As florists, there are three things we think about when it comes to fall: new blooms, new palette, and alllllll the new textures we can incorporate into our designs. Don’t get us wrong — we adore the vibrant tones of spring and summer… But nothing compares to the rich, warm flowers that make us “ooh” and “ahh” at the mart during this season. Beyond our own excitement, fall also offers endless potential for hosts who want to take autumn dinner parties to the next level. 

In this blog post, we’ll help you think of ways to bring in the warm atmosphere of fall into your holiday soirée without sacrificing sophistication or elegance.

(Our Autumn Glow Floral Centerpiece)

1: Choosing the right palette to fit your Autumn dinner party

As we mentioned in our previous blog post (here), you don’t have to stick to the traditional autumn palette to capture the essence of fall. Unexpected shades like gray, mauve, or even teal can feel just as seasonal when styled thoughtfully. The secret lies in how you compliment these colors with other elements… And this is exactly where florals can actually become essential to your dinner parties and events. We’ll dive deeper into that later in the post.

Here are some typical Fall Palettes we all know and love: 

It may seem at odds at first, but a reminder: you want some contrast in your palettes. Bits of mauve, gray and teal are just added “touches” throughout your theme. This is a technique we do with florals all the time where the atypical color is never used as a focal point, but only used to make the palette that much more “richer” and “deeper”, yet complimentary to the overall look.

2: Choosing the theme to fit your mood

One of the most exciting parts of fall is how many directions you can take your décor: cozy, moody, rustic, spooky…the list goes on. Each theme has its own charm, and the beauty lies in curating the details that bring your vision to life. Velvet or linen? Candles or hanging lights? Fresh florals or dried? Every choice adds a layer of personality and helps tell the story of your space.

As you plan your setup, think about how each element interacts with the next — your dinnerware complementing your linens, your linens enhancing your florals, and your lighting tying it all together. The magic of styling is in the balance: texture, color, and lighting all work in harmony to create something warm, inviting, and uniquely you. This is how you can nail the perfect autumn dinner party.

(A great example of how dinnerware, linens, napkins and floral centerpieces compliment each other perfectly to make a breathtaking tablescape. Photographer: Ashley Paige Photography)

3: Make it personal

Most dinner parties are small and intimate, so we know personal touches go a long way. It’s always the small gestures that guests remember the most, and not the grandeur. So what are some touches that can make your gathering more personal? 

• Use name cards that can double as a take home gift. Some common ideas are usually name cards attached to an edible gift: cookies, chocolate, and tiny bottles of champagne. Something more unique? We’ve seen name cards printed on biodegradable paper that contained seed packets so guests can plant them for later! A florist’s dream. 
  
• Use meaningful decor. We love a moment for handmade ceramics or treasured family heirlooms. Don’t save the “good” china for some perfect occasion — your intimate dinner party is the perfect excuse to bring it out.

• Serve family-style dinner. Nothing feels more personal than passing plates around the table and sharing in the abundance of good food. It’s a natural icebreaker for new faces and a wonderful way to rekindle conversation with those you haven’t seen in a while.
  
• Capture memories. Literally. Take Polaroids or candid photos of guests and mail them after as thank-you notes. It’s a sweet, personal touch that keeps the evening alive long after it’s over.

(Venue: The Ranch; Photographer: Wild Whim Photography)

4: Choosing the right florals

Now for our favorite part and where we shine the most (woot!). You’ve picked your palette, set your theme, and chosen your elements… but what about the florals? We hate to break it to you, but flowers can truly make or break your table scape. They’re called “centerpieces” for a reason! The arrangement at the heart of your autumn dinner party (besides the food, of course) sets the tone for your entire gathering.

Luckily, that’s where we come in. Our passion — and our specialty — is helping you bring your vision to life through thoughtful floral design. We obsess over the little details so you can focus on hosting, celebrating, and making memories.

This season, let us take the floral planning off your plate. We have a collection of ready-to-order arrangements that pair beautifully with any Autumnal tablescape.

Looking for something custom? Reach out to us! We’d love to help design something special just for you.

The Bloom of Time – If you’re looking for unique flower arrangements to perfectly complement your next special event, please reach out to us at The Bloom of Time. One of our experienced floral designers will be happy to help you.

Serving all of Orange County, CA, and specializing in weddings and events in Newport Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Monarch Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest, Coto de Caza, Rancho Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Aliso Viejo.