Fall-Inspired Tablescape from Mandy Kellogg Rye

With the holidays rapidly approaching, we’ve found ourselves thinking more and more about table settings, Fall desserts, and entertaining! This is the perfect time to pull together that well-appointed table just in time for the holidays, so we asked Mandy Kellogg Rye of Waiting on Martha to show us how it’s done. Mandy’s a pro a designing a beautiful table, so we’re thrilled to share this fabulous entertaining space with you! Let’s see how she did it:

Inspired by my favorite season, I’ve set a table playing off of Mother Nature’s natural beauty. I used rich, lush tones that evoke a warm and cozy feeling, perfect for your largest or smallest gatherings.

These Woodland Accent Plates were the perfect jumping off point, and I love that they can be used at the start of Fall and carry you through the Thanksgiving holiday. I added height to our place settings by mixing the Woodland Accent Plates with Ballard’s Marabelle Dinnerware, woven chargers, grey linen napkins, hand letter place cards from Yes Ma’am Paper Goods, and matte gold flatware.

Metallic flatware is always a go-to of mine when setting any table. The gold adds an extra wow factor, and I especially love the matte gold Fairhope flatware I’ve used here. No smudges or finger prints!

When entertaining outdoors, you likely won’t have a chandelier hanging like you would when hosting in your dining room. My solution? Lanterns! Using Ballard Design’s Filigree Lanterns, flameless ivory candles, a little rope from the hardware store, and some knotting skills, I hung the lanterns at differing heights creating a visually stunning centerpiece while providing light for the table. And really there’s nothing more enchanting than dining by candlelight.

I like to always think outside the box when it comes to vases for flowers. My motto is “a vase is anything that holds water.” So when it was time to corral the rich and wild flowing arrangements created by Lindsay Coletta, I used wide-mouth, earthenware bowls and the antique silver pots.

These containers were the perfect height. It’s important to make sure your guests can converse across the table and not worry about talking over or through flower arrangements.

Guests had a clear view of the evenings hand lettered menu written on a large kraft roll, hung by rope and puddling all the way to the floor.

When creating a menu it’s always best to stay simple and seasonal and ask guests when RSVPing for any dietary restrictions so you, as the host, can plan appropriately.

A bar cart has quickly become one of my home’s most used pieces, but it doesn’t have to be just for cocktails. For this occasion, the Jill Bar Cart made its way around the table becoming my dessert cart, housing gorgeous plum and rustic apple tarts from Alon’s Bakery.

While Abattoir’s gorgeous brick fireplace needed very little in terms of decor, the ivory flameless candles and hint of florals brought in just the right amount of romance. It was only natural to add a Found European Pizza Paddle next to this old oven!

Concept & Styling, Mandy Kellogg Rye of Waiting On Martha
Florals, Lindsay Coletta Floral Artistry & Design
Calligraphy, Erica Loesing, Yes Ma’am Paper Goods
Fruit Tarts, Alon’s Bakery
Location, Abattoir

Thank you so much Mandy for pulling together this beautiful table. We’re ready to host a cozy dinner party now! Browse more entertaining ideas on our Entertaining Pinterest Board, or by visiting Mandy’s blog Waiting on Martha.

Mandy received Ballard Designs merchandise through this partnership, but her opinions are her own.