As summer’s heat begins to dwindle, invite dear ones to welcome the next season with an outdoor tableau inspired by the combination of verdant greenery and changing leaves come September. Gather under the shade of a lavish tent, outfitted with décor to elevate the experience, and toast to the beauty of autumn. Bring the comfort of home outdoors and revel in the crisp feeling in the air over a delicious meal.
Written by Claire Henry · Styling by Maghan Armstrong and Emily Thomas · Photography by Katie Graves and Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Draped overhead, olive-hued velvet fabric provides an opulent touch to the space, while framed prints of local flora and fauna contribute to the alfresco backdrop. Traditional dining chairs elevate the experience, offering comfortable seating for guests to enjoy for the duration of the get-together.
Setting the Table
Delicate geranium leaves adorn the tablecloth as well as place mats and napkins wrapped in a golden branch napkin ring. Wicker chargers offer a playful contrast to the antique dinnerware. Floral designs decorate dinner plates and soup bowls, echoing the lush colors of the waning season, while gold-trimmed Limoges salad plates with a fish motif lend a touch of masculinity to the scene. In addition to antique silverware, vintage coupe glasses topped off with Champagne add to the charming sight.
Fill in remaining space along the center of the table with a bevy of floral arrangements teeming with autumnal colors. While the flowers perfume the surrounds, a couple of maidenhair ferns tie in the bounty of green throughout. Two rattan tabletop lamps will cast a warming glow as the sun sets and the party continues long into the night.
Hosting friends offers a fantastic opportunity to bring out beloved china and silver. Although we encourage using treasured dinnerware all year-round, we especially delight in showcasing these precious items during special occasions.
In preparation for guests, a bounty of blooms awaits arranging in a grouping of woven and wicker vessels. This vignette is just as striking as the finished bouquets and can be enjoyed for a few days ahead of your soirée. Keep the florals in low lighting with plenty of water to appreciate their fragrance and beauty.
Step-by-Step: A Low Autumn Arrangement
1. In a low vase, begin with a flower frog or saturated wet floral foam. Create a starting layer of hellebores, trimmed short to sit close to the base.
2. Next, large-leaf varieties add volume to the lower portion of the arrangement. We used caladium and ‘White Queen’ caladium to extend over the vase and provide interest.
3. Begin adding florals at varying heights. Ranunculus, chrysanthemum, and coreopsis may be arranged toward the middle and bottom, while gardenia, cosmos, and Butterfly™ ranunculus give height.
4. Adjust the arrangement as needed, adding more greenery to fill in gaps or adding taller flowers to create a whimsical effect. Repeat with several vessels to create an airy display of florals along the table.
This story appears in the Autumn 2026 issue of Southern Lady. Subscribe to receive every quarterly issue in print.
