Celebrate the Harvest Season with an Alfresco Dinner Party

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Text by Bethany Adams

There’s no better time to gather around a meal than when the beauty of autumn is on full display, and there’s no better place to do it than in the middle of the view. Pile your table high with seasonal charm in the form of rich tones, warm textures, and cozy patterns, and your guests will be sure to linger.

This gorgeous gathering, set against a hardscape of rustic stone and brick, finds its softer side in a liberal use of linens, throws, and pillows. Together with the fire crackling nearby, the textile elements provide plenty of warmth for guests on even the chilliest autumn evening.

The Magic of Mixing

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Mixing and matching is simple when you remember to keep a common theme. Here, two glassware options featuring a similar shade contrast with one another in terms of shape and texture, resulting in an unexpectedly perfect pair. Set atop a set of mismatched brass candlesticks, these tricolor taper candles fit splendidly amid the visual feast, helping the party transition from an afternoon in the golden sun to an evening warmed by firelight.

The Little Things

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

A bud vase is the ideal place to introduce a dash of color in the form of delicate, half-bloomed flowers. Serving a dual purpose, this wooden option also injects a little natural warmth to the spread. 

Natural Elements

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

A real flower adds a fresh note to the place setting, pulling in the ruby-toned throw pillows in the nearby chairs. Breaking up the color palette with a hint of natural material, woven rattan chargers contribute an added textural element, and the splash of blue from the plates highlights the details of the tablecloth.

A Colorful Collection

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Want an easy-to-make but eye-catching arrangement? Pile a wire harvest basket high with decorative gourds in a wide range of colors and textures to show off all the beautiful shades of the season.

A Place to Gather

Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele, Styling by Sidney Bragiel

Whether for pre-dinner canapés or after-dinner drinks, preparing a quiet spot for guests to mingle away from the table is a great way to keep the festivities flowing effortlessly. On the mantel, a simple, rustic wreath flanked by bright leaves is all that’s needed to dress up the stonework of the fireplace.

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