(BPT) – The autumn leaves bursting into vibrant reds, lively oranges, and brilliant yellows signal a new season for home entertaining. If you need a little inspiration, look no further than your favorite outdoor spot to update your table setting with the hottest colors for fall 2014.
“Contemporary versions of classic colors are trending in the interior design realm this fall,” says John Griffith, visual merchandiser for dinnerware retailer Replacements, Ltd. “Rich deep Pantone colors including Sangria, Aurora Red, Cognac and Misted Yellow reflect the abundance of color you see outdoors. The new Fiesta color, Poppy, is perfect for autumn. Metallic finishes are also wildly popular, such as gold and copper.”
Customers frequently ask Griffith and designer Julie Robbins for creative guidance to refresh their family heirloom pattern table settings. Pattern blending is a specialty of Robbins.
“Vintage dinnerware continues to be one of the trendiest design elements in the tabletop industry and those patterns are some of our best sellers,” says Robbins. “Why buy a reproduction when the real thing is readily available? Search your mother or grandmother’s china cabinet to find some of the great retro patterns. Add your own point of view when you mix and match contemporary designs to create a modern look. It’s really simple to add an accent plate, or a stand-out charger in this season’s colors to update your table for fall entertaining.”
Figural pieces, such as leaf shaped plates and serving pieces are very popular this fall. Many manufacturers are offering colorful accent pieces with favorites including turkey, fall leaves and pumpkin motifs.
“You can use pumpkins as a strong design element through Thanksgiving,” Griffith suggests. “Pumpkins made of glass, ceramic and lightweight resin are big sellers in the store as we head into the season. Mix with the real thing to easily create a great centerpiece.”
As the season changes, so does the way you’re entertaining. Gatherings may be more casual as friends and family get together around the television for the big game or by the fire pit on the patio.
“Appetizer size plates and individual dip bowls are great for finger foods and condiments, says Robbins. “These smaller pieces are both popular and affordable. Plus it’s fun to mix shapes, colors or motifs. Mix and match your favorite team colors for the big game or choose individual Thanksgiving themed plates for celebrations tied to turkey day.”
Still looking for more fall tabletop ideals? Help is just a click away. This team is now using Facebook to share decorating tips and solutions.
“We love partnering with our customers to solve their design dilemmas,” says Robbins. “We’re thrilled when people reach out to us and ask questions on Replacements’ Facebook page. Our team is having a lot of fun connecting with our customers and we encourage people to visit our page, ask questions, like us and share us with their friends; we get so many great design challenges this way.”
Once the team receives a question, they create multiple mix and match options, photograph these table settings then post the images online for the public to see and share.
