A Rustic Fall Tablescape

A white tablecloth covers a table outside near a stone wall. On the tablecloth sits tall white pillar candles, a centerpiece filled with gold and yellow fall leaves, and white plates with a small french horn

Photography by Rachel May Photography

Discover how to make a rustic fall tablescape that can last from September through November.

Have you ever heard of table decor that can work for months at a time? This rustic fall tablescape can be up from September to Thanksgiving—in other words, all the autumn months.

That’s because designer and proprietor at Middleburg Hospitality, Matilda Reuter Engle created this table with all the glorious fall colors and harvest imagery in mind. Think golden hues and touches of fall woodland inspiration for the perfect rustic fall tablescape. It’s a table design that could as easily work as a Halloween tablescape or Halloween décor (perhaps minus the cute French horns). But it could also equally delight guests at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Wonderful Woodland

To create a throughline between the different accents, Matilda leaned into a nature theme for her rustic fall tablescape. She collected items from around Middleburg’s signature properties: Glenstone Gardens and Red Fox Inn & Tavern. “All the branches and berries were harvested from the woodline around the house,” says Matilda. “The feathers used in the table settings are a mixture of quail and pheasant.” They were sourced from her property’s hunting grounds. “All of these pieces added a touch of tradition and outdoor splendor to the setting.”

The Glenstone Gardens and the Red Fox Inn & Tavern are all known for their bespoke elegance meets woodland reveries. Hence, Matilda’s tablescape feels evocative of the properties’ fine art and the ground’s gardens. Not to mention, the table uses timeless décor and seasonal cuisine. Decorating a tablescape that meets all these needs rounds off her Thanksgiving to do list.

A close up of the centerpiece, showing the native berries and leaves Matilda selected from Virigina — Matilda used lots of native woodland pieces she foraged. “I selected a variety of vibrant greens and yellows from our Ginko trees, oranges, reds, and muted browns from Oaks and Beech trees, along with Nandina and Viburnum berries, Hickory Nuts and Persimmons to capture the full spectrum of fall’s beauty.”

Birds of a Feather

The added elements of feathers and eggs give a touch of fall woodland and hint at Thanksgiving’s bounty. Indeed, they give a subtle allusion to birds—like turkeys—usually the star of the rustic fall tablescape (and a Thanksgiving essential) but with a forest-inspired difference. “The eggs build upon the beauty of nature and our surroundings, showing gratitude for the bounty of the season and living in harmony with the land,” she says. The table is perfect for lovers of rustic farmhouse looks.

A view of the table setting that includes two forks and two knives, all in gold to juxtopose with the white plates and table cloth — The knives, forks, and spoons are in a golden bronze finish. “This choice complements the autumnal color palette and adds a touch of warmth and elegance to the table,” says Matilda. “Pairing them with a neutral flaxen Irish Linen tablecloth, walnut bistro chairs, and softly lit Vance Kitira pillar candles creates a balanced contrast with tons of texture, allowing the flatware and centerpiece to stand out while maintaining an elegant and inviting layered atmosphere.”

The Rustic Fall Tablescape Centerpiece

Matilda’s rustic fall tablescape centerpiece features forged floral and fauna. All came from Matilda’s family’s historic properties, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern and Glenstone Gardens. “In true Virginia Piedmont tradition, we always look for a connection to nature, especially in our inspired entertaining,” she says. “I selected a variety of vibrant greens and yellows from our Ginko trees, oranges, reds, and muted browns from Oaks and Beech trees,” she says. She also chose Nandina and Viburnum berries, Hickory Nuts and Persimmons to capture the full spectrum of fall’s beauty.

DIY Paper Lunch Bag Snowflakes

Under the large centerpiece sits three plates stacked on top of each other and holding a small French horn and two pheasant feathers and eggs — The brick terrace and centuries old fieldstone facade of the historic Red Fox Inn & Tavern provide a timeless backdrop that resonates with the region’s heritage. “It provides a visual interest and balances texture to the space,” she says. “Fall in the Piedmont often offers crisp and pleasant weather, making it an ideal setting for an outdoor dining experience after a hot summer.”

Therefore, Matilda’s rustic fall tablescape exudes the highlights of the fall season generally. “And it’s perfect for Thanksgiving with its colorful elements signifying an abundant harvest.” Meaning it works for all the fall months and might even top the list of your favorite fall decor ideas.

Looking for more Thanksgiving ideas? Check out how to make some tasty twists on popular Thanksgiving recipes. Head to on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and follow us for daily inspiration. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter (right below this article) for inspiration right in your inbox!