• The colors of autumn leaves are the inspiration behind seasonal place settings.autumn image by voven from Fotolia.com
  
  Autumn brings cooler temperatures and the rustling of falling leaves. It is also the time for a new color palette and preparations for Thanksgiving. You have many options for decorating your dining table during the fall months. The use of natural, seasonal items will provide a warm, earthy touch to any special meal. Be sure to place a complementary tablecloth or runner on your table to protect your surface before adding the decorations.
  
  

Pumpkins and Gourds

• Most people are familiar with the orange pumpkin, commonly hollowed to make jack-o'-lanterns at Halloween. However, pumpkins come in a variety of colors, including the dark green American Tonda, white Baby Boos and Red Warty Things. Choose a variety of pumpkins of different colors and sizes and arrange them on your table. You can add colorful squash around them as well. Dark green silk leaves or vines wound through the arrangement complete the look.
  
  

Fall Flowers

• Fill a wooden vase or deep bowl with calla lilies, dahlias, dark roses and sunflowers. Place it in the center of your table and be sure to use brown or orange linens. Lit votive or tapered candles are a beautiful finish to this simple and romantic table setting.
  
  

Handmade Centerpieces

• Food writer Heather Tyree of Epicurious suggests filling glass vases with layers of different shapes and sizes of nuts and dried lentils, beans or fruits. Once you have placed the first layer, stand a pillar candle on top of the middle of the layer with the wick just to the top of the rim. You can create three to five different vase centerpieces of varying sizes and heights in the center of your table.
  
  

Golden Accents

• The color of warm gold will add a touch of autumn to any table. Gold candles, plates, napkin rings and placemats may be used and this color looks especially good with olive green and touches of red and yellow. Use gold sparingly. For example, add a bold golden vase or bowl in the center of the table with gold-rimmed plates atop a green or red tablecloth. White may also be incorporated for a modern look.