Gorgeous Fall Table Decor Featuring the Season's Best Produce

By BH&G Editors
Updated September 06, 2019
Credit: Werner Straube
Gourds don't just make for delicious seasonal dishes—they also can be used to create stunning fall tablescapes. Use these fall table decorating ideas that feature pumpkins, squash, and more types of gourds to cozy up your home.
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Burst of Color

Credit: Blaine Moats

The plentiful, colorful gourds and printed tablecloth prove on this fall tablescape prove that more is more. Large turban squash sprinkle the center of a basic burlap runner, while smaller varieties, bittersweet sprigs, and Chinese lantern pods fill in the gaps. Warm yellow votives add the perfect final touch.

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Stunning Side Table

Credit: Blaine Moats

Arrange a seasonal setup on a sofa table or buffet. This display is especially successful thanks to its varying heights, which create a layered look. Use both small and large vessels—candleholders, lanterns, bowls, vases, and cake stands—to showcase a mix of small squash and pumpkins. Keep the remaining accessories neutral for a harvest color scheme.

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Cute Coffee Table

Credit: Werner Straube

Fall table decorations aren't just for your dining room. Place a few gourds and a seasonal bouquet featuring zinnias or mums in a shallow wicker basket. The combination will make your coffee table the focal point of the room.

Related: Fabulous Fall Centerpieces

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Outdoor Gourd Decor

Now you can make your al fresco experience even more enjoyable with a handful of bright seasonal additions. For this harvest table, arrange a few pumpkins in various colors and sizes in the center of a large wood cutting board. Keep the rest of the display simple with white dishware and a few potted mums. Bonus: You don't have to take this fall table decor indoors each night. The gourds can withstand the elements.

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Nothing but Neutrals

Credit: Blaine Moats

Use your cheeseboard, or any wood serving tray, as the base for fall table decorations. Head to your local farmer's market and select gourds of similar sizes and colors, then arrange them on a platter. Add a few white pillar candles for an understated yet elegant centerpiece.

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Mad for Plaid

Credit: Werner Straube

We love the idea of using a plaid throw as a table runner, especially when it matches the colors of the gourds on top of the table. This scene is sophisticated enough for a formal dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight supper with the family. Dress it up or down with more squash, pumpkins, and other harvest produce depending on the occasion.

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Go for Green

Credit: Rett Peek Photography, Inc.

Dare to do something different this autumn by featuring shades of green on your tabletop. It's a nice change from the usual colors of the season, and the elements on this table are versatile enough to be used all year long. To create this arrangement, gather small green squash in large glass vessels. Then, fill a wood box with green chrysanthemums and wrap pillar candles with birch bark.

Related: Build Your Own Centerpiece Box

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Innovative Vases

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Yes, you can easily transform your squash and pumpkins into vases. To emulate this look, carefully cut out the top of each gourd and scoop out the seeds. Fill your containers with water, and add some seasonal stems. Use tall and short gourds to add depth to your arrangement.

Editor's Tip: To make this fall centerpiece last longer, add stems to small vases filled with water before adding them to the gourds.

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Warm Welcome

Give a table natural charm with petite pumpkin place settings. Start by carving out the center, then fill with small seasonal floral arrangements. Finish with a mini chalkboard and your guest's name.

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Colorful Collection

Credit: Helen Norman

Look for a variety of interesting shapes and colors of gourds. When you have collected a diverse assortment, fill a wooden tray or bowl with your unique finds and place it on an outdoor table for an easy fall display. You can also add a few leaves to fill in any gaps.

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Bright Fall Mantel

Credit: King Au

Create an alluring fall mantel display that will transition from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Arrange a variety of brightly colored gourds along a mantel. We propped ours atop copper pots and vases for an eclectic display. A leaf wreath inspired by the harvest season ties the hearth's look together.

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Gorgeous Gourd Blossoms

Credit: Jane Mckeon

Craft your own fabulous fall floral arrangement in just a few simple steps. Use a sharp knife to carve a hole in the top of a gourd and scoop out the interior. Arrange flowers in a water-filled container and position the container neatly inside the gourd to keep your flowers fresh. For a long-lasting fall planter, turn to faux gourds.

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Festive Fall Bounty

Bring the bright, bold colors of fall to a Thanksgiving table by creating a centerpiece made from gourds, berries, and candles. For dramatic effect, we arranged ours to span an entire dining room table. Utilize pinecones in your arrangement for a look that's as fitting for winter as it is fall.

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Fall Table Decor

Credit: Scott Little

Welcome guests with an elegant fall table vignette. Garnish plain serving dishes with striped gourds for an eye-catching effect. The monochromatic color scheme adds a dash of elegance to the table.

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Shades of Fall

Credit: Andre Baranowski

Mums make wonderful flowers for fall table arrangements. Create an eye-catching outdoor centerpiece by filling a hollowed-out pumpkin shell with brightly colored seasonal flowers. Keep part of the pumpkin's top intact to create a look that resembles a basket. Add fruit such as pears for even more flair.

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Gourds by the Bucketful

Credit: King Au

For a simple and organic fall look, position gourds in a large ceramic plant holder and arrange fall leaves in between. Set this pretty display on a stool, corner hutch, or side table. You might consider using faux items instead of fresh for this idea so it lasts all autumn.

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Natural Motif

Credit: Panichgul Studios, Inc

Gourds have a natural sophistication that pairs perfectly with understated decor. Orange and cream gourds are particularly well-suited for fall table arrangements that have a neutral palette. Arrange them in a shallow bowl and pair with an unfussy flower arrangement.

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Easy Fall Centerpiece

Credit: Helen Norman

Consider a simple yet elegant approach to your table this fall. Tuck nuts and fresh or preserved leaves into a wire bowl and nestle gourds in between. The effect is an organic centerpiece full of natural textures.

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Natural Gourd Goodness

Credit: Jay Wilde

Gourds look distinctive even in the simplest of settings. Position them in a shallow pinecone-adorned bowl, then place the bowl on a kitchen table to enjoy throughout fall. You might head to an antique or thrift store to find a similar container.

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