Tablescaping, or table-setting, involves setting themed dining tables in artistic and decorative ways for weddings, social events, and various competition categories. Tablescaping comes from the union of table and landscape, i.e. tables and landscapes; in other words, it involves reproducing landscapes at the table. It was coined by TV chef Sandra Lee in 2003. It also includes "mise en place" but is not simply related to that.

There are plenty of ideas for autumn, but to list them, we report on ideas from BRIDES, a reputable American website. Like many online bridal magazines, it deals with brides-to-be getting inspiration for their dream wedding through pictures and articles on wedding dresses, cakes, ceremonies, receptions and honeymoons. In her article Anna Price Olson talks about autumn mise en place and many ideas to inspire brides and wedding planners. As much as Italians have a strong tradition of wedding fashions, comparing it with other countries is always interesting! Today, more and more people marry in autumn, a very original and romantic season.

ADVICE FROM "BRIDES" AND CREATIONS BY "AL CHIAR DI LUNA"

Here are the 21 tips from Brides:

21. Suspended head table floral installation

The classic floral installation above the table can become even more fascinating in autumn due to the colours and beauty of autumn foliage. After all, autumn foliage has also become a tourist attraction in Italy.  

20. Hanging lights inside the venue or outdoor 

Imagine an outdoor area with lots of warm lights creating a starry effect. Indeed, it is undoubtedly a very warm, autumn-style idea. Warm lights can decorate the sugar almond corner like the table for pastries and desserts. These "stars" will create a magical atmosphere before special moments like the cake cutting. 

19. Choose a dark linen

The contrast of a dark tablecloth, whilst seemingly unusual, is very original and, most importantly, makes spaces warmer.

18. Include a runner

Always used in wedding mise en place, runners are an appealing and well-loved idea. Its colour can create a leitmotif embracing all the tables. 

17. Ensure comfortable seating for your guests

Would you like your guests to be comfortable? Ensure they are at ease with comfortable seating during the ceremony and wedding reception. You can achieve this goal in several ways: using spacious benches or cushioned chairs.

16. Define your palette

We have already talked about our passion for warm nuances and dark touches. However, we have yet to focus on our new favourite colour: the one combining two vibrant shades in a completely unexpected way. You can pair dark and light colours such as yellow and blue, white and brown, and white with purple and pink. 

15. Set the mood through colour

Once you have decided on your colour palette, spread it throughout the table decor so it looks consistent and harmonious. You can achieve this by using shades of your favourite tones (rather than an exact match)!

14. Incorporate unique textures

There is nothing more autumnal than suede, leather and wood. Reproduce it on your table by combining a cute cognac leather menu with jute linen and something unexpected like a jute napkin holder.

13. Consider using particular cutlery and copper trays

Copper is the most ancient metal used by mankind: some copper artefacts dating back to 8,700 BC have been brought to light. Today, it is an almost "precious" and original metal, gaining value precisely because it is less used and gives warmth to the table.

12. Use candles

Conical candles in every colour, always matching the chosen palette, are essential to your wedding table setting. Candles will add a final romantic touch. 

11. Amaze your guests with candelabras

There is something beautiful about mixing styles for autumn weddings. So go ahead and play with your table decoration. It's so good to use gold candelabra, contrasting fresh foliage centrepieces.

10. Decorate choosing fresh foliage

Including leaves, herbs and berries in your centrepieces creates a natural look of warm colours and intimate tones: amidst endless combinations, you will have to have fun!

9. Focus on the meaning of flowers

Autumn calls for striking flowers such as dahlias. Focusing on a few eye-catching flowers (rather than an abundance) can also reduce your floral budget if you pair them with (free) foraged fillers.

8. Include seasonal fruit and vegetables

Autumn is harvest season, so add fruit to your floral centrepieces to create a festive atmosphere. We love fruit scattered all over the table, whether placed neatly in small compotes or scattered by itself.

7. Add pumpkins

Indeed, when setting the table, we must remember pumpkins. They emphasise the autumnal atmosphere in the table's centre and edges.

6. Give a special touch with feathers

Add substance and dimension to centrepieces with faux feathers. Like in this layout, feathers can also add a required rustic touch when paired with blush-coloured blossoms and gold nuances. 

5. Delight guests with snacks

Dress up your table by offering guests something they appreciate: food! Waiting for dinner, they will be pleasantly surprised to find a fancy bread basket or a top-notch charcuterie board, including cold cuts, cheese, figs and nuts on the table as pre-dinner snacks.

4. Create an intimate atmosphere

To create intimacy, you must choose colours, flowers and foliage in quantity. Autumn can be magical!

3. Light up a candle glow

Simple votive candles can be added when planning your tablescape to create a warm and cosy sensation. 

2. Opt for a rustic table

Arrange an autumnal style with wooden farmhouse tables suited to amaze your guests. Let woven gold runners sparkle next to brass chandeliers and gold vases filled with locally grown dahlias, zinnias, cosmos and golden ferns.

1. Set the scene down the small detail

Not a single detail goes unnoticed here. From the beautiful autumnal decor (garden roses, delphinium, dahlias, lisianthus, clematis and amaryllis) to the copper cutlery and dove-grey pillar candles... every place has kept faithful to the vintage botanical theme. You can add all these details and elements to your autumn wedding at Al Chiar di Luna. Book a meeting with us for your autumn wedding!