Fall Dining Part Four - Finishing touches

I can't believe how fast this week has ZOOOOOOOOOOMED by!

We have spent most of this week talking about a fall dining experience - how you would and could achieve a rustic look though the addition of a fire place, furniture and dinnerware. 

Other important details include flowers, candles and accessorizing your table to define your style and what you want to say to your guests.

I prefer to put flowers that are taller on the credenza - that way my tablescape is not disturbed when we sit down to dine.  You have set the perfect table, it looks amazing until...

You have to move your floral arraignments to allow your guests to converse with out "goffering".  Now that you have moved the display, you have a hole in your theme making it look bare and unfinished.

Better to go low with your tablescape.


NOW HEAR THIS!!! 

I know... that you know... that I know... that you love...  those vanilla scented candles.

However...
Put them in the powder room.  Come on, take them out of the kitchen, away from any food, and put them in your bedroom or powder room.


Scented candles do not belong around a meal serving only to distract from what your guests truly should be enjoying - the fabulous aroma of your freshly prepared meal.

I also consider it a courtesy if your not terribly familiar with your dinner guests.  What if someone has allergies?

Alrighty Then.... Lets tablescape!


These gorgeous floral displays are created by one of the most innovative and sought after Florists in  in the San Diego area - Che Bella Fiori.

Sunflowers, Pumpkin Vine, Nandina, Forsythia and Cone flowers  mixed together to bring us a fabulous floral design. 

















Mambo Spray Roses, Green Hydrangea and Maple: So delicate and yet still rustic. 













Lighting is a hugely important element when planning a fall dinner.  By the time you sit down, it will be most likely, dark or getting dark.  I have found some really attractive options for outdoor illumination.
I thought all these lighting elements were interesting.  All are designated to go outdoors and, depending on the size of your dining table, you could choose to place several of these uniquely designed lighting elements under your pergola.  Be aware, however, you will need a contractor to install them.

Now we can look at some things you can add to the table.

Remember...

PUT DOWN THE SCENTED CANDLES!


All these items are available at PotteryBarn.  Just remember, when you finished placing whatever items you choose to use, stand back, look at the table and take half of it away.  The point of having a centerpiece is to enhance your dining experience, not be the dining experience.  You're outdoors, enjoying a moonlight night  and surrounding you is your beautiful garden.  Don't take away from the natural beauty of what's around you by going overboard with the accessories.

Here, the rocks might be a nice touch for writing fall words on or, perhaps, instead of place cards you could write the name of your guest on the rocks.  Printing a menu is also a fun touch - people always seem to enjoy receiving a menu to look at prior to the meal being served.

Everyone has their own taste and design sense and these are just a few things I pulled together to show what can be done.  Explore you own desire and your own taste.

The fun is in the exploration!

Have a great weekend,

Jane