Tablescapes for the Season

Celebrating the beauty of fall indoors

By DAWN LILES  » Photos by CAROLE SHEPARDSON

Fall’s vibrant brushstrokes of oranges, yellows and reds are bursting outside our windows, inspiring us to create similar mosaics of color inside our homes. Local designers shared ideas and suggestions for transitioning our homes from beach-ready to fireplace-ready. All our design experts favor timeless design, with on-trend pieces added each season to make your home a haven that expresses your distinctive style. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, sink into an overstuffed chair and read on.

Atelier Maison

“Why not play with color this fall?” asks Liz Myers, Retail Studio Manager and Design Consultant at Atelier Maison in Cashiers. She explained her Halloween-themed table as “Not just reds, oranges or yellows. Green goes with everything, and I also love blue.” Blue Pheasant’s Marcus navy matte dinnerware inspired Liz’s table.

Liz suggests a jumble of pumpkins on a kitchen island, dining table or fireplace mantle and included a spooky twig centerpiece in her tablescape. “And don’t be afraid to make bold design choices. More is more during this time of year,” says Liz. “Layers, colors and textures will make your home interesting and unique. Attention to lamps and lighting will help enhance your space. It can change the color of your walls throughout the day.”on the plateau, their joyful flourish embodies the friendly climate of summer and fall in the mountains.

Acorns – The Shop at Old Edwards

"Acorns' staff members love fall as the air is crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and, of course, the acorns (the shop's namesake) begin to fall,” explains Ken Proctor, Acorns sales associate. "Fall also ushers in beautiful collections of autumn inspired merchandise in the carefully curated shop.  Two of the annual favorites are the Hot Skwash velvet pumpkins and the acorn adorned Forest Walk dinnerware collection by Juliska. Guests at Old Edwards and many tourists make Highlands a destination in the fall of each year, and they often stop by for a visit with shop staff members and to peruse the unique shop findings."

Cashiers Kitchen Store

“When setting my table, I like to incorporate traditional fall colors in the fabrics and dinnerware,” says Store Manager Marian Duncan. “The pumpkins are fun as the final touch, whether real or glass, with each one having its own distinct identity. Don't be afraid to mix things up because it's all about using your imagination to create your special work of art.”

Lynn Monday Home

“You can create fall-themed tables using objects from around your home,” says designer Lynn Monday, owner of Lynn Monday Home. “Try adding some fall colors and surprising white pumpkins to the mix. Consider the elements that comprise a table's weight, shape, and texture while considering the season.”

2024 Cashiers Designer Showhouse

Lisa Wester of Lisa Wester Interiors suggests changing linens on a tabletop as a simple and inexpensive way to bring new colors to your table. “Candles always add a special spark to a dinner party,” says Lisa. “Don’t be afraid to enjoy a Saturday at your favorite thrift store. Go in with an open mind, and you’ll be sure to find something special. Whether it be a new centerpiece container, a special decorative object or two or even a set of fun chargers, mixing and matching textures, colors and interesting objects yields a curated and collected look and some of the most inviting tablescapes I’ve ever seen.” She recommends changing tablescapes to incorporate brassy tones and warm colors for fall. She says, “They look beautiful alongside wood-burning fireplaces.”