Dinner at Eight: September 2026

We turned the page and suddenly it's September! Collectively we're relieved that this year's long, hot summer will soon be in the rearview mirror, but fall's entrance is still in the (near) future. Here in North Georgia we will be experiencing warm summer temps throughout the month, but I've got my eyes set on the changeover to autumn and set a table to celebrate its arrival!

I'm delighted to be joining a number of friends who are also welcoming the arrival of fall by styling tablescapes with different autumn themes. The group was organized by the creative Rita of Panoply and you'll find links to all their fabulous designs at the end of this post. Whether you're a regular visitor or are coming from the blog hop — Welcome!

My inspiration came from the salad plates that we use every day which star fall's fruit harvest. A perfect pairing is the stunning table runner I recently discovered that showcase both fruits and leaves.

I love the painterly rendering of the botanical elements! And the way the texture of the linen gives them depth. I also love the contrast of the glass votive candle holders in a warm amber against the cooler tones of the table runner.

What could be a more fitting choice of a centerpiece than a beautiful bowl of fresh fruits in fall's vibrant colors?

Early fall colors are mixed with an abundance of green, for it will be two months or so before the trees will be ablaze here.

I selected favorite wine glasses that are one of my fall staples. Their medium green shade transitions between the bright greens of summer and the deeper forest hues of later fall and winter. Their simple lines also serve as a complement to the intricately cut and etched water glasses that I introduced in The Thrill of Finding Beautiful Glassware.

With the table set for six, I used four of the matching linen napkins at the place settings on the sides. They bring additional color and pattern to the wood table. The napkins are held by lovely leaf-shaped gold rings that I bought for one of our first dinner parties. In contrast to their formality I chose stainless flatware with a pretty rope edge.

For the places at either end of the table I had originally chosen plain green napkins but they didn't quite have the effect I wanted. So I wrapped them in ivory hemstitched napkins with an open border. I like mixing the patterns of napkins for the different places at a table for the unexpected twist it gives to the design.

Cheeses join fruit as the final course of the dinner. Rather than a cheese board, I placed them on a lovely figural plate that has a woven basket design centered with leaves.

Two charming birds perch on either side!

Together the fruit and cheese make a colorful and delectable centerpiece!

The bowl is a beautiful example of 'elegant glass' that my mom received as a wedding gift. Wildflowers are etched along the rim and wall of the the bowl, with partially open stylized buds placed among them.

An added touch are the molded feet and vertical struts (for want of a better description) on the underside. Other pieces in the pattern can be seen in A Brunch for Mother's Day.

What about the place settings? For a base I chose mottled gold scalloped chargers that I think have a French country sensibility. They appear much more reflective in photos than they actually are. The gold is compatible with the amber of the votives and in the pears in the linens. On the chargers are dinner plates in a rich green that have a woven design similar to the pattern on the cheese plate. The gold rims give the informal pattern an elevated feel. The scalloped salad plates edged in green echo the chargers, but repeat the orchard theme on centers in a pretty lemon yellow. The overall effect is informal but not casual,

though the table is set in the dining room. In the background, the buffet sports casual ceramic candlesticks on either side of the mid-1920s silver coffee and tea set. I've often used the candlesticks, such as in Enchanting Shamrock Decor and Daffodils. The faux florals reflect the in-between status of September.

The bowl holds apples, nectarines and plums. I had wanted to include pears but those in the grocery weren't ready for photos lol.

Now I want to thank Rita of Panoply, Mary from Home Is Where the Boat Is, and my tablescaping friends for this wonderful Welcome Fall Blog Hop — please click on each title below to explore all their marvelous ideas. You are sure to be inspired!