Those of you who know me know I love to eat! Luckily, so do many of my friends! We enjoy dining like the Europeans: slowly and with purpose. For this casual 3-hour dinner on the deck, the pace fit the menu and the colors are all about the season!
Inspired by Charles Schultz’s wonderful classic cartoon, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, I created this autumn tablescape for a few close friends who just wanted a quiet but fun evening.
Each place setting featured a rusty, almost orange-colored metal charger that I picked up at Tuesday Morning several years back. Brown rimmed yellow stoneware from Pier 1 was perfect for our entrée. Pumpkin colored melamine dishes from Target took on the salad, and brown rimmed green soup bowls were there for a delicious chunky tomato soup with crabmeat which could have been a meal in and of itself!
Taking full advantage of my newly purchased David Stark book, Napkins With a Twist, I pulled together this fun fold with this colorful cotton napkin from Stein Mart. The fold is incredibly easy to do, despite all the resulting nooks & crannies. Each napkin is topped with a mini pumpkin and faux autumn leaves. (See this napkin used in another fall tablescape HERE.)
My husband was not fond of the place cards/menus I created at the last minute (he’s a critic now!), and on second glance I think I could have done better. Desperate times called for desperate measures! The evening’s fare was printed on the back of each place card.
The centerpiece was a complete, total, and shameless rip off of the cartoon with the massively proportioned pumpkin surrounded by sumptuous mounds of fall leaves! I perched the pumpkin atop a small stand to lend a bit more height and drama.
I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not, but it’s getting dark much earlier now so I’m able to actually light candles before guests come out for dinner at 7:30.
Two sides of the centerpiece were flanked by various seasonal gourds. Putting the gourds on two sides only elongated the centerpiece and kept it from looking too rounded.
It’s hard to tell in my amateur photos, but the entire centerpiece was subtly illuminated from underneath using these miniature LED votives. Hiding them throughout the leaves provided a soft glow to the entire piece.
Further illumination was provided by multi-hued pillar candles from Pier 1 placed on the 2 sides of the pumpkin not decorated with gourds. The tri-level orange wooden pieces were purchased a few years ago at Hobby Lobby and added to the tablescape just to add narrow vertical interest.
I really like these candles that boast four different but complementary hues.
I count myself lucky to be joining the ladies and gentlemen for The Style Sisters’ Centerpiece Wednesday and Susan’s Tablescape Thursday!
It’s a Great tablescape! How do you do it? I do believe each tablescape is more creative than the one before. You are an amazingly gifted woman!! I truly look forward to your posts. Thank so much for sharing. You inspire me.
LikeLike
LOVE the hidden votives in the leaves! Wonderful idea!
LikeLike
I went to the tab and thoroughly loved the Great Pumpkin tablescape! The centerpiece is out of this world, and I loved the napkins. That’s one of my favorite folds!
And I’m a gal who likes a cute place card too.
This table is really my cup of tea!
LikeLike
What a gorgeous table! Love the centerpiece…
LikeLike
I love Charlie Brown!!
Happy Tablescape Thursday :))
Blessings,
Kay Ellen
LikeLike
Love the centerpiece~ your setting on your deck looks like a great place to dine! Gorgeous napkins…love that fold 🙂
LikeLike
I had to check out all the Autumn tablescapes,which are ALL Autumny Awesome.
-Jo
-LazyonLoblolly
LikeLike
I just love visitiing this site. You are so talented, and obviously must love what you are doing. I plan on coming to your house on Sunday for brunch and I expect something “just for me”.
Oh! That’s right, someone else may have your attention for that event. Maybe later. Come up with a creative State theme.
LikeLike
Love the pumpkins! All of your tablescapes are really creative and beautiful!
Katherine
LikeLike
Such a wonderful collection of Autumn tablescapes. Thank you for sharing your charming designs. Cherry Kay
LikeLike
Hi Alycia, Your table is really a great celebration of the great pumpkin in your centerpiece! I can’t imagine why hubby did not like the place cards–I thought they were wonderful, and with the menu on the back they were extra special! Hope you had a wonderful meal! Linda
LikeLike
Pingback: Cranberry Christmas – Squared « Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One
Pingback: Halloween Tablescape – Ravenous Raven Graveyard Feast « Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One
Pingback: Pheasants & Pumpkins | Tablescapes at Table Twenty-One