An Expert's Guide to Fall Tablescapes
As late October and early November’s onslaught of gift guides signal the holidays are approaching, we begin to consider the social season ahead. From friendsgivings to holiday happy hours, the upcoming weeks are rife with opportunities to entertain.
Enter Leigh Rose Harlan of Volume 1’s Leigh Rose Events, Leigh Rose Events, Newport Beach’s go-to for tablescapes. Detail-oriented and always bespoke, Leigh Rose Events tables will impress even the most discerning (ahem reproving) in-laws. Ahead of a season full of gathering, we tapped Leigh for her tips and tricks to setting a beautiful table.
TSG Newport Beach: You are the hosting expert, so we have to ask… What makes a great host?
Leigh Harlan: First and foremost, being present is key. You want to be able to enjoy the time with your guests! To do so, we recommend preparing your table and food ahead of time. If you can, arrange for servers, so you can fully enjoy the evening without worry for coursing or clean-up.
TSG Newport Beach: Let’s talk about table prep. What are this season’s tablescape trends?
Leigh Harlan: Simple reigns supreme right now. We are loving cozy, neutral, earthy tones. Think lots of olive and clay accents.
TSG Newport Beach: How, specifically, do you introduce seasonality to the table?
Leigh Harlan: We lean into seasonality with table runners, whether that’s by arranging seasonal florals, opting for a down-the-table grazing board with seasonal bounty, or playing with seasonal colors through candles and decor.
TSG Newport Beach: What are your fall tablescape essentials?
Leigh Harlan: A gorgeous printed napkin, lace, and a seasonal veggie runner are our ‘must haves’ for fall.
TSG Newport Beach: Do you have any local go-tos for sourcing these essentials?
Leigh Harlan: We love Seaside Gallery & Goods for a fun napkin ring, Where’s The Party for fun paper goods or invitations, STILL Interiors for a beautiful crafted clay vase for blooms, and Fleur De Lys for a pretty napkin or colored glassware.
TSG Newport Beach: In addition to yourself, of course, are there any local resources or experts you recommend that we tap when hosting season?
Leigh Harlan: Of course! If you’re outsourcing food, we recommend you tap The Hardware House Kitchen, which can create custom stunning bites, full course meals, and a pop-up pizza oven for fresh gourmet pizza bites. For florals, Urban Gardener is a must! When not pulling vintage from shops from San Diego to Los Angeles, we love to tap our fellow Volume 1 members like Blue Atlas Marketplace, Juxtaposition, SKOUT, and Robin Weller Design.
FALL TABLE FAVORITES
MATCH PEWTER GABRIELLA 5 PC. PLACE SETTING from BLUE ATLAS MARKETPLACE
TAPAS PLANK from BLUE ATLAS MARKETPLACE
DYLAN PEWTER PITCHER from ROBIN WELLER DESIGN.
LINEN BORDER NAPKIN from WHERE’S THE PARTY OC.
NATURAL LINEN PAPER PLATES from WHERE’S THE PARTY OC.
TALL PEWTER CANDLESTICK from JUXTAPOSITION.
ARLO WHITE CUP from SKOUT.
MATTE PEDESTAL from SKOUT.
UNSCENTED TWISTED TAPER CANDLE from ROBIN WELLER DESIGN.
GINGER CHECK KITCHEN LINEN from JUXTAPOSITION.
To learn more about working with Leigh Rose Events on your next soiree – large or small – reach out to Leigh here. Don’t forget to follow along with her on Instagram for ample inspiration and tell her Scout sent you!
