Happy Tuesday, dear friends! We enjoyed a few days of cooler temperatures and lower humidities last week…a teaser of autumn weather! The heat has returned this week!!
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Genesis 8:22 (ESV)
Oh the splendors of autumn…it is my favorite season and it awakens all my senses!
The autumnal equinox is September 22nd and that is when fall officially begins. However, meteorological fall begins on September 1st! I choose to follow September 1st as autumn’s beginning! How about you?
I am excited to join sixteen inspiring table stylists for a Fall Tablescape Blog Hop hosted by my lovely friend, Rita at Panoply. You will find all of the links for creative tablesettings at the bottom of this post.
Outdoor dining is definitely one of the splendors of autumn. Normally the temperatures will begin to cool in September, allowing for a pleasant dinner in the garden, my favorite place to set a table!
I look for inspiration everywhere for setting a table…flowers, linens, dishware, photos, magazines, etc. I already knew that a special tapestry would grace the table! Long-time readers know that I am very fond of anything with a memory attached. This beautiful French tapestry that I love and treasure was given to me by my dear friend, Patti. We became friends in 1974 when she moved from Virginia to my NE AL hometown. A brief introduction at church on a Sunday morning and later that week a serendipitous (which I choose to believe was a divine appointment) meeting at our local Belk store began our fifty year friendship. On a visit to her home in Raleigh many years ago, she asked if I would like to have this gorgeous tapestry that she had been using as a table covering for her breakfast room table. She had grown tired of removing it for daily use. Of course, my answer was yes! She has always had exquisite taste and like me, loves color. I was delighted that she was passing it along to me. Of course, I would never serve food on it, but it makes for a beautiful table covering and I enjoy sharing it with you all!
The splendors of autumn are evident in creation as the leaves begin to change colors! From the glorious colors of fall, I draw inspiration from leaves of crimson, amber, orange, and russet!
I am often asked about the amber stemware that is my go-to for fall tables. It came from a local department store that closed several years ago. It seems that so many of my favorite places have now closed!
The magical autumn light is beginning to show in the late afternoon and early evening hours. It is truly one of autumn’s splendors!
Once the tapestry was chosen as the table covering, I began looking to my garden to see what flowers were still blooming. By late August the garden and gardeners are tired and weary! The flower menu consist of limelight hydrangeas, sunflowers, autumn fire sedum, coleus, purple fountain grass plumes, chaste tree seed heads, and hosta leaves. The beautiful vase also has a memory attached. Shirley, who was a long-time blogger and a treasured Monday Morning Bloomer, was one of the first bloggers to welcome me into the blogging world. RM and I have had two opportunities to meet Shirley and Tom for dinner when they were traveling through Birmingham. On their last visit I suggested meeting at our favorite place, Bottega Cafe. We enjoyed delicious food and delightful conversation. A couple of weeks later, I received this gorgeous MacKenzie-Childs Flower Market vase from Shirley. It is perfect for fall or anytime!
The majolica leaf salad/appetizer plates are by Olfaire and always come out of hiding for fall tables. I have eight plates in autumn colors and purchased them from Tuesday Morning many years ago before they closed their doors!
I placed an April Cornell “dahlia days’ napkin under each leaf plate. Beneath the napkin is an American Atelier ‘baroque’ salad plate, and my favorite autumn dinner plates, ‘Woodland’ by Spode.
Pumpkin-colored placemats and copper flatware complete each place setting!
“Autumn is the antidote to stifling summer.”
~Terri Guillemets
It has been a stifling summer…very hot, little rain, and constant winds. Daily watering has kept the garden going, but the heat has taken its toll on my panicled hydrangeas and potted containers! Such is the life of a gardener!
“August is summer’s relentless defending champion, holding on to the top spot, until a fresh newcomer named September puts it down for the count.”
~Butch Richardson
For beautiful fall tables, festive ideas, and lovely inspiration, click on the links below.
Panoply – Transitioning to Welcome Fall
Hyacinths for the Soul – Welcome, Autumn, the Richest of Seasons
Home is Where the Boat Is – Plaid, Petals and Pumpkins
Life and Linda – Whooo’s Ready for Fall
Everyday Living – The Splendors of Autumn
Dinner at Eight – Set a Captivating Table when Summer Turns to Fall
Thrifting Wonderland – Fall Is In the Air
My Thrift Store Addiction – Anticipating Autumn Transferware Tea Time
The Bookish Dilettante – Welcome Fall Tablescape: Textured Neutrals
Belle Bleu Interiors – Savoring Summer’s Final Days and Anticipating Autumn’s Arrival
Red Cottage Chronicles – Transform Your Table with Beautiful Purple Hues for Autumn
The Painted Apron – Easing Into Fall
Karin’s Kottage – Easy Natural Fall Tablescape Ideas Anyone Can Do
The Cat’s Whiskerz – Autumn Bliss
Mantel and Table – 4 Easy Tips for Setting a Beautiful Fall Tablescape
Corner of Plaid and Paisley – Autumn Splendor Tablescape
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a splendid autumn season!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
That’s a tapestry? It’s gorgeous! When I saw the first picture I thought that’s a beautiful AC tablecloth. And your friend indeed gave you a beautiful gift. Now if AC made a cloth like that I’d be first in line to purchase one.
Our shopping world was changed by the closures caused by Covid. Many went bankrupt. So the makers of all these pretty things we bought must have closed too? Everthing changed and not always for the good. Shirley’s gift of the pretty vase holding the last of your gardens blooms is another pretty gift. I enjoyed naming each flower. And thank Butch for being diligent in watering throughout the Summer. Your readers definitely appreciate the work involved in getting your post up for us.
Alice, thank you as always. You are a faithful reader and encourager! Yes, shopping is no longer the same! It saddens me that many stores and businesses were closed permanently! Many people lost their livelihood! Hope you have a beautiful Wednesday!
Good Morning Pam, I’m delighting in Autumn this morning and enjoying the beauty of your table set in your garden among the flowers and beautiful light! I’ve long admired your gifted tapestry tablecover…such a beautiful foundation for a fall table. Your gifted vase from Shirley filled with garden blooms, leaf plates, shades of copper and amber from your stemware and flatware make for a lovely table. I love your April Cornell ‘dahlia days’ napkins too. I prefer to think of September 1st as the beginning of Autumn too. 😊 As always, it’s a treat to have a virtual seat at your table. Happy Almost Fall 🍂🍁🧡
Thank you, Mary. It is supposed to be 95 today, yesterday was 98. Fall, hurry up 🧡
That bouquet and vase are gorgeous. We are having your weather here in Illinois. We will hit 100 today and very humid. Hopefully the storms predicted will not be too bad and bring us some heat relief. Have a wonderful rest of the week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. I hope you didn’t have bad storms and cooler weather soon!
That is really hot for you, I would think! Thanks so much!
Good morning Pam! I literally breathed a sigh of happiness, seeing your first photo! What a gorgeous table setting, made even more special by the gifts of loving friends. All the amazing places we have shopped over the years are disappearing. Even though I really don’t need more stuff, I love the thrill of the hunt! Butch’s quote is spot on! It is 58 here at the moment. We are on the porch having coffee. Poppy is curled up tight in my lap, probably thinking “Put some clothes on me, lady!” Back up to 97 on Thursday!!
You are so sweet, Roxanne! Our heat cranked back up on Monday and today is in the high 90’s. I certainly don’t need more stuff, but the
hunt is fun! Happy Wednesday!
How wonderful to be surrounded with lovely reminders of good friends at the table! That tapestry really is stunning, and perfect for your autumn table in the garden. Your centrepiece from the garden is so pretty. I can also relate to the closure of so many beloved shops. It seems every day another one closes. I am not a fan of online shopping, but it has almost become a necessity sadly. Your dinnerware and glassware are so pretty, and I love the mix and match of colours, textures and patterns. Happy to be joining you on this hop today!
Thanks so much, Maureen for your sweet comments. I don’t like online shopping, but it is getting to where we have no choice!
First of all, your table is stunning. Second, I appreciate how you share the stories of where certain items came from, like the story about your tapestry. What a sweet friend! Of course I love your vase and your unique florals in it. I also admire you for setting your table outside: I melt! So I will enjoy yours instead, lol. Your leaf plates are very cute for fall. Beautiful table, beautiful setting!
Thanks Ricki Jill! I love sharing my memories!!
Good morning, Pam! The French tapestry is gorgeous and provides the perfect anchor for your autumn table. You may not know this, but one of my favorite parts of autumn are your tablescapes. I adore all of your tables, but your fall ones are my favorite. Your floral bouquet gathered from your garden is beautiful. My flowers are very tired and cooked by the miserable heat. I’m hearing that we may have a cool down this weekend. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Your plate stack paired with the Amber glassware is so pretty. Butch’s quote is both eloquent and fitting. Wishing you a most wonderful day, my dear friend!
Shannon, your comment warm my heart. Thank you, sweet friend!
Pam, Your French tapestry is a favorite. It’s so nice to remember Patti’s generosity as well as the vase from Shirley. I so enjoy using items with memories attached. Your fall table is inviting. The napkins are beautiful and the salad plates are perfect for fall. I really am sad when a favorite local store goes out of business. Sometimes you find the most unique treasures in them. I know you enjoy using the glasses you bought in your local store a few years ago. They are really pretty and perfect for fall. I’m ready for the temps to moderate. I would love a long fall season! Enjoy your day. Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. A long fall season would be fabulous❤️
A stunning table all set for an early autumn. Your gifted table tapestry is gorgeous and the vase from Shirley is lovely. Your florals looks so pretty in that base. I adore the pumpkin colored placemats. The AC dahlia napkin is a wonderful addition tucked under the Spode dinner plate and leaf 🍁 plates. The copper flatware wonderful along with your amber goblets. A lovely table to enjoy in your beautiful gardens.
Thank you, Linda for your most kind comments!
Your table truly captures the essence of autumn, Pam. The colors are wonderful and of course your linens are always fabulous!
Thank you, Jeanie. I appreciate your sweet comments!
Pam I love your “history” on such treasured pieces you display. The tapestry is lovely and the story even better. How wonderful friends gift us with their treasures which makes them move precious to us. I have several pieces that are near and dear to my heart. Of course I love the Spode dinner plate and love seeing it pop up on Fall tables including my own. I believe many stylists share our same enthusiasm as “Woodland” is alive and well on many tablescapes. I also like the sentiments you expressed on your favorite Fall glasses and Majolica leaf plates. I guess that is why we keep doing what we do because we thoroughly enjoy playing with our dishes…they are almost like family to us. I am so sorry to miss todays hop but the motorhome has barely enough space for all I have on board without adding to it with more dishes. However, I did give it a passing thought as to how to set up a table at one of our many stops…but quickly changed my mind. Happy Fall dear friend.
Thank you, Kari. I missed you on this hop. I really thought you might find a picnic table and work your magic 😉 Setting tables is a creative outlet for me and I love using what I have in different ways. I look forward to reading about your trip. Safe travels, my friend!
Pam, that tapestry is gorgeous and it’s fun to hear the story behind the decor. I always admire your beautiful garden setting and gorgeous floral centerpieces–pinned! Happy almost fall, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks so much, Cecilia! Thank you for pinning!
I love love your flower arrangement in the special MKC pitcher, gorgeous! Your table looks so beautiful in your garden setting, which is beautiful in every season! I love the special memory behind the tablecloth. The place settings, with the Woodland Spode plates, white salad plates, AC napkin, and beautiful majolica leaf plates look beautiful paired with the cloth. The amber stemware and copper flatware are perfect. I enjoyed the quotes too. Hopefully fall temps will be arriving soon!
Thank you, Jenna. Our Alabama temperatures won’t let go of summer!
Pam, Autumn is my favorite color, too! I’ve been away to my former little home, Karla’s Cottage. Your “spirit” is there. You always amaze me at how you couple God’s creation with the beauty you find around you to make such an amazing tablescape in his landscape! I love the Patti tapestry, the Shirley vase, your amber stemware, and the leaf and Autumn plates. I understand about your flowers! Being a gardener is hard work! My youngest daughter-in-law recently purchased copper flatware. I’m so blessed to be here and celebrate our favorite seasons together. Sunday night, at Silver Dollar City, I attended a concert featuring Karen Peck and New River. The Spirit was flowing through the “holler” and I thought of you and your family. As we welcome new seasons, thank you again, for being a light here in our world, this community, and for sharing the beauty with us. Butch–your quotes are always my favorite! Much love and blessings, Karla
Karla, you are a wonderful friend who is all encouraging and loving. Thank you for your beautiful comments. I am so glad you had a lovely weekend. I was thinking of you at Silver Dollar City! It must have been amazing.
Much love, prayers, and blessings,
Pam and Butch
you always have beautiful table settings. that tapestry is gorgeous! very sweet to give you such a beauty. I have always loved tapestry….chairs, settees, pillows and my rugs (Aubusson). thoughtful gift from Shirley also. your setting has inspired me to display my fall decor.
Thank you, Nancy. I know all of your collected treasures are beautiful!
Pam, that tapestry is so rich in colors of fall, and you chose the perfect plants from the garden to complement it! I will choose to follow the meteorological September 1 as my first day of fall, thank you very much. While last week’s morning cooler temps (here too) were exhilarating, this heat is simply exhausting. The inspiration in your table is exactly the kind of happiness I need to carry me through until September takes down that defending champion of summer! Love the plate stack and those dahlia AC napkins. They’re SO pretty! Pam, thank you for bringing us into your garden, such a beautiful backdrop, for showcasing your table talents and encouragement of the season to come!
Thank you, Rita for all the organization and time it takes to organize the hops. You do an outstanding job!
Pam, I do believe that this is the most appealing tablescape I have ever seen! It drew me right in! Thank you! Autumn is my favorite season too!
Martha, that is the sweetest comment. Thank you dear one!
Your memories always pull at my heartstrings, Pam, and your gorgeous gifted tapestry and also your vase made me smile. Of course, you have the best blooms to make a stunning centerpiece for your table. Thank you for the beauty of early Fall.
Kitty, you are so sweet. Thank you, dear one!
Dearest friend, what an honor to be mentioned so lovingly in your beautiful post. I remember the tapestry, of course, and am so glad that you still enjoy it this many years later. Our 50-year friendship is such a treasure to me, a gift beyond measure. I only wish we were not so far away from each other, with major priorities that keep us from traveling to see each other like we once could. The years have passed so quickly. I have such fond memories of our times together. Mike and I would normally be in St. Maarten this week, but were not able to go this year. I am sad about that. I remember when you and Shirshee came there to celebrate my 50th birthday, and when you and Butch came also. Now, back to your post, and not just about me and the tapestry! The colors are so vivid and beautiful, and each photo is a treasure. I always think of you even more in the Fall than usual, since it is indeed your favorite season. I remember your beautiful table when you had your Best Friends party, and that was in the Fall. So many memories in our 50 years of friendship. Lots of love to you and all of the family.
Patti, I had not thought that you were missing your annual St. Maarten trip. I have sweet memories of both trips. Sending love to you and Mike!
Pam I love love your tablescape! I have similar gold goblets and I too love to bring them out in the fall. They just add a sparkle don’t they! The tapestry is stunning as is the gorgeous vase full of beautiful fall flowers. So fun to hop with you!
Thank you, Karin for your sweet comments. It is a joy
to hop with you!
Hello Pam. Your outdoor tablescape is amazing! It is so wonderful to see the lovely memories that you have around your tablescaping items. The tapestry is so beautiful and what a wonderful gift from your friend. You have so many wonderful memories on your table. The sweet vase filled with your flowers from the garden is so pretty in the gifted vase. The plate stack is wonderful and I love the sweet leaf plates with the gorgeous AC napkins. The table is lovely and I hope that some cooler weather comes your way soon. Happy almost fall lovely lady!
Thanks Kim for your most gracious comments ❤️
Weaving all the colors of autumn into your tapestry and setting it in your gorgeous garden is a treat to the eye. Especially loved the floral arrangement with all the gifts from the garden. the tablecloth is the perfect base for the rest of the table setting and fits perfectly with the colors you chose. this was a wonderful way to welcome Fall.
Lynne
Thanks so much, Lynne! It is a joy to hop with you!
Your beautifully laid table is ablaze with all the colors of fall. I’m with you about thinking that fall starts the 1st of September although here in Florida is won’t start to fell like fall until late in October.
Thanks so much, Karen! Fall will come when it is ready, I guess!
Pam, I’m with your. Let the Splendors of Autumn begin on September 1st. I’m ready to welcome this beautiful season with open arms and your alfresco setting is the perfect welcome. As always, the flowers are lovely, and the details on the table reflect a stunning autumn day. Your stems are the same style as my tortoise. Perhaps they are made by the same company. I’ve no idea of the maker. The copper flatware, the leaf plates topping off the wonderful plate stake on your pretty April Cornell linens ~ all say Hello, Autumn! Always fun and a delight to join you on these hops. Happy Days Ahead!
Thank you, Sarah! Your sweet comments are heart warming! I join you welcoming Autumn on September 1st! Wishing you the loveliest season of fall!
Pam, your table is truly a tapestry of colors and patterns (and scents too I imagine!), beginning with the actual tapestry. What a wonderful table cover it makes! I love your predominant use of golds and shades of orange grounded by garden greens and the hint of browns in the plates. Lovely! My garden was drenched last night in some powerful storms with a bit of hail, which was welcome after our erratic summer. Irrigation keeps the garden alive, but it really only thrives with rain. I’d love to know your secret to keeping the deer at bay — in a neighborhood of 90 homes, it’s my garden that they munch on night and day.
Thank you, Sandra! We were hoping for rain this afternoon, it went all around us but not on us. Rain is much better than watering. We live next to 250 acres of forest with every wild animal imaginable for our area. All I know, is that there is plenty for them to eat in the forest. When they are hemmed in where there are houses and no natural habitat, they are more
prone to eat your garden. We have lost a few things in these many years of gardening to the deer, so far it has been ok. Hopefully that will stay true! Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend!
A lovely Autumn tablescape Pam! I love the way you always have such wonderful combinations with your choice of tablecloths & table wear.
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I appreciate your sweet comments.
Wonderful and precious tablecloth! Gorgeous centerpiece. Stunning dishes and perfect glasses! This Fall table is a favorite, unique and inspiring… Thank you for such encouragement through the years, sweet friend.
Thank you my friend for your support and sweet comments!
Dear Pam,
I haven’t been able to see your responses to me from notifications. It’s so odd—you’re the only one! I’m going to reach out to the Happiness Engineers for help. I’m on my iPad trying this and I had to search for my comment and it wouldn’t even allow me to “like” another post. Thank goodness we have our ways to connect. And even better—a huge God taking care of all of us.
Silver Dollar City was perfect at that time. It was in between holiday time and school beginning—less crowds! Karen Peck and New River brought worship to the outdoors. They dedicated the show to The Nelon’s. You would’ve loved it so much. I love you all and appreciate you so much!
Oh that is beautiful Pam! I can almost feel the air and smell the blooms of your garden with your gorgeous pictures and descriptions! I feel like I’m right there at your lovely table! Love your stories too – it’s great to have the memories attached to your pieces! Always so great hoping with you – Happy Long Weekend!
Pam, your table is a sight to behold!!! Your beautiful gifted tapestry sets the tone for a lovely colorful table setting. I love your pitcher filled with gorgeous flowers. Those deep amber goblets, set off with the placemats and the top leaf plate just sing autumn is here!!! So beautiful!! I hope you have a lovely fall season🧡🍁🍂
My! This is just so beautiful! I love the tapestry your friend gave to you. I’m so happy fall is almost here! God bless you, sweet friend!
Thank you, my friend!