Autumnal Table

Autumnal Table

Autumn is without a doubt our favourite season! In preparation for winter, nature spreads a vail of the most beautiful warm colours on mountains, valleys, gardens, trees, flowers, even the soil. The soft cleansing rain invigorates with its fragrant droplets and the air takes on a crisp freshness evoking renewal and hope. 

We like to take full advantage of this fleeting beauty that nature abundantly offers us in Autumn and find ways to bring it onto our table. Here, we share with you a few tips and ideas.

You can use completely natural materials to dress an Autumnal table that can be suitable for Halloween, Thanksgiving, any other seasonal celebration, or even a simple afternoon tea, or weeknight dinner.

There is no need to spend money on all the commercial plastic and synthetic ornaments found in the shops. These are such a waste. They are used briefly, then tossed into the rubbish and contribute to the pollution of our fragile environment.

Pumpkins are not only in season, but have become a symbol of Autumn. Natural pumpkins come in all sorts of beautiful colours, other than the well known bright orange ones. For a more tasteful and graceful look, you can chose subtler colours that are warm and soft. A selection of various types makes for an interesting centrepiece. A touch of gold paint on seasonal fruit can look very elegant and a scatter of nuts, dried leaves and flowers all embrace this wonderful season. Don’t be afraid to step outside and collect some leaves, branches and whatever else may inspire you. With very little effort, time and a few simple natural adornments found in nature, your table can be transformed into a most welcoming and delightful setting.

You can also use natural materials to create edible decorations. 

If you would like to make marzipan toppings for a cake like we have, you can easily create natural colours at home. All you need, is a block of marzipan and some colourful powdered ingredients (suggestions below). Simply mix each powder with a little water in a small bowl and paint marzipan shaped creations in any way you desire.

Here is what we used for the basic colours:

• Red~Hibiscus powder

• Yellow~turmeric powder

• Brown~cacao powder

• Green~matcha tea powder

• Blue~butterfly pea flower powder

You can then mix the basic colours together to create more hues (for instance red and yellow to make orange etc). These look much more natural than the chemical store bought versions. They will not affect the taste of the marzipan and are completely toxic free. If fact, most are considered super foods!

We made little carrots and used fresh dill for their greens, different sizes and colours of pumpkins and acorns which we rolled into coconut sugar for an authentic texture.

You can make your Autumnal table in your own special way. With just a few natural items and a little imagination, you can invite Autumn as a special guest to your beautiful table.

Written & photographed by Theresa Danezis Benincasa