So, when I say that this copper fall tablescape is unusually beautiful, what I mean is that it’s pretty, and it’s an unusual tablescape for me! Check out that tablecloth! Does that look like the Mantel and Table style you usually see? I think not. Darker. More pattern. Hawaiian?!
But I love it. For two reasons. First, because it IS different! It’s dark and a little moody in a fall sort of way.
How the copper fall tablescape came to be
It’s definitely the table covering that gives this table its character. I found it in my closet when I went to track down something different from my usual. I don’t usually care if anything is different than my usual, but I had a bee in my bonnet. And though I’m almost never bored, that day I was bored with my tablecloths.
Also, I was a little bugged that our dining room table is in such bad shape that I really felt I had to have a tablecloth for this dinner party. Plus, I just wanted a change, so I went hunting.
I found it in the back of my scarf drawer, and honestly, I’d never seen it before in my life! I had no idea how it got there.
Until I realized what stack it was in. This was my mom’s! And then it all came back to me – not because I remember receiving it, but because I remembered seeing pictures of her travels. The tablecloth for the copper fall tablescape is really a Hawaiian pareo!
Mom got it on one of her Hawaiian trips years ago, to use as a skirty swimsuit coverup. But look how perfectly it fits the table! I love the tasseled ends. And that’s the second reason I love this table – I got to use something lovely that also reminded me of my mom and what a fabulous hostess she was.
Copper for fall
And while we’re on the subject of things we love, as you may know if you’ve been around a while, I love copper! I especially love it in the fall. You can see another example of a copper fall tablescape I set outside one time. Or there’s this one from Valentine’s Day. I used copper at Christmas one year, and even in summer once. I don’t think I’ve used copper in a spring table yet, but you sure could!
Anyway, as you can see, I used tons of it in this table.
It’s really versatile, and reads almost neutral sometimes. A perfect accent, or as we can see here, as a base color, even.
With the dark plate stack, the only real accent is the centerpiece. Which I thought was kind of cool. It was definitely very fall!
The copper fall tablescape place setting
I started the place settings with a lovely hammered copper charger. I especially love the “hammeredness” of it. All the texture reflects the light and gives the table such a warm, cozy glow. (The glow isn’t so great for photographs, but it looks fabulous in real life!)
Then, this copper colored flatware. This set is so fun – I love the interesting shapes and large size of these. And they’re so heavy and solid in your hand.
My guests ask me about them all the time. Even the people who have used them many times at my house, often comment on how great they are. Plus they’re stainless, and can go right in the dishwasher.
I love how the flatware frames the plate stack!
About those plates
Then, let’s talk about the dinner and salad plates. My mom actually made these in her ceramics class one year, and I loved them so much, I asked her to make me a whole set! Obviously, Mom can’t make us any more at this point, but I have found some that are very similar. They’re by Juliska – Dinner plate and Salad plate.
The product description describes the finish as “Burnished Pewter,” and calls it “eternally chic.” Mom would be happy to know that her taste continues to be flawless!
Glassware for the copper fall tablescape
I’m still in love with these glasses! I got them at the Goodwill, and I didn’t see them until I was actually on my way to the checkout counter. Even though the gold on a couple of them is wearing a bit as you can see, they were an amazing deal.
Turns out, they’re Mikasa Antique Lace, and sell for about seven times what I paid for them! You can visit this video if you want to share the shopping trip where I found them!
More copper!
And now we come to those absolutely darling little dutch ovens! I got them several years ago and totally love them! They’re constantly out of stock, but I’ll do a little digging and see if I can’t track some down for you.
I served french onion soup in these, and they were just fabulous! They didn’t get as hot as I thought they would under the broiler, which was nice. (Although, do be careful if you try this at home!) And they did keep the soup nice and warm at the table. Plus, they looked great!
(After an extensive search, I found one that is very similar at Amazon. See if this will work for you. And if not, you might try searching for ‘Gibson Home Rembrandt 0.5 Qt Round Stainless Steel Dutch Oven in Copper’ and see if you can come up with the real thing. And cross your fingers they’re actually in stock. Good Luck!)
The bright accent of flowers and candles
The only real bright note in the entire setting, as I mentioned, was the centerpiece. Our copper fall tablescape, as beautiful as all that darkness was, needed something to set it off. And these gorgeous mums and roses did the job.
I used my crystal flatware holders as vases. Actually, the flatware holders have held flowers much more often than flatware! But they’re the perfect size and shape for a long centerpiece.
And the candleholders are some crystal beauties I got to make dessert trays for my Milestone Birthday. As you’ll read about in that post, I didn’t have very good luck with the trays. So, I had a lot of these candleholders left over. And even when I figured out which glue to use to make the trays, I kept a few out to use for candles.
Place cards and Menus
After fresh flowers, the thing I think elevates a table most is place cards. I designed these to match the colors and style of the copper fall tablescape.
I love these little rose gold place card holders, and they were, of course, a perfect fit. These are similar.
And if your guests get a menu at their place setting, they feel even more special! Plus, they can pace themselves, knowing what’s coming up.
Everything on this menu was “fall” inspired – onion, pear, roasted vegetables, and pumpkin.
Add some black napkins to keep with our dark theme, and we’re good to go!
Let me know what you think – would you set such a dark table? Whether yes, no, or maybe, I hope you have a wonderful table-setting fall!
The Art of Holiday Planning
And fall is a great time to start thinking about your holiday planning! Mantel and Table’s new course, The Art of Holiday Planning is now available to make it even easier! Click below for all the details!
Pin the Copper Fall Tablescape for later
Love love love the color combination for fall, Barbara! And I’ve used many unusual items for tablesettings form coverlets to pillowcases to tea towels…if its a textile, its fair game in my book! The menu looks fabulous too! Happy fall!
Oooh – pillowcases!?! Brilliant! 🎉✨ I know you’re a fellow copper lover. You just can’t go wrong, especially in the fall. (Or at Christmas, just sayin!) The menu was great, although a little heavy on the cheese, when I looked back on it. But one night of cheese over-indulgence is ok, right? 🤣 Thanks so much for stopping over!
This is such a beautiful table and it makes me wish I had copper dishes! I might have to start a new collection after seeing this! Wanted you to know I’ll be sharing this post in my weekly Seasonal Sentiments newsletter on Saturday! Happy Day, Donna
Thank you so much Donna – it’s so thoughtful of you to share! And Hahah – yes copper is really tempting! I’ve been noticing it around more and more, maybe because it’s so versatile. Thanks again for sharing! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
There is not a single copper thing in this house but after seeing your stunning fall tablescape, Barbara, I feel like I need some. I guess I never realized how versatile it is! I love how you layered all the pieces against the black tablecloth too. It really makes everything look so warm and inviting. I could cozy up here any day of the week! Hugs, CoCo
Hi CoCo! Feel free to stop over and cozy up any time! 😊 Wouldn’t it be fun if we could take a progressive country-wide blog table tour? I’d love to see your place in person. Thank goodness for the magic of the internet! Thanks so much for visiting, and I hope you get some copper shopping someday soon!
I’m loving your copper accents Barbara and the crystal! What a beautiful table with these rich deep colors that say, sit awhile and enjoy the company.
Thanks so much Michelle! Just can’t set a table without the crystal! 🤣 I’m so glad you like it. Hope you’re having a great fall!
There are so many things I love about this table. I love the dark moody table cloth with the copper pots. And I love the size of the centerpiece, it’s lovely but doens’t get in the way of conversation. Your menu sounds delicious too!
Hi Andrea! Thanks so much – it sure was a departure! 😊 I’m so happy you stopped by – hope you’re having fun down there!
I love moody tablesettings for fall and winter. Something about how cozy they are and how they inspire a bit of introspection. Add beauty and you’ve got a winner! Happy Fall!
Hi Sandra! I’m so glad you like it – I love cozy too! Happy Fall to you too my friend – thanks for stopping by!
Hi Barbara. I love the copper theme. I have never tried a dark setting, and I love what you did. Adding in your Mom’s pareo really gave your table such a personal touch. Very inspiring and lovely fall setting.
Thanks so much Karen! I bet you’d love a dark setting too. If you do one, let me know how you like it. I love to see some pictures! 😊 Hope you have a great weekend!
Barbara, how fun to find your Mom’s Hawaiian pareo! I love the table. It is very elegant, yet warm and inviting.You are right, I love the little copper Dutch ovens. And of course, your flower color and selection is perfect. Sounds like a delicious meal!
Aren’t those dutch ovens the cutest?! It’s no wonder nobody can ever keep them in stock. It really was fun to find the pareo. It brought back all kinds of fun memories of her showing me pictures from all her trips. And yes, the dinner was pretty good! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great Workshop weekend – so sweet of you to stop by!
Barbara, this is stunning! I love copper too and you have showcased it beautifully. The tablecloth is gorgeous and I just love that second last picture. The flowers and perfect and how great are the matching place cards. I hope everyone had a wonderful time (of course they did) and the menu sounds fabulous. Happy hostessing my friend!
Hey Kim! I know you’re a fellow copper lover, and I’m so glad you like the place cards too. I’ve been having so much fun making them recently. Guests are always thrilled to see their names at their places. 😊 Happy Hostessing back atcha, and have a lovely fall weekend up there!
Oh! I love this Barbara! The tablecloth is fabulous and I love the story behind it. Your mom is smiling about this table for sure. You know I love those little copper pots. I’m kicking myself I didn’t buy a second set. I always love visiting your lovely tabes. XO- MaryJo
Thanks so much MaryJo! I know – those copper pots are so hard to find. I try to search every week or so just to see if more are available suddenly. I’m sure Mom IS smiling! 😊 Thanks so much for stopping over, and Happy Weekend!
Barbara,
Two Words……ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Oh thanks so much Debbie – I’m so glad you like it! We’re starting to feel like fall over here, so out comes the copper! 😊 So nice to see you – Happy Thursday!
Absolutely gorgeous, my friend. I’m a sucker for copper. Just stunning.
Ha – me too Renae! It’s lovely in any season, right? I’m so glad you stopped over – have a great rest of your week!
This is stunning Barbara! I love the dark cloth, and the fun story behind it! Yes, copper is perfect for Fall and your copper mini dutch ovens are so perfect for soup! Love the flatware and plate stacks. The centerpiece flowers are gorgeous and a wonderful contrast to the dark elements. Your menu is mouth watering and the place cards are such a pretty touch~ oh how I wish I was one of your guests!!
Thanks so much Jenna! I wish you were one of my guests too. We could make all our favorite foods and sit around all night talking blogging! 😊
Definitely a yes for me Barbara! I love the “tablecloth”, and I think it is the perfect backdrop for your beautiful copper pieces!
Hi Maureen! Thanks so much! It’s so fun for me to step out of my usual pattern and see what we get! 😊
Loved this table setting, Barb, and all the stories that went with it. the copper looked super with the dark tablecloth. The simple style of the flatware gives the whole table a modern touch. Beautiful centerpiece and a great menu.. Nice job!
Lynne – thank you so much! I so love copper. I’m glad you liked the menu too – it was really fun and pretty easy to make. I hope you’re having a great weekend. We’ve got rain, but it’s cozy by the fire! 😊 Take care and thanks so much for stopping over!