Although the Holiday season can be hectic, setting  a warm and festive table doesn't have to be a source of additional stress. Below are some tips for putting together an uncomplicated, inexpensive table with lots of flair.

Step 1: Start with a vintage tablecloth.

There are lots of wonderful fall patterns with pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and fall leaves, but these aren't your only choices. Any pattern that incorporates a color scheme that reminds you of Fall will work well.

As an example, I've chosen a Wilendur brand tablecloth called Autumn that features clusters of ivy leaves in shades of mossy green, chocolate brown and soft, buttery yellow.

 Step 2:  Pull out napkins & plates that might be compatible.

Start with plates and napkins as they are somewhat more expensive than the other items you'll be decorating with. It will be much easier to buy ribbon to match your plates than it would be to buy plates to match your ribbon.

Table Setting Tip: Pull out at least one piece of each plate or napkin pattern. You'll be surprised at how often you come up with a beautiful combination that you never would have considered putting together!

Vintage Linen Collecting Tip: It is often difficult to find vintage tablecloths sold with their matching napkins. Don't be afraid to mix them with new napkins . . . I buy sale napkins in groups of 4-6 whenever I find them in colors that are appealling to me. The striped green napkins in the photo were purchased on sale at Target last year for about 67 cents each. At the time, I had no idea what I'd be using them with, but I just loved the color!

Step 3:  Gather  accessories from throughout your house.

• Pick up anything that you like and that works with your color scheme-don't worry at this point about how you will use it. Take the tablecloth with you while you search and see what catches your eye.
• Assemble all of these elements, together with the tablecloth, plates and napkins, and find a comfortable place to play with everything. Get a general idea about how everything might fit together and make two piles-one for the things you feel you definitely want to use in your table setting and another for things that you are unsure of. Don't eliminate anything at this point.

Step 4: Think about creative ways to add color and reinforce your theme.

Use some of my ideas or come up with some of your own.

Color scheme

• Don't limit yourself to the traditional autumn shades of brown & orange. Here is an example of a Fall table setting which incorporates bright scarlet reds, tropical melon and kiwi green:

 Centerpieces

• A centerpiece doesn't always have to be at the center of the table. I love to make individual 'centerpieces' for each table setting. This one features mixed flowers from my garden tucked inside a jadite box with a votive candle in the center.

• For a more traditional centerpiece, hollow out a small sugar pumpkin (the ones they sell at the grocery store for making pies) and fill it with a potted mum.
• Fill two small to medium sized ironstone vases with preserved oak leaves in fall colors. Add beaded picks from the craft store in shades of pumpkin, moss & ruby. Insert a tall taper candle in the center of each. In this example, I was lucky enough to have a bird shaped vase--the leaves look like turkey feathers!

• Put fat pillar candles inside cylindrical glass vases or footed compotes and fill the space around the candles with tiny acorns.

Napkins

• Instead of using a napkin ring, tie napkins with ribbon to hold them in place. Acorns can be hot glued to the ends of the ribbon strings to finish the look.
• Large beads strung on wire also make great napkin rings in a hurry.
• The brightly colored jadite table setting pictured under 'Color Scheme' uses a vintage hanky tied around the napkin instead of a ring.

Miscellaneous

• Add flowers tied to with ribbons to the stem of a wine glass or the handles of your serving pieces to help tie them into the rest of your theme.

Step 5: Make a list of the elements that are still missing.

Ask yourself the following questions to make sure you've thought about everything.

1. Do you have a centerpiece or a plan to assemble one?
2. Do you have enough napkins to match the number of place settings you'll be using?
3. How will your napkins be displayed? Will you need napkin rings or to look up folding instructions on the internet?
4. Have you checked to make sure that your plates, bowls and glasses are clean and free of damage?
5. What silverware do you plan to use? Is it clean and ready?
6. Which glasses will go with your place settings?
7. Do you have sufficient serving pieces for the dishes you will be making?
8. Do you have enough seating to accommodate everyone?
9. Will you need candles and how will they be displayed.

Craft and discount stores are a great place to find the final pieces you'll need to finish the eclectic look you've created. Seasonal picks featuring clusters of pumpkins, fall leaves, acorns and berries can be tucked anywhere to add color and interest. Don't forget to take your tablecloth along for inspiration!

The most important thing to remember is to never be afraid to experiment. The result will be a table setting that your guests will find as interesting and unusual as you are!

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