the people and It’s not about your house and Keep it simple and Accept imperfection and so on and so on… :-)
I’m with you – white dishes, simple touches and not worrying about little things (like the ends of the tablecloth) make for a hospitable, warm environment. I find great pleasure in pulling out that old box of seasonal decor items, adding some fresh items like pumpkins and sitting back to let the evening unfold.
i LOVE this Sandy! such a great reminder to use what we’ve got and keep things simple. we’ve also gone with all white dinner ware, hoping that we can decorate around it, year round!
I’ve been in the market for a set of white dishes. Still looking.
Your posts always make me want to do more entertaining … which leads to a question. How can you get your husband onboard, if he’s a bit of a less-than-social-butterfly? That’s the dilemma.
This is encouraging. I am not in the mood for a big fall redo. I will take your advice and keep it simple =)