A Simple & Moody Fall Table Setting

November 20, 2022

A Simple & Moody Fall Table Setting

Moody, simple fall table setting with iron candleholders, Spode plates, striped napkins, and yellow glassware by Atlanta designer Kevin Francis O'Gara Moody fall table setting with iron candleholders, Spode plates, striped napkins, and yellow glassware

As the holidays approach, I find myself more inclined to dress up the table and find reasons to entertain. I recently styled this simple, moody tablescape with Birch Lane, which I featured in a recent Reel on Instagram. I loved pulling together a refined but unfussy setting with a sculptural squash as the finishing touch. It's hard to choose a favorite between the stackable colored glassware and the traditional Spode salad plates, but the plates might take the lead for their perfectly kitschy contrast against an otherwise minimal scheme.

My recipe for a simple but impactful table: pick an accent color and incorporate it in at least two places—here, the pop of yellow from both the glasses and the squash. Layer in two patterns to give the setting depth—in this case, the stripe of the napkins and the classic plate motif. Textural elements, like a ceramic charger or slubby linen runner, can also serve as subtle pattern when you're going for a more casual tone. And don’t forget your centerpiece: it should occupy at least one-third of the table’s center length. These iron candleholders fit the bill perfectly, thanks to their wide bases and sculptural form.

Shop the Look

Moody fall table with Spode plates, yellow glassware, and a squash centerpiece by Kevin Francis Design A close-up of the place settings with that perfect yellow pop

Overhead view of a moody fall tablescape by Kevin Francis Design featuring iron candleholders and yellow glasses Overhead view showing the simple but dramatic arrangement

Side profile of moody fall tablescape with striped napkins and Spode plates Patterned napkins and salad plates keep the setting feeling layered

Moody fall table styling with ceramic squash and yellow glassware A sculptural squash makes a surprisingly chic centerpiece

The trick to using a taller centerpiece on a dining table—like these iron candleholders—is choosing pieces that are narrow enough to see around. Tall floral arrangements or oversized vessels can block the view and interrupt conversation, so opt for height with visual lightness.

Kevin Francis Design fall tablescape with candleholders and yellow water glasses Tall, skinny candleholders add just enough drama without crowding the table

Kevin Francis Design moody fall tablescape with Spode and linen layers One last look—moody and minimal with a little personality

As the weather turns crisp and gatherings move indoors, setting a beautiful table is one of my favorite ways to mark the season. It doesn’t take much—a few layers, a thoughtful color story, and a couple standout details can go a long way. Whether you're hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy dinner in, a moody fall tablescape like this brings a little intention (and a lot of style) to the everyday.