A Retro-Modern Fall Table

Happy November! Today’s post all about fall table inspiration. With a dash of ’80s style and a few of my current favorite finds, I was able to create a spread that’s easy to throw together (but also achieves an abundant look). Use what you have and sprinkle in some found items from nature, and you’re set. Keep reading for all of the design details…

The Palette

Does anyone else get a huge dose of ’80s inspiration from movies set in the fall, such as Baby Boom? Cue numerous shots of seasonal foliage…

I have my daughter to thank for most of the items featured in the center of today’s table. She never goes on a walk without collecting leaves, acorns and other souvenirs. We pile them onto a tray in the center of our coffee table. I created a “table runner” by spreading these found items across the center of a white tablecloth for today’s shoot. I also threw in a few faux items, such as the maple leaf and succulent shown below:

The resulting palette (also created by the tableware, which we’ll cover in the next section): teal, gold, and a range of reds and oranges.

The Tableware

Hunting down treasures from the 1980s is one of my favorite pastimes, but I also enjoy collecting new items with a retro look. Today’s post is not a sponsored one, but it does showcase many an item from CB2. This brand consistently features items with a retro-modern feel, and over time I’ve built up a nice little stash of serving pieces. While no longer available, the appetizer plates below (in teal and color-blocked tan and white) took center stage in my fall table shoot:

Another reason to celebrate the beauty of a small plate… After many months of pandemic precautions, sharing a cheese platter with a group of guests kind of turns my stomach. Serving individual portions on small plates is more my speed these days!

Also featured on today’s fall table: CB2’s Fia Luster Green Cocktail Glasses, shown above and below. Perfect for serving champagne and other special beverages!

The Details

My fall table also featured some statement pieces and vignettes. CB2’s Torino Vase is one of my favorite purchases from this past year. Its stucco-like texture and sleek form are centerpiece-worthy features. I filled the vase with Faux Japanese Maple Stems from Crate & Barrel.

I can’t let an autumn pass me by without collecting pumpkins, starting with pastel shades of peach and sage. I enjoy stacking them on a furnishing in my dining room. (side note: the mirrors below are from Wayfair–I love the ’80s look they create)

If you have 10 minutes, some paint and a paintbrush or toothbrush, you can create the speckled pumpkin shown below. Easy and fun!

Happy Fall Feast!

To recap, here are some tips for creating a retro-modern fall table:

• Select a fall palette using what you have on hand, plus found items from nature
• Don’t be afraid to mix retro items with new items that have a retro look
• Revel in creative touches, such as DIY painted pumpkins
• Create visual interest by incorporating items of different heights, such as tall vases and petite plates

If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish you a happy holiday week ahead. Amid all of the hoopla, don’t forget to take time for yourself if possible. Even a short coffee break can be energizing. CB2’s Black Dip Coffee Mug is showcased in the photo above. Cheers and bon appetit!