Cozy Autumn Tables: Bringing Nature & Warmth Indoors

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN, ONE PINECONE AT A TIME

Autumn gatherings are all about comfort, togetherness, and making even a simple dinner feel special. This table brings the outdoors inside through seasonal greenery, soft candlelight, and a palette of earthy tones that balance rustic charm with elegant touches. Here’s how to create a similar look and put your own spin on it.

The Table

Color Palette

Inspired by crisp forest walks and candlelit evenings, this table blends natural greens and warm earth tones with touches of gold for sparkle and contrast.

• Forest Green: Drawn from the plates and pine branches, it brings grounding energy and a fresh, natural feel.

• Burnt Orange: Reflected in the beaded napkins, this warm, earthy hue adds vibrancy and captures the essence of autumn leaves.

• Amber: From the glassware, amber tones glow beautifully in candlelight, creating richness and warmth.

• Pinecone Brown: Echoing the centerpiece pinecones, this rustic shade ties the look back to nature.

• Soft White: A clean base from the linen tablecloth allows all the deeper colors to shine without overwhelming the setting.

• Gold: Found in the cutlery and subtle accents, it brings elegance and sparkle, balancing rustic charm with sophistication.

  
  

This mix of earthy warmth, natural textures, and metallic highlights creates a table that feels welcoming, seasonal, and effortlessly elegant. Play with layers, branches, candles, and textiles to add depth and make the setting uniquely yours.

 Start with a Fresh Base:

I began with our Frosted Pines Tablecover, a white linen tablecloth printed with pine motifs. It instantly feels fresh, seasonal, and a little whimsical—like taking a crisp walk through a forest. It serves as a neutral canvas, allowing your plates, napkins, and glassware to stand out.

A Simple, Seasonal Centerpiece

For the centerpiece, I lined the table with pine branches and tucked in pinecones for texture and a cozy autumn vibe. To add atmosphere, I used a black iron multi-taper candle holder with white candles, and scattered a few green taper candles around for balance. The mix of black, green, and white feels harmonious, while the soft candlelight adds warmth and glow. No pine branches? Eucalyptus or olive branches work just as beautifully. Want to make it more dramatic? Use taller candles of varying heights to create movement and depth.

Tableware & Details

I chose green plates for this table; they harmonize perfectly with the pine centerpiece. Should you not have green plates, white plates paired with a green charger are a great alternative.

For napkins, I used our Positano Linen Napkins, a burnt orange linen with delicate beaded edges. They add warmth, texture, and a touch of festive charm. For a more layered look, include textured placemats or charger plates. Don’t be afraid to mix candle heights throughout the table for added dimension; it really brings the setting to life.

Cutlery and Glassware

Gold cutlery instantly elevates the table, especially as it catches the candlelight. For glassware, I paired green and amber glasses, which tie in beautifully with the table’s color palette and give a cozy, autumnal feel.

The Finished Look

The final table is a cozy mix of greens, whites, burnt orange, gold, and amber, striking the perfect balance between rustic nature and refined elegance. It feels inviting, warm, and ideal for a family dinner or festive autumn gathering, the kind of table that makes everyone linger just a little longer.

Recipes to Pair With Your Autumn Table

A table this cozy deserves food and drinks that match the mood. Here are three ideas:

Roasted Pumpkin Soup: Creamy, comforting, and served in small bowls or cups, it brings a warm, seasonal touch.

Ingredients:

• 1.5kg edible pumpkin

• Olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried chilli

• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds

• 1 large onion

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 carrot

• 1 stick of celery

• 1 litre hot vegetable stock

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/340°F.

2. Half the pumpkin and remove the seeds (save them for roasting), then chop into wedges.

3. Place the pumpkin on two large baking trays and lightly drizzle with olive oil.

4. In a pestle and mortar, grind the chili and coriander seeds with a pinch of salt until finely ground.

5. Sprinkle the spices and black pepper over the pumpkin.

6. Roast the pumpkin for 1 hour, or until soft and the edges are lightly caramelized.

7. Meanwhile, roughly chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.

8. Heat a lug of olive oil over a medium heat in a large saucepan, then add the vegetables and cook for 15 minutes, or until soft and sweet but not colored.

9. When the squash is ready, add it to the pan with the hot stock. Blend with a stick blender, adding a little more water if you like a thinner consistency.

10. Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Add your favorite toppings. Sprinkle pepitas over the soup and serve. Let leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to a proper storage container and refrigerating it for up to 4 days (leftovers taste even better the next day!). You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

    
    

Spiced Pear Tart with Cinnamon & Almonds: A light yet flavorful autumn dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or mulled wine.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 ripe pears, peeled and sliced

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 pre-made shortcrust pastry (9-inch)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the shortcrust pastry and place it into a tart pan.

3. In a bowl, toss pear slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter; let marinate for 10 minutes.

4. Arrange the spiced pear mixture evenly over the crust.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender.

6. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Drink Option: Apple Cider Sangria with apple slices, oranges, and a touch of cinnamon stick for that festive flair.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1 half cup brandy

• 2 medium apples sliced

• 1 orange sliced

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

• 1 cup club soda

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit: Wash and slice the apples and orange into thin rounds or wedges. You can leave the skin on for color and texture. Be sure to remove any seeds as they can add bitterness.

2. Combine liquids: In a large pitcher, pour in the white wine, apple cider, brandy, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The maple syrup adds a lovely warm sweetness that balances the bright acidity of the wine.

3. Add fruit and spice: Drop in the sliced apples, oranges, and a whole cinnamon stick. Stir gently to distribute; this is when the sangria begins to develop its autumnal fragrance.

4. Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Longer is better. Letting the fruit steep for several hours enhances the depth of flavor and results in a more balanced sangria. Overnight is ideal if you have the time.

5. Top with bubbles: Just before serving, add the club soda for a refreshing splash of fizz. It lightens the drink and brings everything to life.

6. Serve: For a chilled drink, add ice to glasses, then pour in the sangria along with the fruit. Garnish with a few extra apple slices or a cinnamon stick for visual charm and aroma.

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