How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Fall Table for Two
What if your most memorable fall dinner wasn’t inside your dining room at all? Sometimes all you need is a quiet lakeside view, two chairs, a cozy blanket, and someone you love. This simple outdoor fall table proves that the most beautiful dining room in autumn might just be beneath the trees.
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How to Create a Cozy Outdoor Fall Table for Two
- Start with a small bistro table that’s easy to carry.
- Use a cozy wool throw instead of a traditional tablecloth.
- Keep the centerpiece low so the view stays the focal point.
- Bring battery-operated candles if you’ll stay through sunset.
- Pack everything in one picnic basket for easy setup.
One of my favorite things about creating outdoor tablescapes is that nature does most of the decorating for you. The changing leaves, the reflection on the water, and the crisp autumn air become part of the design. Your table doesn’t need elaborate centerpieces when the view is this beautiful.
What to Pack for an Outdoor Fall Picnic
Then a quick checklist:
The blue plaid throw serves double duty. It softens the tabletop while also keeping us warm once the sun begins to set. I almost always bring an extra blanket when entertaining outdoors in the fall. Blue ruffled placemats define each place setting while echoing the soft blues in the plaid throw.
Brown dinner plates are topped with fall salad plates with pumpkins that pick up on the blue hues of the wool throw.
I can’t imagine a more lovely place to unpack a picnic basket and enjoy an elegant little meal with someone special! We gazed out at the lake and watched a couple of paddle boarders glide by peacefully on the water.
No matter where you find yourself dining this autumn, set a pretty table and enjoy the company and the surroundings, be it lakeside or in your own backyard.
Planning to enjoy this setting until dusk, I included some flameless pillar candles on wooden candle holders.
5 Beautiful Places to Enjoy an Outdoor Fall Dinner
- Beside a lake
- Under an old oak tree
- On your back patio
- At a local vineyard
- Around a backyard fire pit
Complete the look with your own fall style!
If you’re dining outdoors in the fall, don’t forget to dress for the occasion! I couldn’t resist this adorable fox sweater over a cozy plaid shirt! It’s the perfect outfit for an afternoon by the lake.
This cozy plaid shirt to keep you toasty!
Check out this other table for two among the leaves!
Whether your table overlooks a lake, sits beneath a favorite shade tree, or simply rests on your own patio, don’t wait for a special occasion to celebrate the season. A cozy blanket, a simple meal, and a thoughtfully set table can turn an ordinary autumn afternoon into one of the moments you’ll remember long after the leaves have fallen.
If you create your own outdoor fall table, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @celebrateanddecorate so I can share your beautiful autumn inspiration.
These are lovely photos! What an amazing lunch it would be to sit by the lake in autumn style. Thank you my friend for co hosting this giveaway. xo
Thank you so much Katherine! I appreciate you organizing it!
Beautiful Chloe! What a lovely spot and I love your pretty blue fall cozy table!
Thank you so much Jenna! I had such a wonderful time in Maryland among the beautiful fall colors!
I have driven through Maryland going to Kentucky and the scenery was stunning. Not so much the snow as we were coming down the mountain into Cumberland Gap. I now live in Maryland near the Delaware border.
The dinnerware is really nice that you used. And you have some gorgeous pictures.
Thank you so much! Since my daughter moved to Maryland, (she is serving the Army at Walter Reed) I have been amazed at the fall colors up there!
Beautiful Chloe….what a lovely setting for picnic and your colors are amazing and the fold- ing chairs and table are perfect. I could toss down a blanket and grab a book and stay for hours.
hugs my friend
Thank you so much Kari! I loved scouting out a location for my little table vignettes!
Chloe, I love the blues on the table pick up the hues in the fall sky. What a peaceful and gorgeous location for a picnic! Your photos are truly beautiful and you’ve captured nature at its best.
Thank you so much Mary, I was so lucky to find a perfect setting for a lakeside fall tablescape!
Have not seen the blue pumpkin plates…love those! This setting is perfect as we live on the lake and are blessed to enjoy it daily…Arkansas has had such beautiful colorful leaves this year. Love this post!
Thank you so much Alda! I would love to live on a lake! Enjoy that view every day!
Omg I have never seen anything so beautiful. At least when it comes to table settings. You are a talent!
Thank you so much Barb! I loved getting the opportunity to style some tables in some beautiful locations with the lush fall colors!
aw, this is romantic and utterly delightful
Thank you Molli! It was a lovely spot!
Chloe, I have ordered the Free Party Diary numerous times, but have yet to receive one.
Please let me know what I need to do to have one sent my way.
It is a download. You should have gotten the link to download it each time. >https://celebrateanddecorate.com/sdm_downloads/party-diary-download/
Copy and post that link in your browser bar and download it! Enjoy!