Fall Dining on the Porch & A Book-Themed Centerpiece

Welcome to the 212th Tablescape Thursday!

Yesterday, I posted some pictures of the mantel in the family room all dressed for autumn.  It became the inspiration for this week’s Tablescape Thursday.

Mantel Decorated for Fall

 

Often, the treasures we love and use when decorating our home work well in a centerpiece for a table setting, too.

Mantel Decorated for Fall

 

I almost put this tablescape in my dining room since the colors are great for that room’s dark mahogany table and red walls.  At the last-minute I decided to leave it here on the porch and let the autumn colors contrast against the white of the table.

Everything in this setting has been used in a previous tablescape here at BNOTP.   I love mixing and remixing my china, flatware, glassware and candlesticks to come up with new table settings.  Do you do that, too?

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

As we look at the table setting, I’ll link back to some of those previous tablescapes in case you would like to see the same elements used in different ways.

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

I think Mr. Duck enjoyed his new surroundings out here on porch.  I started out with the books stacked as shown below, but I changed them up a bit later in the table setting.  The picture above shows them displayed with the gold edges of the black leather-bound book facing the camera, while below, the bindings all face forward.  Which look do you like best?  All the books were found over the years while out garage sailing or thrifting.

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

Acorn soup tureens were previously used in this Thanksgiving tablescape: Thanksgiving Table Setting, 2011

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

The tureens were found (on sale) at Williams-Sonoma a few years back.  I chose the dark brown tureens for today’s table…

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

They also came in a caramel brown color as seen in this 2009, Thanksgiving Tablescape.

Thanksgiving Tablescape Table Setting

 

Williams-Sonoma showed these tureens with a yummy looking Butternut Squash Soup inside.  You’ll find the recipe here: Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Prosciutto (Image from Williams-Sonoma online)

Butternut Squash Soup

 

Candlesticks are from Hobby Lobby many years ago, found in their clearance isle.  Stemware is from Mikasa a few years back.  Wishing now I had thought to sprinkle a few acorns around the centerpiece.  Wouldn’t that have been perfect with the acorn tureens?  I always see these things later!

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

I had a little fun with the flatware this week, mixing in some antler flatware I purchased on eBay several years ago.

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

Here’s a picture snagged from a previous Thanksgiving table setting showing the fork.  The set just included a knife and fork

Antler Flatware

 

I tucked a couple of tall cinnamon sticks under each napkin ring.  They gave the table the most wonderful fall scent.

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

The dinner plates are called Fall Rooster and were found at Marshall’s several years ago.  They were deeply discounted (I think $1.99 each) in one of their awesome sales.   I’ve used them previously in these two tablescapes: Country Rooster and A Colorful Autumn Table Setting .

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

Did you spot these pine cone napkin rings in the previous Thanksgiving tablescape?  They worked well for this casual fall setting.

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch

 

Rattan chargers are from Pier 1, found a year or so ago and used previously in this table setting: A Thanksgiving Tablescape for the “Kid’s” Table

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

Looking forward to all the beautiful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday!

Fall Tablescape on the Porch (Between Naps on the Porch)

 

Please Read:
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Comments

  1. Such a pretty table! I love the duck 🙂 Thanks for hosting, Susan!

  2. I love the look of the cinnamon sticks on the napkin! Cinnamon is one of those fragrances that makes people very happy, and that’s what I want when people sit down to my dining table! I think reusing items in a different way just proves the measure of creativity in a person. It’s not always about “new.” Sometimes it’s about new thinking! Beautiful table, Susan. Happy Autumn!

    • Alycia, it is definitely my fave fragrance for fall and winter, too. I love cinnamon scented candles, always have them burning for holiday parties. I so agree about mixing…everything feels “new” again when combined with some different pieces. Thanks, Alycia!

  3. Hi Susan, This is a wonderful post, showing us the previous uses for your beautiful pieces. I remember those red candlesticks as they were one of the first things I ever saw on your blog. I do like using my dishes and accents in different ways, and I find decorative elements from all over my house to add to the table for a little fun and interest. Thank you for hosting! Linda

    • Thanks, Linda! I didn’t link to it but I looked back and the first time I used those candlesticks was for the 3rd TT. I guess I should link back to that one although the photography was somewhat lacking. 🙂 Thanks!

  4. Thanks for hosting! XO, Aimee

  5. Beautiful post, Susan. I love those acorn tureens. Thank you for hosting. I stopped doing link ups for awhile, but I’m back! laurie

  6. You are so creative!!! I never would have thought about using books as a center piece on a dining table. It all looks fabulous. I especially love those acorn bowls.

    • Thanks, Crissy! I’ve been itching to do a book-themed table setting. I need to get on that instead of just thinking about it. Be a great idea for a fall/winter table when we all stay inside and read more.

  7. Your tablescapes are always so beautiful! I just linked up and wanted to stop by and thank you for hosting!
    Hugs, Penny

  8. Thank you for hosting this lovely party! Your decorations are absolutely and I am in love with those acorn tureens!
    Nancy

  9. Love, love, love everything on your table. Your color combination is warm and very inviting.

  10. Thanks for hosting, Susan. Your fall decor is gorgeous, and I would not expect anything else! xo

  11. I adore your table – very warm and inviting, and the books make it cozy. Thank you for sharing and hosting another fabulous party! Always a treat!

  12. Love your tablescape as usual, Susan. The plates are really pretty and I really like the duck. John loves ducks and he would love that too….Christine

    • Christine, ducks are always so expensive when I find them in antique shops. I don’t remember now where I found this guy but he was the first reasonably priced one I’d been able to find. I love his colors.
      Thanks!

  13. I love those acorn soup tureens. Your tables are always so warm and inviting. Thanks for hosting.

  14. Love the cinnamon sticks. They must make the room fragrant. The tureens made me wonder what you were serving in them. And finally, I love the books. I could only see the O. Henry on the mantel. We love his stories. We have read them many times, especially the humorous The Ransom of Red Chief, and the touching stories The Gift of the Magi, and The Last Leaf. Good job.

    • Madonna, Williams-Sonoma had a wonderful recipe they showed in these tureens for Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Prosciutto. You’ll find the recipe HERE. I remember The Ransom of Red Chief…such a funny story!

  15. Susan, your tables always look so great! I just love the acorn soup tureens!!! Any guest would be lucky to have a meal at this beautiful table.

  16. Hi Susan,
    Beautiful! as always. 🙂 I agree with your 2nd choice for the books layout, with the spines of all three facing the camera – seems to help keep the focus. Love Mr. Duck! Glad he came out from the mantel for a visit on the porch. 🙂
    BTW, did you make a decision about your eyes yet? Praying all is going well.
    Happy Fall! Margie

    • Thanks, Margie! I have more or less decided to just stick with glasses around the house and my “not-so-great-working) contacts when I go out and don’t want to wear glasses. My biggest concern with the Ortho-K for me is that my regular eye doctor insists it will only help my distance vision and I’d need to wear glasses to use the computer (mid-range) all day. She is adamant about that and doesn’t like Ortho-K anyway. Plus, I’d be giving up my really up-close vision that I have now which allows me to read the back of a bottle/can or read a book without wearing anything. I love being able to pull off my glasses and read in the evening. I also love just lifting them up when I’m out shopping and need to read the back of a package or a sales ticket. I just decided it wasn’t worth $1,000 to get the Ortho-K lenses when all I’d gain was distance vision and would probably be stuck wearing glasses all day to see the computer. The Ortho-K doctor can’t give me any guarantees and it’s just too expensive not knowing. Maybe the price will come down some and I’ll give it a shot one day.

      • Sounds like the best decision, given all the concerns with your situation. I would love to be able to read labels and books without glasses! And just think of those occasional, what you call, “squinty” pictures of yourself, as making all of the rest of us wonder “what secret joke is she keeping to herself here…?” 😉
        Take care,
        Margie

  17. Thought I’d pass on a tip that has worked for me: To freshen up cinnamon sticks that have been sitting around for a while, (mine were just over two years!) just rub them together a bit before use to bring out their sweet and spicy fragrance once again.

  18. Nicole Wiklins says

    Pottery Barn has gold gilt acorns in their new catalog. They come 56 to a package and are shown in a pretty hurricane glass.

  19. What a gorgeous fall table. I love all the various layers and testures!

  20. Hi Susan,
    Again, looks beautiful as always !! I love those “ACORNS” , I bet soup taste much better when in those!!! I am beginning to think your decorating is costing me !! hehheeee

    Have a BLessed Day!
    Paula

  21. Good morning Susan. Yet another inviting tablescape. I love your acorn soup bowls, some squash soup would be nice in there to add to the flavour of the table. The cinnamon sticks are a nice idea and as for the books, I prefer the bindings showing all one way. I see Mr. Duck swam over too!! 🙂 Where is Mr. Max?

  22. I will be copying the cinnamon sticks in the napkins Susan..so clever! The acorn soup bowls are so cute and so inviting with a delicious and warm soup for a cold day. My fav element you added to your table, it’s got to be the books and the duck on top, it’s totally fabulous!! I’m surprised I haven’t seen your fluffy Max around such warm fall tablescape! Thanks for yet another great party at the Porch.
    FABBY

  23. Ooh I love the colors in this! Those acorn tureens are so cute. I wanted to get some but never did.
    I remember the antler flatware- very cool! Adding the cinnamon stick was brilliant- why don’t I ever think of stuff like that!! Love your $1.99 plates…at that price you can afford to buy a lot!

  24. Beautiful, Susan! Love those bowls! Have to get mine out, still can’t believe I got them for 3.00. I guess that won’t happen again!
    Those candlesticks are fabulous, and I love the glassware.
    Thanks so much for hosting!

  25. Hello dear Susan,
    Firstly, million thanks for dropping by in Stockholm last week, §:-) Wow… I was totally blown away when I saw you at D´Box.
    How I wish I could purchase those acorn bowls and hopefully it will come to Sweden one of these days. I drool in every collections and your treasures.
    Keep up the good work, Lady? and keep the good spirit shine to all of your followers.
    May God bless you and keep you safe.

    Greetings from a rainy Stockholm (again)
    /CC

  26. Are those antler candle rings on your red candlesticks? If so, where did you get those? I love them! Thanks for your response.

    • Thanks! Those are actually pillar candle holders with a metal base. I found them around 2-3 years ago at Kohls. They used to carry some neat “antler” items this time of year. Instead of using them flat on the table, I just sat them on top of the red candle sticks since that particular Thanksgiving table had a wildlife/hunt theme. If you have a Kohls in your area, check there this year…you never know when they might carry them again.

  27. Thank you for hostessing! Your table is gorgeous…I LOVE that fork…it looks great paired with the different spoon too. So very pretty all of it.

  28. Have been curious for awhile…where do you store all of your beautiful dishes and items? 🙂

  29. OMG, Susan!
    I so love your book-themed tablescape! Everything is beautiful and those tureens are adorable!
    May I “borrow” your wonderful idea, please? 🙂
    For my next “Clue” night with friends (we all will be detectives in our next life… LOL) I could decorate my dinner table with Agatha Christie’s books or even with “Sherlock Holmes” novels! I could put a magnifying glass and a pipe on top… (I need to buy Sherlock’s Deerhunter cap!) Oh, how I love that idea! Thank you, Susan! (I will certainly not cook spaghetti bolognese that day! 😉 )
    BTW: Susan, I love the second look best… Do you remember? … “Monkina”! LOL
    ~Hugs~

    • Definitely! You may run with anything you ever see posted here…go for it! 🙂 I’m sure you’ll turn it into something amazing, Cecilia! Can’t wait to see! I love the Clue idea!

  30. Of course you should set your table on the porch due to this gorgeous weather that we’re having! Love the books on the table with the duck on top. And I wish W&S would bring back those acorn tureens again. They are so pretty.

  31. This is such a warm, rich design, and I adore the individual acorn tureens. Thanks for inviting us for a peak and for hosting us each week. Cherry Kay

  32. It’s been a while since I have done a tablescape…but I am really enjoying all the ones that joined your party…beautiful fall inspirations for the table…Susan, I just love the acorn tureens….Have a wonderful weekend!

  33. Susan, I’m loving the acorns tureens, too! Mercy, the lawn care man was here today to mow our acorn covered ground and first he had to get rid of the huge acorns. Now, I’m wondering if they have to be treated with anything to kill whatever before you gilt them. I’m assuming you will use a paint like my favorite Rub ‘N Buff! Thanks for sharing your lovely tablescapes with us. Helen

    • I’ve heard about folks putting them in the refrigerator (or is it the freezer) for a while or even in the oven. Last time I collected them, I didn’t do that and I only had two grubs come out of a hundred+ acorns. I hadn’t thought about what to paint them with…like the Rub n Buff idea! Thanks!

  34. Susan, this is a beautiful table full of fall inspiration. Love the individual acorn tureens, and your duck is the perfect detail. Thanks for hosting each week……..Sarah

  35. I have to agree with everyone, I am crushing on your acorn tureens! Your table is beautiful. Since you asked, I like the duck perched on the stack with some of te gold pages showing! I have no post this week, but still enjoying your party, thanks for hosting.

  36. Hi Susan,

    What beautiful tablescapes! I adore the deep hues of coppery coral, rust and plum in your dinnerware and your Fall Rooster set is charming! Roosters, hens, chickens, ducks….love these feathered creatures; my house is full of them. Thanks so much for hosting this fun party! It’s my first time here and although I did read the instructions, I mistakenly copied and pasted my post name, which is in caps. It was 3am and I couldn’t see straight! Will be more careful and alert next time! I’m your newest follower and fan! Hope you’ll come and visit.

    Have a great weekend.

    Poppy

  37. I am so envious of all that you have to work with when it comes to tables. On this one, I love how you’ve used books. That’s something we all have plenty of and how wonderful to bring them off the shelf.

  38. This table setting is just so lovely, Susan, and so perfect for Autumn. The colors do look pretty against the white table. You have such a talent for gathering together different items that complement one another so well. (I do love the centerpiece with the Duck! I prefer the books facing in different directions myself. I think it looks more haphazard, as if someone has just put it down after reading….) Have a beautiful weekend! And thanks for linking us to all the other beautiful table settings.

  39. I’m a little (lot) late joining in, hope I’m not too late.

    Love your fall tablescape, those acorn tureens are adorable, pretty dishes and the flatware is perfect with it all!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Katherine

  40. Susan! Those are the cutest tureens I have EVER seen! Oh, I’m in love. Cute as cute can be. If they go missing, you needn’t look far. 😉

    Happy Fall to you. Still don’t have a computer (we had major house repairs that literally could have paid for a new car), and I am waiting a bit. I’m holding out for a MAC. Is that what you have? A friend of mine keeps urging me to get one. Maybe. Oh, and my email box was sent a virus by some lovely person, and I was afraid to go back in it lest they hijack my blog. Anyhow, I will leave my new one tonight because I want you to have it. I hope you see this.

    Take care and have a great fall. I hope to join you again here in the not too distant future. Keep the light on for me! 😉

    XO,

    Sheila

    • Sheila…so good to hear from you! I’ve miss you! Well, I’ve heard Macs are reliable and don’t get viruses since most viruses are written for PCs (since that’s what most folks have) Macs are different though, take some getting used to from what I’ve heard. But people who use them seem to really love them. You may want to download and run Microsoft Security Essentials. It’s free and is supposed to be good. Thanks for leaving your email…thought about you so many times and wondered how you were. Sorry about your house repairs. No fun spending money on those when you could be buying dishes! 😉

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