Posted on October 22, 2021
Decorating for autumn combines the scents, colours and textures of the outside world as we watch nature change from bright summer greens to richer, earthy tones. Cooler weather and shorter days call for a return to regular Sunday Roasts, cosy family dinners, and nights in with friends and we have a selection of great tips to help you style your table for any occasion this autumn.
Rustic and natural textures
Everyone thinks of pumpkins and gourds when it comes to autumn, but we also like to decorate our table with beautiful dried flower bunches and other seasonal fruits such as apples and pears for autumn. Keep an eye out on your walk in the countryside or garden and collect berries on small branches and twigs, fallen pine cones and horse chestnuts to create a simple yet effective table display.
Exploring the local farmers markets is a great way to pick up these natural, rustic elements too. We love heading to the Stroud Farmer’s Market on a Saturday and perusing the stalls for locally grown, seasonal fruits and flowers. If you fancy getting out there and picking your own however, Hayles Fruit Farm in Winchcombe is the ideal place to visit and their farm shop is well stocked if you happen to go on a rainy day!
Earthy toned linens
The beautiful colours of changing leaves and early sunsets inspire the use of earthy amber, burnt orange and sunset reds in colour palettes for autumn. Quality table linens are always worth investing in and lay the foundation for your table “look”. We love the collection available at Cutter Brooks, a chic version of a "country store” in Stow-on-the-Wold. From classic checkerboard table clothes in clay, maroon and copper tones to oak leaf and acorn patterns with napkins to match, peruse the gorgeous collection of linens, perfect for autumn right here.
Accent with vintage and antiques
If you want something a little special to decorate your table, we’d recommend delving into the world of vintage and antiques. Antique shops are filled to the brim with copper and beautiful glass pieces that will not only enhance the colour palette of your table decorations but also make your display unique.
The Cotswolds is amazing for antique shopping. Check out our area guide for Chipping Norton, a hotspot for antique shopping and markets. Keep an eye out for pieces you could use to display foliage and candles to create a focal point for your table.
Warm things up with candles
Now’s the perfect time to bring out your favourite candles as the cherry on top of your autumn decorations to create that warming, perfectly lit ambience. If you’re looking to enhance the look and feel of your tablescape, get creative and pick up a few candlesticks in a variety of sizes and colours to display.
However if you’re looking for the perfect scented candles for autumn, The Cotswolds Candle Co is the place to go. With aromas from cinnamon, orange and clove to black pepper and amber, there’s choice for every preference and we love that their wicks softly crackle, reminiscent of a log fire.
Don’t let go of outdoor dining!
There’s nothing more aesthetically pleasing than a gorgeous, crisp autumn day and with the appropriate layers, lighting and warmth, outdoor dining can be just as pleasant in autumn as it is in summer! Gardenesque offer beautiful fire pits, perfect for toasting marshmallows over an open fire with little ones or for gathering around for warmth with a drink in hand with friends and family. They also have a large selection of solar lighting to keep the shorter days at bay, from spotlights to hurricane lamps set on the table.
For layering up, check out Weaver Green for beautifully soft blankets and throws to keep you cosy under autumnal skies.