You’ve seen them.
Those fancy fall tables.
Full of pomp and circumstance and museum-worthy pumpkins.
I love a beautiful table as much as the next person, but what if we went all thrifty? What if I gave you TONS of ideas for walking around your home and finding items you could use on your fall TABLE right now?
These are the super simple decor hacks that I use when I don’t have time or budget to run to the store.
Sometimes it’s just as simple as thinking outside the box. Maybe it’s using something you have in a new way. Maybe it’s finding creative ways to bring in a little fall without spending a dime.
Together?
We’ve got this fall table.
Here’s how to decorate your fall table by shopping your house.
Idea number one: Use a door garland on your table
Yep.
Go up to those tubs in the attic and find a garland.
Instead of decorating the door?
Place it on your table instead.
Then add in dried leaves (or in this case, I cut leaves from the yard and just let them dry in place). You could also use dried hydrangeas in this arrangement, too).
And tuck in pumpkins.
Donity done done done.
Idea number two: use a board for a table runner
Shop your garage and find a board.
The more pitiful the board is? The better.
You can leave it wood color. Or stain a design on it. Or paint it white.
If you have any old hardware? Add them to the bottom of the board for feet (I think I need to do a DIY on how we did this. LOL.)
Then? Place it in the center of the table as runner and decorate around it.
Idea number three: Use garland for chargers
Yep.
Garland. I know, right?
If you have any random fall garland in your tubs, use it around the bottom of the plates for chargers.
Just tuck it around the edges.
You could also do this with leaves from the yard.
Magnolia leaves would make amazing chargers.
Idea number four: fill a pumpkin with fresh flowers from the yard
Find a hollow plastic pumpkin.
You can paint it to match your table.
Cut off the top.
Fill a vase with fresh flowers or leaves from the yard.
Use as your centerpiece on the table.
Idea number five: use small glasses as vases
I know this seems Captain Obvious, but it’s such an overlooked idea.
Some of the prettiest fall centerpieces I’ve ever made—I just shopped my glass cabinet.
I filled the glasses of different sizes with water and added leaves from the yard.
You can mix your glass vases with glasses, too.
That way you have vases with different heights.
Idea number six: add fruit
I love to mix in fruit in my fall decor.
I just shop my refrigerator and put out bowls of apples or pears or lemons.
Why let that pretty fruit sit in the fridge until you are ready to eat it.
Decorate with it instead.
And now?
I want to introduce you to someone who inspires me and my tables every single day.
Do you know my friend Courtney?
She sent me her newest book, Inspired Gatherings and I gasped when I opened it.
It’s the most beautiful book in the world about tables and table settings gatherings everywhere and in every setting.
It all starts with the table.
And Courtney is a table expert.
She shows you the most beautiful tables in the most beautiful settings. In the backyard. At the beach. Under an oak tree or a country barn. A simple picnic or coffee by the lake.
The tables in Inspired Gatherings are incredible.
And hopefully will give you a little inspiration for your own tables.
And then? You can shop your house for all the ideas. 🙂
PS You can order Courtney’s book here.
Karianne there are so many fabulous ideas here. I think that so many are trying to save money during these tough times that "shopping your home" is a welcome idea. I cannot wait to try a few of these out. As for Courtney, I love her, the blog and cannot wait to get the book. Have a wonderful day Karianne, thank you for being a bright light in a dark world.
What a great post KariAnne! Love all of these tips and suggestions! Decorating doesn't have to cost a fortune.
I think there are so many natural items we can use for autumn decor. With little to no cost we can get acorns, fall foliage ,dried wheat and grasses, feathers pine cones and of course pumpkins, gourds and autumn fruits to decorate our homes. Also with a bit of clear spray paint we can freshen our wreaths and arrangements. I have shopped my home and garden this year and I think the house looks great. Certainly liked the challenge of leaving the plastic bins till next year or not!! Today it is beautiful and cooler so I am going out and clip some Magnolia branches and Goldenrod to preserve with glycerin. The acorns are just beginning to fall here in N.C so they will be gathered in a week or so. Have a good week Karianne.
I have goldenrod and love it as it is Kentucky's flower. Why do you need glycerin? Thank you.
I can’t decide which tablescape from your collection of dining rooms I like the best. They are all gorgeous 🍁 Inspired Gatherings looks like a drool worthy book to spend some time with.....thank you for the preview
So many beautiful ideas. I need to up my table game! You are so right about Courtney! Everything she does is gorgeous!
:) have Courtney's book on my coffee table-so beautiful. Love all the brilliant ideas you gave us-so amazing. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Great tips! It doesn't need to be a big production because it is all about family. Keeping what's important right out in front - that is what I read between the lines here. 😊❤️
Love the old board idea with hardware for feet! Yes, please do a post on that-and quick! LOL
I am starting to finally feel the winds of change...... yes but still soaking up sunshine in pool today while I am off work. Love your ideas.. especially the one just to use garland. I can do that one! I am always attracted to nature.. and always laugh when I think of your acorn story, But seems like all decorating ideas involve wheat, leaves, acorns, and pinecones. So I loved your using branches from the outside. It also makes me want to plant a magnolia tree too! Saw one painted gold it was so lovely. Usually just love natural. But that gold reminded me of wheat! Thought you would be proud of me I am at least thinking fall and yes totes are in a corner... and will stay for just a few more days. Still summer you know! Hugs from your KY mermaid friend,
Awesome post. Sometimes we just waaaaaay overthink things, don't we? We are convinced it isn't good enough, we didn't fuss enough, it isn't sophisticated or moody enough - but truth is? SO often simpler really is better. Well done, KA. I have had Courtney's book on my wish list since she launched it - she's amazing. My bday is in just a few weeks. I had better start hinting loudly. Not like we're going out on a fancy dinner birthday date this year, right? This wonderful book only covers the bottle of wine I would be ordering, haha. / insert cheesy greedy little grin here.
I love using natural elements! So many pretty tables here! Courtney is one of my favorites, her pictures give me butterflies in my tummy! So so beautiful!
Love this so much KariAnne- you have THE best ideas always!!!! Thank you for sharing the book & so glad we are doing this fun tour together! xoxox
I soooo love the ideas in your blog. We just bought a house that needs tons of renovations. I have used your paint colors for my walls, and bought the living room chairs for my living room. Every time I look at one of your segments, it gives me a myriad of ideas. I live in Florida, so if you ever have ideas for palm tree leaves, let me know. They fall down everywhere.
Anything Courtney does is eye candy. :) I think autumn is the easiest time to decorate--I love natural elements and even the leaves on my front porch look intentional (they aren't .... ). And KariAnne, I am still in love with your dining room from your old farmhouse. The warm colors and the wood just pull me in.
The glycerin was to preserve the Magnolia .The Goldenrod can just be naturally dried. I do try to pick it before it is fully opened.
These are all such wonderful ideas and i like the idea of looking around the house to see what i can find. You are so talented and clever thanks.
I love all of these ideas - especially the board! Who knew? And Courtney is so talented. Her photography skills are fabulous!
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I just love shopping my house!! I have to say that I never would have thought of using a door garland on the table but what a great idea:) Thanks for sharing all this inspiration!!!!!!!
What great ideas you have given! You know I love a pretty table! Next time I am going to try leaves and fruit! Thanks for the inspiration!
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All of your tablescapes are stunning!!! xoxo
Can you share where we can find those wooden trees you have? They look like the put together kind? I love the natural wood look but it would also be cool to experiment with painting or staining them for various seasons. Thanks for sharing all of these beautiful tablescapes!