This post is sponsored by Walmart

With fall around the corner, and hosting on our mind, we are looking for every excuse to celebrate the season–a fall table can be just that. I mentioned last week in Casual Friday that I’ve been feeling a little homesick lately. Homesick in my own home, and longing for the memories made in Idaho. After some chatting, we came to the conclusion that we need to start making some memories with loved ones in this home. It’s a bit challenging. There’s still so many boxes everywhere and we’re trying to make a place for everything.

Regardless of the state of our home, I’m opening the doors of our home more (especially now that we have a finished powder bath for guests).

One day, we set a classic and affordable fall table (everything is from Walmart!) for an early fall dinner on an otherwise normal weeknight. Walmart’s home goods selection is growing and constantly surprising me with great pieces. I thought it might be helpful to share a few table setting tips to keep things simple, yet elevated and seasonal!

5 Tips for your Fall Table

1. Mix and match patterns in your linens

Full disclaimer: the tablecloth is actually a duvet cover and there’s nothing wrong with that. I looked for the tablecloths for 5 minutes before I thought again (thanks, Adam Grant), and grabbed a duvet cover I had handy. And it works! I love the contrast between the pinstripes and the gingham napkins.

Gingham is having a moment and not just on these napkins! It’s such a fresh pattern and feels so fall right now. I love mixing patterns so why not bring that party to the table!

2. Repeat your metals

Here we used black silverware, black candlesticks, a black vase, and our Windsor chairs are obviously black too. I think the metals really sing together on this table. I love mixing metals, so a brass vase would have worked beautifully here, too, but I love how the black stemware and thin candlesticks tie together so well.

3. Cut some fall branches from outside

Faux stems are great, but if you can go outside and cut the real thing, I ALWAYS root for that option. Bringing the outside in ties it all together and makes the whole room feel fresh. Plus, it’s free!! It’s a great way to add some organic height to the table, too.

4. Use colorful tapered candles

I recently started using colorful tapered candles throughout the house instead of white and what a game changer. Simply stunning. I love how these olive tapers repeat the green-y hue that’s found elsewhere on the table. And gosh, they feel so fall.

5. Incorporate some seasonal fruit as a garnish

A piece of harvest fruit (apples, pears, oranges–these are actually apple pears!) makes a really fun garnish at the table. It’s obviously a great after-dinner snack as well.

I think the point of it all is to give yourself permission to make due with what you have or even set a small budget. Whatever works for you in the moment. A dinner with your loved ones can still be special and intimate even with (especially with) a duvet cover as a tablecloth.

If you’re looking for some fall recipes, here’s some of our favorites from Chris Cooks. Don’t forget to check out the desserts!

Chris Cooks Fall Recipes

Turkey Sausage & Potato Soup
One Pan Roasted Chicken & Vegetables with Fall Spices
Clam Chowder
Pumpkin Chili
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Gnocchi with Harvest Vegetables
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Rosemary Caramel Baked Apples
Grain & Dairy Free Peach Cobbler
Mulled Apple Cider
Ultimate Candy Corn Snack Mix

Sources

Napkins $15
Dinnerware Set $39
Flatware $28
Glassware Set $25
Candle Holders $21
Candle Tapers $12
Wooden Bowl $49
Salad Servers $29
Glass Pitcher $14