Summer Into Fall Tablescape

Welcome to the blog today, friends! I’m thrilled you’re here with me. As the days get a bit cooler and the leaves start to hint at their autumn hues, many bloggers are diving into fall planning. The excitement is contagious, with cozy vibes and rich colors inspiring beautiful home decor ideas.

I have to confess, I’m also daydreaming about the fall season. But rather than rushing into it, I wanted to ease into autumn. Today’s table setting is a gentle nod to the upcoming season, offering a warm and inviting hint of fall without diving in headfirst.

I found the china pictured above back in February at Goodwill. There were 42 pieces in the set which included serving pieces and I just fell in love with it. The price didn’t hurt. All 42 pieces of this beautiful Mikasa, “Belle Terre”, was less than $12.00. I think I’m still jumping for joy and now I get to use it.

The dinner plate is quite lovely with a white background and three different fruits displayed with beautifully rendered leaves and branches. The plate has a lovely scalloped edge and there are no knife marks. This is also a pattern that is dishwasher and microwave safe…just an added bonus.

The dessert plate is equally beautiful in its carefully drawn fruits and the scalloped border is the same as the dinner plate. They are separated by a thrifted, green napkin that brings out the leaf color in the plates.

I wanted a slightly more casual feel to the table so used a set of grass placemats that I found recently at an estate sale. These were still in the original packaging and ended up costing only a dollar a piece. You can also see that I used my Napoleon Bee flatware by Wallace. It is edged in gold and picks up the golds in the plates. I love that bees are in the garden from Spring until late Fall. They are such hard workers.

Thrifting crystal has its own charm, especially when you come across timeless pieces like the “Queen Anne” wine glass by Gorham or the “Markham” water goblet by Waterford. These elegant finds not only add a touch of sophistication to your table but also retain their value over time. Investing in high-quality crystal from reputable makers ensures that your collection will endure for years, always looking splendid whether in natural daylight or under the soft glow of candlelight. The way cut glass reflects light can transform any table setting into something truly special.

Here’s an overview of the table. The alstroemeria flowers beautifully complement the colors in the china, adding a fresh and airy touch that feels more summery than autumnal. Opting out of using a tablecloth keeps the setting light and breezy, enhancing the overall summery vibe. The blend of summer breezes with the elegant white china featuring a fruit pattern creates a delightful fusion of two seasons, bringing a unique charm to the table.

When putting this together, I had two options for the flowers. The first option, pictured on the right above, features a very tall crystal vase with equally tall flowers. It’s a striking arrangement, drawing attention immediately to the flowers.

However, I ultimately decided on the second option, which you see in the centerpiece. This arrangement integrates beautifully with the place settings, creating a cohesive and inviting feel. The shorter flowers keep everything at a friendly, conversational level, making the table more welcoming. The taller arrangement, while beautiful, seemed to create a more distant atmosphere, focusing attention on the flowers rather than the overall table setting. What do you think?

The centerpiece container is a cut glass biscuit jar that I picked up at an estate sale. I think it looks great with the crystal glasses on the table.

When friends and family come together for a meal, you want them to feel welcome and cherished. Creating a special table that invites them to relax and linger over coffee and dessert is always one of my goals when hosting. This table, with its gorgeous china, crystal, and centerpiece, truly makes me smile. The best part? I didn’t spend much money to set it up, which turns my smile into a grin. If you don’t tell, I won’t tell. It’ll be our little secret!