Fall Dining on the Porch

Welcome to the 61st Tablescape Thursday!

I’m often asked, “How many sets of dishes do you have?!”  Well, I’m letting you in on a big secret tonight. You really don’t need that many sets of dishes to create different tablescapes…you just need to be a little creative and change a few of the elements.

Let me show you what I mean. Remember this tablescape I posted about 4 weeks ago with my Pier 1 china, cream Lenox, Butler’s Pantry salad plates, dollar store glasses, floral centerpieces and this big, beautiful tealight lantern? How might it look if we made just a few changes? Let’s compare it to another autumn tablescape I created…last fall.

 

Do you see the changes…bet you noticed the centerpiece right off the bat. This tablescape looks completely different, though I’m using the exact same dinner plates, bowls, flatware and napkins. Let’s break it down and see what’s changed. By the way, there’s a little surprise announcement at the end that you will not want to miss!

 

The centerpiece is different…I used a large amber lantern I found at Hobby Lobby last fall.

 

Another change…mugs this time, instead of glasses…added a little whimsy with the large acorns. I could use the leaf napkin rings again…here they are in green….

 

And red….

 

Or, I could make some changes using pumpkin napkin rings. Wouldn’t they be perfect for a Halloween dinner gathering?

 

Bowls are the same…no change there. Flatware stayed the same, too. Love the way it coordinates with the rope edge around the dinner plate.

 

But our salad plates are quite different…gone are the lighter cream-colored ones. Instead, we’re going with a rich, fall brown…

 

And green…I alternated the two colors around the table.

 

Dinner plates are the same in both tablescapes. I found this china at Pier 1 just before fall, last year. They were on sale, around 50 percent off.

 

Another little view of the matching mugs…

 

I added a few pumpkins and a sweet little bird nestled down among the leaves…

 

More warm candlelight for those chilly fall nights…I love the pattern this candle holder created on the table…

 

Used several different styles of pumpkins…

 

 

Decorated the backs of the chairs this time. These little wreaths would make nice gifts for your guest to take home at the end of the night…

 

I used three different styles of wreaths and secured them with those little corkscrew, bed-skirt pins.

 

They curled right around the wicker and held the wreath beautifully in place. I love the little acorns on this one…ties nicely back in with the acorns hanging from the mugs…

 

So, there you have it, a fall tablescape using a lot of the same china, but with just a few changes…

 

.Items used in the above tablescape came from the following stores: China came from Pier 1; Leaf accent (salad) plates are from Marshalls, Bamboo flatware is from Big Lots; Candle center piece, pumpkins, acorns and wreaths are all from Hobby Lobby, Napkins and all napkin rings are from Kohl’s.)

Now, about that tease…how about a peak into Bonnie’s incredible dish room? Bonnie shared some terrific pics and I’m taking you inside this Saturday. You are going to be amazed and maybe just a little green with envy…it’s awesome! Update: Take a tour of Bonnie’s dishroom here: Dish Heaven

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

If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. If you aren’t sure how to obtain your permalink or have any questions about using Mr. Linky for this post, just click HERE for detailed instructions.

Please copy and paste the Tablescape Thursday logo button to your computer. Then you can upload it to your side bar and use it in your tablescape post so your visitors will know you are participating.

Please link back to the host blog, Between Naps on the Porch. This is important because it helps those who are visiting your blog, find the other wonderful tablescapes posted for this Tablescape Thursday.

Please do not add your link below, until your tablescape post is actually published to your blog.

The following blogs have lovely tablescapes awaiting your visit:

 

*If a post is sponsored or a product was provided at no charge, it will be stated in post. Some links may be affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *



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Comments

  1. Oh my goodness, Susan…you are such a wonderful inspiration!! This table is luscious with all the textures & colors. Beautifully organized & displayed, as always.

    I ♥ the little wreaths on the backs of the chairs. I'm going to work on doing something like that for Christmas on my wooden kitchen ones.

    Thank you SO much for sharing your knowledge & talents with all of us!

    {{hugs}}
    Rett

  2. Cindy (Applestone Cottage) says

    I am always in awe of your beautiful tables Susan. I love how you showed us to change things a bit a wow! a great new look! The wreaths on the chairs are just too cute and the china is pretty and elegant! Cindy

  3. Marsha's Mpressions says

    Susan, great tip on the wreaths. Love the idea of sending them home as favors! thanks for hosting once again and have a wonderful week!

  4. Styling by Coty Farquhar, Australia says

    Hi Susan,

    Everything is absolutely adorable and I love the colours of your setting and the mini pumkins and the little birds are beautiful, I'm a bit like you I always need a bird or two on my tables, especially in the garden.

    I set my clock every thursday morning here in Australia for your party, which I so adore. I can't wait to see everyones Halloween, we don't really do Halloween here in Australia like you do.

    xx Coty

  5. Christi @ A Southern Life says

    Great post. I was just thinking today, how was I going to do something different. I actually changed locations and went to the lake! I can't wait to see more of that dish room. I'm drooling from just a peek!

    Christi

  6. Hi Susan….love the acorns hanging off the handles of the mugs..very cute idea!…..Sorry I missed out on seeing you last weekend…..me and Joyce and Deb are having lunch together in Roswell on the 4th. if you would like to join us we would love to see you….Can your schedule permit a short break for lunch?

  7. Jane (Frugal Fine Living) says

    Susan, your tablescape is gorgeous! I love the beautiful fall colors, the pretty napkin rings and the alternating colored plates. The matching plates, bowls and dishes are so pretty, and the small wreaths attached to the back of the chairs are a great touch.

    Jane

  8. Melissa Miller says

    Susan I did the exact same thing tonight for my tablescape by using what I already had on hand.

    LOVE your tall pillar cross candle holder from Hobby Lobby! That is just soooo gorgeous. The entire table is stunning and so very warm. I almost fell out of my chair over the grape plates. Those are beyond beautiful. ~Love it all!

    ~Many Blessings, ~Melissa 🙂

  9. Janie's World says

    Be still my heart, I wish I had a dish room like that. I would like to take the opportunity to THANK YOU for putting this together every week. I love to see everyone's creative ideas.

  10. Love your table, as always. I bet my hubby wishes you'd shared your secret before my dish collection had grown, HA!

  11. Sue (Someone's Mom) says

    I love your tablescapes and your advice. There is always something to learn, or a new idea to "borrow" from others. I am having the best time both creating and reading the Tablescape posts. Thank you for that.

    About that dish room…I'm already green with envy.

    Sue

  12. nannykim/spindlecottage says

    inspiring as always. It is amazing how a few changes can completely alter the look!

  13. Have I mentioned lately that TT and BNOTP are my favorite Blog destinations??? Wonderful table!

  14. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Hi Susan, Thanks for hosting and inspiring us with all your beautiful tables and ideas. It is amazing that just a few changes will give a table a whole new look. Thanks for the hints… its all about learning and sharing.
    The wreaths on the back of each chair look so inviting and they add so much to this lovely fall look.
    Yvonne

  15. GoRgeous AS ALWAYS! I just want to LIVE on that porch! You never fail to inspire. Thanks!

  16. Everything is just beautiful as always! You are so inspiring! I hope I can do a tablescape soon and share on TT.
    I can't wait to see the dish closet on Sunday.

  17. Hi Susan. Thank you for hosting this again-I love Thursdays now! I really enjoyed your post today , not only for the stunning photography, but also because I had been wondering just how many times I could use the same table settings that I have every week-your examples were really inspiring.
    Best wishes, NM.

  18. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    Until you took it apart, Susan, I would never have guessed it was different little things you interchange. You're right, though, you are able to get a different look just by changing a few things out. Love the lantern and all those little accessories. Your napkins go so well with those plates, too.

    OMG ~ I can't believe Bonnie's dish room and we are just at the doorway. I will be so looking forward to that post on Saturday!

  19. What a lovely lovely lovely blog you have created Susan. I am amazed! I have an important dinner party coming up and I am delighted to have found your blog for ideas! I am honored to have just added your button to my sidebar. I want all of my friends to find you! Wow! Just unbelievable…and I do adore how your kitty is in and out of all of your pictures.
    Pop over to Bainbridge sometime! I would be honored to have you!

  20. Hello Girlfriend…

    What a fabulous post, my friend! I love how you showed that making just a few changes presents an entirely different tablescape with a different look and feel!!! Your autumn table is simply gorgeous! Of course I love your china and it's so perfect for the autumn season! Love, love, LOVE the green and brown embossed salad plates…they really do look beautiful with your china! Okay..one of my favorite things…how you tied the little acorns to the handles of your cups…so cute…I love that idea! Susan, you're always such an inspiration…I have learned and gained so many great tablescaping ideas from you, my friend!!! Love the autumn centerpiece…I adore all the different pumpkins and those sweet little birds nestled into the fall leaves…beautiful!!! Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas and more of your beautiful home with us today!!! I also did the same thing with my autumn tablescape today…shopped my house! Hehe! Ooops, I did spend a dollar on some really cute little acorn plates though!

    Love ya,
    Chari

  21. Nancy @ La Chambre Rose says

    It is so inviting! Love it.

  22. A beautiful table, Susan. You are so creative and clever – mixing and matching and showing us all your tricks along the way.I love the little wreaths on the chair backs. You always think of every little detail.

    If you stop by for a visit you might recognize something on my table that's just like yours! We learn from the best….
    Have a great weekend!
    XO
    Heidi – Heart and Home

  23. Debbie @ ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com says

    HI Susan! What a great post. I love how you showed the either or…ideas…using similar but different things! Loved that! So glad you are showing pictures Saturday…it will be fun and I can't wait. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
    blessings,
    Debbie

  24. I love the idea of the small wreaths on the back of the chair for guests…a nice touch!

  25. Mid-Atlantic Martha says

    So pretty both years — and you're right they do look completely different!

  26. Hummingbird Chats says

    You have so many wonderful ideas. I just love to visit your blog and see all the beautiful things. I also wanted to let you know I have awarded you with the Honest Scrap Award. Your blog is brilliant! Katie

  27. Visual Vamp says

    Love the chair backs!

    On another note, there are three hours left to PLEASE vote for my spicy Modern Creole room at Apartment Therapy.

    http://contests.apartmenttherapy.com/2009/color/main/faceoff/50

    Thanks so much!
    xo xo

  28. Yellow Rose Arbor says

    I enjoyed seeing the different tablescapes using the same dishes! Love the wreath on the backs of the wicker chairs!

    Thanks for hosting TTs!

    Katherine

  29. Nancy @ Live love laugh says

    Such wonderful ideas and how beautiful! Every little touch is so thoughtful…the little wreaths are such a nice idea,
    My two favorite ladies in one place-how fun! Hope you had a nice visit.
    ~Nancy

  30. It is amazing at how you can change looks on your table with just a few changes . . .

    Your tablescapes are always such inspiration.

  31. once in a blue moon... says

    such a darling pic of your two! all your new touches are wonderful and that closet, whoo hoo, looks like loads of fun to come!

  32. Libby Murphy says

    Oh those little pumpkin napkin rings are so cute. Everything looks fabulous as always. I like to use decor on the back of chairs, even some herbs nestled in so there is a light aroma floating in the air but not overpowering.
    Happy Twirls

  33. Susan, you've astounded us, as usual! You are so lucky to have been able to get together with Rhoda. You two are a lot of the impetus behind me starting a blog. You're both so talented!

    I hope you stop by and see my Halloween tablescape.

  34. Anita @ Far Above Rubies says

    As always, perfect!! I am learning so much here! Thank you Susan:-)

  35. It's amazing how simple changes can give a completely new look. I did just that the other week when I changed out the candles on my candleholders and replaced them with pumpkins!
    I'm going 'pink' this week for BCA month and having a give-away. Hope you can hop on over 🙂
    Hugs
    Denise

  36. Beautiful table all ways! And always!
    The napkin rings are so cute.
    Great pic of you and R..
    I would love a dish closet like that gals…I could have it too, but I would have to donate all the food in the pantry closet to church. I have cleared a few shelves doing that!!LOL..
    The witches flew again tonight., they were VERY naughty..are you missing anything from your porch?

  37. Susan, I was just wondering if you had a special room built for your wonderful collection on dishes?? Amazing what you girls can put together!

  38. Gorgeous as always! YOu are so wonderfully good at this! I FINALLY got my table posted, JUST got home. Long story but got a flat tire when I came out of my meeting and had to wait 50 mins. for the guy to come change to my spare…..anyway, glad I got home safe. I love all your accessories, especially the acorns hanging from the mugs! Now, I willl be on pins and needles waiting til Sat. to see Bonnie's dish room. O*M*G*, just seeing this much has my jaw dropping! I may just ask my hubby to make me a closet like this!!!!!!!!! He did for my Christmas decorations (which I have grown out of:):):) XO, Pinky

  39. Sewconsult says

    I am so hooked on your tablescapes. Would love to move all the things out of my pantry & use it just for china & tablescape accessories. Wonder if hubby would notice the lack of food? Maybe I could turn my sewing studio into a china room… not ready to give up my fabric stash.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

  40. Super fabulous fall table setting Susan. That can hardly be out done. Just charming. I love birds but have not put them on the table yet. I need a bigger table. Nice to meet blogging friends. Have a wonderful evening.

  41. GORGEOUS!!! Of course, thanks so much for hosting again! How, 61 – I can't believe it! Here's to 6100 more!

  42. Susan-I really don't know how you manage to make it fresh and new each week, but you do! I am already salivating over Bonnie's dish room. Thanks for hosting!

  43. Beansieleigh says

    Hi Susan! I'm trying to see as many tablescapes before I head to bed, and while I know I won't have time tomorrow!!.. Love your table settings, and I was particularly enchanted this week with the wreaths on the backs of the chairs!.. VERY pretty!.. LOVE Bonnie's "Dish Room"! My gosh! I have to stop and think which would get my heart beating faster?.. a room full of purses and tote bags?.. or a room full of beautiful dishes of every shape, size, and color!.. Couldn't I have BOTH?? (0; A girl can dream! Happy Tablescape Thursday! ~tina

  44. How do you do it Susan. Stunning performance once again : )
    Nice to see Rhoda with you. You guys must have had a blast.
    I hope to meet the girls in GA. in March and then head down to Fla. to visit Mrs. Magpie. I'm so darn excited, I can't wait.
    Happy TT
    Love Claudie
    xoxoxoxo
    P.S. I have posted the "Audrey" one again. I just had too. lol

  45. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    A Dish Room? I'm in awe…
    Thanks for hosting!
    Janell

  46. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    A Dish Room? I'm in awe…
    Thanks for hosting!
    Janell

  47. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    A Dish Room? I'm in awe…
    Thanks for hosting!
    Janell

  48. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    A Dish Room? I'm in awe…
    Thanks for hosting!
    Janell

  49. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    A Dish Room? I'm in awe…
    Thanks for hosting!
    Janell

  50. laurie @ bargain hunting says

    Oh My! You have been playing with your china, and what wonderful results! It was so fun to be able to see the same china used in different ways. Of course, any way you use china looks fabulous! OMIGOSH! I already envy the china room! How fun to get to meet Rhoda! You two are just so pretty. laurie

  51. Fifi Flowers says

    Ooooh I LOVE everything on your table!!! You must have the most FAB dinner parties!!!

  52. Hi Susan! I do exactly what you do, rotate and mix and match dishes and I love your tablescape with your warm colored dishes. But I am so jealous of Bonnie's plate storage. Perfect for a tablescaper. How nice that you got to meet Rhoda. I am jealous!…Christine

  53. Susan, Great colors, textures and arrangements. Beautiful as usual. The little wreaths, on the back of the chairs are darling.

    Barbara

  54. Yikes…I can't keep up! I never made it through all of last week's tables! I'm with you regarding that candle reflecting on the table. Wish I'd gotten one like it I saw in Goodwill yesterday, but I was trying to be good. I like both tables. Really like the candleholders on both. I'm already feeling "green" from your teaser photo. Why can't we all have one of those…would help my OCD-ish-ness! ;O)

  55. Phyllis AROUND THE HOUSE says

    I just love your blog, you have helped me so much, I am on the hunt for a beautiful soup tureen, I know I will not find one like yours, but I am on the hunt..Love the way the table looks with the different looks, brilliant…come for a visit, I love the candle store and love to shop there…

  56. Lori (All That Splatters) says

    I officially now have plate closet envy! Your tablescape is beautiful. I can't wait to check out everyone else's, as well!!

  57. It's everything so beautiful.
    Alfazema

  58. Gorgeous Tablescape Susan. I'm coming back later to get a better look in side that spectacular little room that I got a peek of.
    I can just imagine the conversation between two of my favorite bloggers. You and Miss Rhoda are the best. So wish I could have been there with the two of you.
    Hugs,
    Sue

  59. Susan,
    Thanks for all your inspiration and for sharing your knowledge, all your tablescapes were just beautiful. I can't wait to see the
    dish room, I have space in my downstairs and I already have cabinets in there and have been tossing the ideal of storage for my dishes around. Just need a little inspiration. Thanks for everything you do.
    Sandy

  60. Only my second TS tablescape but your lovely tables are making me catch the TS fevor which is a whole lot better then catching the flu:) Sue and I are meeting up with some local blog gals on the 4th so hopefully you can meet us for lunch too? Would enjoy your company.
    Joyce

  61. I am in total awe of how you can use the same dishes and make everything look new and fresh again. It's a God given talent!!
    Just beautiful!!
    Love the photo of you two together…both very good-lookin' women!! (and I'm NOT gay, either!..;O)
    hugs, bj

  62. Lovely scape, can hardly wait to see more of Bonnies stuff, WOW !
    Kammy

  63. I am Green With Envy for that pantry full of dishes – I'm typical of American consumerism – I would love that storage to acquire more dishes – it's my weakness. Thanks for the opportunity to share all of the Tablescapes! PAM

  64. A lovely tablescape, as usual! 🙂

    I love the dish room! I would be in heaven!!!! 🙂
    Thank you for hosting.

    ~Liz

  65. SmilingSally says

    Amazing! Easy for you; difficult for me. (Do you remember that expression from The Ed Sullivan Show?)

  66. ok. that's it.
    i can't take it anymore.
    My sad , sad table has been ever so lonley.
    I never have a beautiful tablescape.
    I'm off to SHOP and see what I can come up with for a future tablescape thursday.

  67. Charli and me says

    I love coming here. You have the best tablescapes in blogland! Thanks for another great post. I'm off to that candle facctory. I hope you have a great day ♥

  68. sweetpicklesandchocolate says

    I'm a follower! And I participated in Met Monday and Tablescape Thursday this week. Check out my blog – maybe you'll be a follower of mine?!
    Dena

  69. kiakai / Kelly says

    Beautiful and inviting as always.
    Kelly

  70. Brenda @Cozy Little House says

    Susan, you are absolutely right! Change a few elements, and a whole different look emerges. But then you are what I consider the "queen of tablescaping!" You should do a book with all the tablescapes. A best seller, I'm telling you! And I LOVE that dish room. Green with envy.
    Brenda

  71. Susan, this is so beautiful! I love the little acorns on the cups, the rich brown plates and those wreaths on the back of the chairs!! Such great ideas and wonderful inspiration!!

    Thank you!

    Lou Cinda 🙂

  72. TheRoosterChick says

    (Gasping)… to die for.

  73. It's wonderful to see how just a few different elements can be used to create a whole new tablesetting.

    Lorrie

  74. as usual, everything is sheer perfection.i love everything you do…anniepoo

  75. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says

    Susan~ ~I truely love your ideas. Your table is lovely. I am so green with envy for Bonnies dish room! I have a walk in closet that size but that's for my cloths. If I collect a few more dishes I'll have to ditch the clothes and set up housekeeping in the closet. Oh What Fun!

  76. I stumbled upon your blog from another blog and have been visiting daily ever since! My favorite part of your tables are your napkin rings. I love to decorate tables with seasonal napkin rings. I believe you can dress up a table so much with cloth napkins and rings. Thank you for sharing your talent and beautiful home with us!

  77. Your tablescapes are always so inspiring! I was starting to think you owned a china shop! I wish I had such a lovely storage space.

    I've got a spooky table this week. Hallowe'en is such fun!

  78. The Country Nest says

    OMG, Susan I can't believe how this has grown….it is your inspirition that keeps bloggers coming back for more.(That and the beautiful tablesettings) I love how you showed the simple changes you make. I would have loved to see the Fed Ex man's face when he saw all the tablescapes set up in your home.
    Now let's talk about Bonnie's china room….that can cause some serious envy out here. I can't wait until Sat to see the rest!
    Thanks again for being such a fine hostess.
    Hugs,
    Donna

  79. my home sanctuary says

    Oh my goodness so lovely. You are such an inspiration. I joined today #95 sounds like a good number. I love to visit every Thursday thanks for sharing yourself and inviting everyone else.
    Have a Blessed Day,
    Sherry

  80. Be still my heart. The sneak peek into Bonnie's dish closet… oh, my! I have dreams about a room like this!! I can hardly wait for Saturday! Thanks for another great TT!! It is a highlight of my week!

  81. Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says

    My dream is to have a beautiful blog like yours. I think yours is the Super Bowl of Blogs….
    Love it…

  82. Hi Susan. Thank you so much for the tips. I really enjoyed this post. I have been wanting to do a tablescape and now I am more motiviated to do one. 🙂 I love everything you used in your examples. Very pretty! It looks like you had a nice time with Rhoda. I love her blog as well.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Sandra

  83. Kathleen Ellis says

    Beautiful fall tablescape, Susan…and you're right, with just a few changes here and there you can really get a lot of distance out of just a few sets of dishes!
    Bonnie's dish room is amazing…I'm drooling!
    Have a fabulous weekend!
    ;-D

  84. Cass @ That Old House says

    Oh DANG I never got my tablescape done today — but I LOVE Looking at yours, and all the other posts. I love how you showed how to take the same "ingredients" and by tweaking the recipe, come up with a new look for the table. Lovely.

    And that DISH ROOM? Oh my. It is a dream come true. I could spend DAYS in there. I want one. Yes, I truly do.

    Cass

  85. Hi Susan,
    I just decided to take a break and just look this week. I must say I love all your looks, you are a creative master at layering and using different things to make it look totally different with the same dinnerware, Wonderful!!
    Linda Q

  86. Susan,

    You have thought of everything! down to the smallest details…I think that's great! So now I know the secret…get a dish room instead of having dishes in cabinets! you can store more! 🙂

    Happy Decorating,
    Andrea

  87. Suzann @ The Olive Cottage says

    I so love your tablescapes. You always inspire me to make everyday something special.

  88. myrepurposedlife.blogspot.com says

    oops, please delete link #100… posted it to the wrong party . 🙁

    sorry
    gail

  89. Julie Harward says

    You are very clever and creative! What an eye for beauty you have..I loved the little wreaths on the back of the chairs too!
    Come say hi 😀

  90. Beautiful tablescape as always Susan!

  91. Que maravilla!!! Como inspira para seguir viviendo y mejorando en todo aspecto, les dejo mi abrazo y las quiero mucho, Chany.-

  92. Cottage Rose says

    Hi Susan;; I am so amazed at all the different ways you can set a table… I just love to visit and lean some wonderful ideas for table scape's thank so much… have a great weekend,

    Hugs;
    Alaura

  93. Susan!
    I love the Pier 1 dishes! Your porch looks amazing! And I can't believe you got the flatware from Big Lots! Evidentally, I need to head over there more often!

    Tamera@doubledelight

  94. Hello sweet Susan – what a beautiful Fall inspired table scape! That amber lantern is fabulous. Never seen such a glorious piece before! The cross is so neat. And I think those little acorns (are they bells?) attached to the mugs are sweet.

    Blessings,
    Marie
    http://emmacallsmemama.com

  95. Another lovely table! I like the little wreaths hanging off the back of the chairs. Nice touch! As always
    How much fun to get to meet Rhoda. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Laurie when she was here in town.
    I was out of town last week. Just returned yesterday afternoon. Hope to have some posts in the later part of the week. Definitely something for TT.

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