Fall is here — and that means cozy gatherings, rich colors, and those little touches that make your home feel warm and welcoming. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is by designing a fall tablescape that’s both beautiful and long-lasting.
This year’s table is all about creating a foundation that can live on your dining table for weeks — something that feels festive for fall, transitions easily into Thanksgiving, and can be refreshed simply by swapping out fresh flowers from The Hidden Garden each week.
Everything else? You can find it right at Hobby Lobby (we’ve linked our favorites throughout so you can shop the look)!
A Table That Lasts All Season
Before we jump into the how-to, here’s the philosophy behind this setup:
Your fall table doesn’t have to be a one-day project. Instead, think of it as a seasonal base that you can build on. Create a look that feels elevated yet practical — a table you can enjoy every day, whether you’re hosting dinner or sipping morning coffee surrounded by the glow of autumn tones.
By pairing timeless décor from Hobby Lobby with fresh Hidden Garden florals, you get the best of both worlds — the longevity of dried and faux textures with the beauty of real blooms that change with the season.
So let’s set your table!
Step 1: Start with a Great Layered Runner
Every great tablescape starts with a foundation — and for fall, that means texture, color, and warmth.
I started with a rich persimmon velvet runner (one of my favorite finds from Hobby Lobby!). It instantly adds depth and a touch of luxury to the table. But don’t worry if velvet isn’t your vibe — there are plenty of options that will work beautifully:
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Try a neutral rattan mat for a more natural, organic look.
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Go with a plaid or check pattern for a traditional, cozy touch.
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Or mix and match! Layer two textures — like a linen runner on top of a woven placemat — to create a soft, curated feel.
💡 Design Tip: If your table is wood, let some of it show. The mix of natural wood grain with your runner’s texture adds a beautiful organic element that feels perfectly autumn.
Step 2: Pick an Anchor Vessel for the Center
Now that your base is down, it’s time for the star of the show — your centerpiece.
I chose an oblong wooden vessel — simple, rustic, and full of character. Look for something that’s long and low so it can stretch beautifully down your table without blocking anyone’s view. Hobby Lobby has so many shapes and finishes to choose from — wood, ceramic, and even hammered metal tones that work perfectly for fall.
Once you’ve got your anchor vessel, fill it with seasonal textures that will last all month long:
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Mini pumpkins and gourds in assorted tones (white, sage, and burnt orange look amazing together)
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Indian corn, pinecones, and dried pods
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Faux magnolia leaves or preserved fall foliage
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Bits of straw, dried wheat, or raffia to fill in the gaps
This becomes your “everlasting” centerpiece — a design that will stay looking gorgeous from early October through Thanksgiving.
💡 Design Tip: Place larger pieces (like pumpkins or corn) in first, then tuck smaller accents around them for balance and fullness.
Step 3: Choose Your Napkins — Add Color, Texture, and a Personal Touch
The next step is all about elevating your place settings.
Napkins are such a simple way to make your table feel pulled together. For this look, I chose mossy green napkins — the tone feels earthy and rich, grounding the table’s warmth. But you can easily swap them for neutral sand linens or even a subtle plaid pattern to coordinate with your runner.
Here’s how to make your napkins stand out:
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Add napkin rings that complement your table’s color palette.
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Or, for a softer look, tie them with a chocolate brown velvet ribbon — it’s one of my favorite little touches this season.
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For extra charm, tuck a small piece of dried wheat or a tiny faux leaf into the ribbon.
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You can even place a mini pumpkin at the top of each napkin to hold a guest name card — a perfect finishing detail for a dinner party.
💡 Design Tip: Use the same ribbon color in multiple places on your table (around candles, napkins, or floral vases) to tie the whole look together.
Step 4: Add Candles for Warmth and Glow
Love, love the added candlelight to any table — it’s honestly the magic ingredient that makes everything feel cozy and elevated.
For this setup, I chose wrought iron candle holders from Hobby Lobby and paired them with orange taper candles. The contrast of the iron against the rich fall tones gives just the right balance of rustic and refined.
Mix different candle heights to let the light dance across the table, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a few votives for that extra twinkle. Candlelight instantly makes any meal feel special — from a family dinner to a festive gathering.
💡 Design Tip: For safety and ease, battery-operated taper candles are a great alternative and can stay “lit” all season long without worry.
Step 5: Layer in Greenery and Seasonal Accents
Now it’s time to bring your centerpiece to life.
Drape eucalyptus garland or faux magnolia leaves through the base of your wooden vessel. Add in touches of rust, gold, and deep green foliage to echo the tones of fall.
You can even mix real and faux — the combination creates an organic, layered texture that feels alive but still lasts.
💡 Design Tip: Keep greenery low and natural. Let it spill slightly over the edges of your table for a more relaxed, effortless feel.
Step 6: Step It Up a Notch with Fresh Flowers
Now that your base is complete — candles flickering, centerpiece full of fall textures — it’s time for that Hidden Garden touch.
We created two small accent arrangements to sit on either side of the long-lasting centerpiece. These floral pieces bring a burst of freshness and color to your table and can easily be swapped out each week.
This approach keeps things simple and affordable while letting you play with different seasonal blooms throughout the fall months.
Some of my favorite flowers to feature in these weekly swaps include:
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Dahlias: for bold color and drama.
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Garden Roses: especially warm tones like toffee, golden honey, or deep burgundy.
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Rust Amaranthus: adds soft draping movement.
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Sunflowers / Mums : for cheerful brightness.
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Berries or pods: for natural autumn texture.
💡 Design Tip: Keep your fresh arrangements in small vases or glass jars that can tuck neatly beside your centerpiece. Refresh the water and blooms weekly, and your table will always feel newly styled without starting from scratch.
Step 7: Enjoy It All Season Long
Now that your table is set, it’s ready to be enjoyed all season long! The base — your runner, vessel, candles, and décor — will last through Thanksgiving. Just refresh your fresh florals from The Hidden Garden each week to give it a new, seasonal feel.
That’s the secret to a truly effortless fall tablescape — one that feels high-end, lasts all month, and brings warmth to every meal.
Shop the Look
Everything featured (except the fresh flowers!) can be found at Hobby Lobby.
Here’s a quick guide to what we used:
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Velvet Persimmon Table Runner
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Wooden Center Vessel
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Wrought Iron Candle Holders
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Orange Taper Candles
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Faux Pumpkins (they come in white, orange & green)
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Moss Green Linen Napkins
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Velvet Ribbon Rolls
👉 See all our Hobby Lobby favorites here.
