Sometimes a simple cozy Fall table setting is best. Especially when you want something that represents Fall, but isn’t “in your face” about it.
You know those table settings. The ones that are all yellow, orange, and red, with pumpkins galore. They scream I’M A FALL TABLE!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love those tablescapes. In fact, I’m sure I’ll be doing one shortly.
But sometimes you don’t want a Fall dining table that screams FALL! You want something understated. Something that makes you feel that it’s Fall, but subtle.
That’s exactly how I feel about this simple cozy navy and tan table setting.
I was inspired to use the navy and tan colors for my Fall table when I spied the vases at Home Goods. I immediately fell in love with their colors and shape. And I knew that I needed to use them in a table setting.

So I brought them home and started looking around my house to see what would work with them. Then the plan for this Fall table setting snowballed with ideas to use plates, soup bowls, and wallpaper I already had.
Using pieces you already have is AWESOME!
I LOVE the results.
You can tell that it’s a Fall tablescape. It has that vibe but in an understated way.
It’s simple and seasonal.
And the best thing ~ it’s super easy for you to recreate.
How to Create a Simple Cozy Fall Table Setting
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Step 1: Start with a cozy Fall tablecloth
Typically the first step of creating a table setting is deciding if you want to use placemats, a tablecloth, or nothing at all. But in this case, a cozy Fall table setting requires a cozy tablecloth.
By putting a tablecloth on your dining table, you are softening the feeling of the room. Making it cozy.
I opted for a super easy diy tablecloth that I’d made from a painter’s drop cloth. If you aren’t familiar with drop cloths, they’re much softer than you’d expect, and they make great tablecloths.
Plus, they’re super cheap!

I love the natural oatmeal/tan color of the drop cloth. It definitely provides a cozy vibe.
Step 2: Create a centerpiece for your cozy Fall tablescape
To create the centerpiece for this cozy Fall tablescape, I started with wallpaper. Yep, you heard me correctly ~ wallpaper.
I found it months ago at an estate sale at the end of the day, and it was free. I never intended to use it as wallpaper. I just loved the colors and pattern of the paper and figured I’d find a use for it one day.

Never did I anticipate using it as a table runner. But it TOTALLY works!
I just rolled the wallpaper down the length of the table and cut it to the same length as the tablecloth. Of course, you can easily use gift wrap or craft paper instead.

In the middle of the table runner, I place the three vases that were my inspiration for this cozy Fall table setting. Their navy and tan colors, and unique bulbous shape are soft, simple, and comforting.

And my wallpaper matched them perfectly!!
Then I placed a few cattails in each vase. Super simple and Fall-feeling!
Plus, the cattails won’t obstruct my guests’ view of each other at the table, which can be super annoying.

Step 3: Layout your simple Fall place setting
The simple place settings for this cozy Fall table couldn’t be easier to create.
Since it’s a simple table setting, we’re keeping with a simple place setting. No charger plates. No salad or dessert plates. And no extra forks or spoons.
First, place your dinner plate on the tablecloth. Mine are from Target. I absolutely LOVE their organic shape and soft, natural color.


Next, I added artisan-made soup bowls. I’ve had these bowls for years. My mom gave them to me and my family absolutely loves using them. Plus they were the perfect match to the vases and wallpaper.

Crazy!!!
I had the fun idea to fold my diy drop cloth napkin into a triangle and feed it through the handle of the soup bowl. Isn’t it cute! No need for a napkin ring, lol!!

Then I added a water glass and blue wine glass (the same color as the vases) to the Fall place setting.
Instead of placing the silverware in their standard spots, I opted to put the soup spoon inside the soup bowl. Call me crazy, haha! I think it looks pretty darn cute!!
Plus, it adds to the simple “cozy” factor of the Fall table setting.



Don’t you just love easy place settings!! Low-stress and cozy.
Step 4: Continue your cozy Fall theme to other places in your room
I have a buffet table next to my dining table. It’s the perfect place to continue my simple cozy Fall decor.
Look around your room and see if you have a place to continue your dining table theme.
To keep it simple, I placed a similar shaped vase on the buffet and filled it with cattails. I then tied a piece of drop cloth around the vase to complement my drop cloth tablecloth. The buffet was finished with candles that matched the colors of the vases on the table.

When you step back, you see the buffet table alongside the Fall dining table decor. It’s simple and supports the theme of the Fall table.

I bet you can easily recreate a simple navy and tan Fall tablescape like this one.
There’s really not much to it, and you probably already have many items at home that would work on your table.


Enjoy sitting down and enjoying a meal at your cozy Fall table!
Understated, but beautiful! Those three vases are wonderful with their sheaves of wheat. I also love those soup bowls with handles adequate enough to hold a napkin. Well done!
You’re so kind! I truly appreciate your comments. Thank you!
Those artisan bowls are beautiful. SO unique and rustic. I can see why your family loves them. They are perfect for this table bringing everything together. Lovely table. XO- MaryJo @ masterpiecesofmyife.com
Aww – thank you! Yes, we absolutely love those bowls!!