Fall Decor: Styling a French Farm Table

 
 

With our shop filled with autumn florals and tabletop items from France, I was inspired to style a French tablescape—on a vintage farm table, of course!

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or family gathering, here are a few table-setting ideas to add warmth and embrace the essence of the season. Think warm, earthy tones, with a variety of tableware, napkins and candles. Mix and match coordinating pieces for your own unique design.

Read on for ideas on how to recreate a similar fall tablescape at home…


1. French Ironstone Terre de Fer

I’m always searching for antique pottery in France, and French ironstone terre de fer is one of my favorites. The old-world craftsmanship and charming designs with botanical motifs, landscapes, and birds make these pieces truly unique. Learn more about terre de fer in this blog post.

While I used one plate style on this table, you could add interest “mixing and matching” plates with different patterns. Use a collection of plates, platters, and tureens in coordinating colors to add a whimsical feel to the table.

 
 

3. Antique French Silverware

Throughout the brocantes in France you can always find an assortment of vintage and antique silver-plated forks, knives and spoons. My favorites are those with monogram engravings, telling a story from long ago. To verify if a utensil was made in France, look for makers’ marks on the front “bowl” or blade, where French silversmiths often pressed their hallmarks and the silver content. No matter the pattern, mixing silverware is a fun way to add interest to your place settings.

4. Linen Napkins

The natural look of linen underneath silver flatware can add a rustic French-country feel to a place setting. For this table, I chose linen napkins with fall leaves and botanical designs in a warm color palette. A mix of linens in solid neutrals or bright fall colors would also work. Napkins are an easy way to get creative, tying them with twine or using fall-themed napkin rings!

 
 

4. Taper Candles

Candles always add a warm glow to a table. As you can see, I used a variety of taper candles with different shapes and textures, in similar tones of rust and orange.

 
 

4. Limoges Porcelain

For contrast to make the warm fall colors pop, I added a crisp white element to the table. While vintage white ironstone pieces would have been beautiful, I decided to use candle holders and bowls in white porcelain, handcrafted by French artisan Alix D. Reynis. The simple designs of these pieces make them perfect for any occasion, decor, and color scheme.

 
 

5. Glassware

To add a glass component to the table, I chose vintage goblets from France with a frosted texture and an art deco bubble-glass base. For a more formal design, mix and match multiple glasses for water and wine at each place setting. Using tinted or clear glass stemware to reflect the candle flames will enhance the glow at the table.

 
 

6. Floral Centerpieces

Of course, being a florist, I had to add lots of blooms! Whether a gorgeous statement piece or simple scattered blooms, flowers always add the finishing touch to a table. For this long table, I created multiple floral centerpieces featuring our locally-sourced dahlias and hydrangeas from my garden!

 
 

If this inspired you to style a similar fall tablescape, tag us on Instagram @lesfleursandover—we’d love to see your design!

XOXO,
Sandra

 
shop fall tabletop
Fall decor in the shop
 

More fall decorating inspiration in the blog…