Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining

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Today we’re dining al fresco. I dressed up my deck and did a bit of baking for the intimate fall candlelit gathering. And guess what? You’re invited. (Virtually, that is.) Welcome to the party!

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

I’m so excited about today’s post. As you probably know, my Season of Home blogger friends and I like to get together this time of year to share ideas for fall and holiday decorating. This go-round we’re trying something new and styling around the concept of “Magical Fall by Candlelight.” I love this idea because the glow of candles can make for such beautiful and inspiring photography. It’s a tad trickier to capture but so worth the effort.

I chose an “Autumn Al Fresco” theme and styled my deck for an intimate fall gathering set aglow by candlelight. I envisioned the scene of a late-night dessert with a few close friends or family members. I can’t wait to show you around.

If you’re looking for more inspiration and magical photography, be sure to visit the rest of the bloggers who are participating in this series. They all have something beautiful to share. Each is linked below with a teaser image.

Now that I’ve taken care of the preliminaries, let’s celebrate!

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: A Fall Candlelit Gathering

For this table, I challenged myself to shop my house and yard. I pulled whatever I had that fit my design and brought everything together to create this enchanting scene on my back deck. (If you want to see more of my deck, I shared a full tour of it here.)

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

For the color palette, I stayed with oranges and related hues, such as rust, brown, and red. I even have a pale shade of pink in the flower bouquet.

My classic white dinnerware works perfectly on any table so I set it out with wood-handled flatware and frayed-edge napkins that fit my color scheme.

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Next, I added pumpkins and a big flower bouquet that’s a mash-up of extra oak leaves from my dining room decor along with several floral arrangements I had around the house. (Who knew those preserved oak leaves would be so versatile?)

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Earlier in the day, I made a pumpkin roll, which I decided to incorporate in the tablescape. (I’ll be sharing that recipe soon. Stay tuned!) This delicious and quintessentially fall recipe seemed ideal for a small candlelit gathering

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

A drink was also in order so I served an apple cider cocktail in these gorgeous glasses. (I’ll be sharing that recipe soon as well. It’s super easy. You’re going to love it!)

And can we talk about those glasses? I think every table benefits from stunning stemware. The sparkle and shape of these particular glasses elevate the look and mood of the gathering, yet they are so affordable!

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

My candlesticks are from Target. (You might remember I used them in another tablescape this past Christmas.) Target always seems to have a trio of these candlesticks in stock. You can find the current collection here.

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

I buy the candles in bulk from Amazon. You can get those here. The candles are supposed to be dripless, however, the wind had other plans, and I didn’t mind. I think the drips are pretty.

With all of those elements in place against the setting sun, my table was complete.

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

I am so pleased with this tablescape. It looks fancy, but it came together with basic items and seasonal things I had on hand. It’s amazing how candlelight, sparkling glassware, delicious treats, and gifts from Mother Nature can make a table pop.

I hope that my process and photos inspire you to set up your own Autumn Al Fresco Fall Candlelit Gathering. In the meantime, you’re always welcome at mine!

Looking for more fall table setting inspiration? Check out these:

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Autumn Al Fresco: Fall Candlelit Entertaining #alfresco #fall #fallentertaining #tablescape #tablesetting #candlelight #autumn #entertaining #falldecor

Thank you for joining me today. And again, if you want more beautiful seasonal ideas, check out the talented bloggers below. You won’t be disappointed.

Seasons of Home Fall By Candlelight:

Ella Claire & Co. | French Country Cottage | Handmade Farmhouse | Dear Lillie

Inspired by Charm | Zevy Joy | City Farmhouse | Craftberry Bush

Want More from Inspired by Charm?

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12 Comments

  1. I love your fall alfresco Table, Could you tell me where you got your Beautiful Plaid pillows on the chairs and the Striped Ones on your side porch with the throw to Match I just love them