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What is a Harvest Table | What are Harvest Tables Used For

People want to know What are Harvest Tables and What they are used for. This post is going to answer those questions and give you tips on setting your own!

I’ve never been one for boring or bland anything, and that definitely goes for my fall harvest tables. If you don’t know what a harvest table is or you’ve been afraid to step outside the traditional color schemes for fall and Thanksgiving, I’m here to educate you and nudge you outside the box!

This post will help you learn what harvest tables are used for and how to set a festive and cozy harvest table with a pop of color and a touch of glam. Your friends and family will definitely be impressed!

First, let’s jump into what harvest tables are and what harvest tables are used for. And then I’ll cover the best tips to create interesting and unique harvest tables, ideas for creative fall color pallets and where to find affordable tableware and décor!

What is a Harvest Table?

When you think of harvest automatically you think of harvest season - pumpkins, cornucopias, and even the gathering of friends and family. Most importantly, we think of Thanksgiving. At least I do. There are a couple of ways to think about a harvest table and I’ll go through those, but for me, I always think of my beautiful harvest table setting.

Harvest Table Furniture

By definition, a harvest table is a piece of furniture that is a narrow, long table, that you can gather with family and friends and fill with all kinds of foods to feast on.

How long are Harvest Tables?

Harvest tables are around 6 feet to 1-2 feet longer. They’re long enough to fit enough people to gather around for a harvest and enjoy some good eats and drinks!

What are Harvest Tables Used For

Historically, harvest tables were used by farmers to help sort produce and goods - hence the long and sturdy build. You can liken that to a harvest table you’d want to put together for your home for décor and entertainment purpose. Think a harvest table laden with your favorites finger foods, dishes, and tapas!

What Do You Put on a Harvest Table?

When I think of harvest tables, I think of a huge grazing platter. I like to add things like charcuterie, various cheeses, nuts, berries and other produce, chocolate, and even preserves. You can also think about adding your favorite appetizers or small plate recipes too. Don’t forget to add you favorite drinks!

How Do You Set a Harvest Table?

You can set your harvest table however you’d like. You want to be sure you have the proper drinkware, barware, and of course plates and flatware. You can go casual or formal too. It all depends on your look. Of course, I love a luxe look and I love adding nontraditional pops of color too.

Easy Ways to Add a Pop of Color to Fall Harvest Tables

It doesn’t take much to add a pop of color to harvest tables. If you want to keep things a little more subtle, try changing up one element of your tablescape. You can keep the other components of your harvest table neutral so your unexpected color choice really stands out. Below are some easy items you can use to amp up the color in your décor.

1 - Change up Your Place Matts

Place mats are a great place to start when adding color to harvest tables. These serve as the base of your table settings and can provide a great place to anchor your décor with some glam and pizzazz. If you choose a bold color for place mats, you can carry that same color into a few smaller elements here and there to create balance.

2 - Jaz up Your Napkins

There’s nothing like a beautifully colored napkin to set off a white harvest table plate. Try a unique napkin fold or a glamorous napkin ring to make an even bigger impact. Think of your napkins as the cherry on top of your harvest table masterpiece!

3 - Use a Colorful Table Runner

A nice runner can bring color to the center of your harvest table. You can use this as a single, solitary pop of color or pick it up in other smaller elements of your decor. You can get even more daring by choosing a textured table runner like faux fur!

4 - Use Candles

Candles provide another effortless way to add a pop of color to a fall table. You can scatter these along the center of your table on top of a runner to enhance your centerpiece. Candles are also one of the best ways to add fall scents to your home!

5 - Try a Bold or Untraditional Wine Glass

Use your wine glasses to add interest to your tables! Wine glasses add height and depth to your harvest table and can also be the perfect place to pick up some extra color. Don’t be afraid to choose a bold glass instead of the traditional clear!

6 - Get Creative with Florals

I love to add big, beautiful florals and centerpieces to my harvest tables. You can use flower arrangements to highlight a single pop of color or to make use of a creative fall color pallet. Be sure to choose an interesting vase to house them in, too!

Shop silverware, placemats and table runners below!

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Creative Fall Color Pallets for Elevated Harvest Tables

Here are some of my favorite fall color combinations that sit outside the box. Use these color pallets as the inspiration for glam, colorful harvest tables year after year. Don’t be afraid to mix colors you wouldn’t normally put together or use for fall. You can bring in other fall elements by using pumpkins, twine, burlap and other fall textures.

  • Teal + Silver, Rust or Orange

  • Coral + Cream

  • Gold

  • Pink + Gold or Silver

  • Emerald + Gold or Silver

  • Magenta + Gold, Silver or Orange

Shop Dinnerware, Wine Glasses, Napkins and Napkin Rings Below

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Other Ways to Elevate Fall Harvest Tables

Speaking of fall textures, elements like velvet, fur, tweeds and burlap are great for elevating fall harvest tables. Texture and shine finish off table decor in an unexpectant and elegant way. Use the textiles and mediums below to add richness to your table settings and magnify your unique color combinations.

  • Velvet

  • Fur

  • Metallics

  • Mixed Metals

  • Antiqued Pieces

  • Burlap

  • Tweed

  • Twine

  • Rustic Wood

Shop Textured and Metallic Pumpkins Below

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More Seasonal Décor Ideas

What did you think of these ideas for colorful harvest tables? I hope I’ve inspired you to add a pop of color to your seasonal décor this year. Let me know your favorite ideas and color combinations below and anything you think I should add!

If you liked these tips for harvest tables, be sure to check out:

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