Table Stories: An Autumnal Tablescape

by Val White

When I was little, autumn meant pumpkin patches and hayrides at my church. The joy of running between rows of pumpkins, the smell of hay lingering in the air, the way laughter seemed to hang like crisp leaves in the evening—it was pure magic. Those early memories taught me that fall was about more than the cool weather or the colors in the trees—it was about gathering, celebrating, and delighting in the season together.

Years later, while living in Asheville, I set a table that felt like my grown-up version of those childhood autumns. I leaned into deep, warm tones: a rich burgundy runner, gold chargers catching the candlelight, and pinecones I painted in shimmering gold, arranged like little sculptures of the season. The centerpiece came alive with glowing candles nestled among gilded branches and pinecones, radiating warmth in every direction. My favorite detail was the pairing of those bold green glass goblets with the golden accents—unexpected, yet somehow exactly right, like the forest meeting the firelight.

That table wasn’t just a setting; it was a memory in the making. A reminder that autumn invites us to pause, to gather, and to create beauty even in the smallest details. Whether it’s a handful of pinecones, the glow of candles, or a splash of color that feels seasonal to you, there’s always a way to bring the spirit of autumn to your table.

Because at the end of the day, it isn’t just about what’s on the table—it’s about the stories, gratitude, and laughter that surround it.