A fall table set for a small casual gathering on the porch
Today I’m joining some friends to share our fall tables! I think fall is one of the most fun times to create something earthy for a fun and inexpensive tablescape. I had a few friends over for a very casual get-together while it’s still warm enough to be outdoors. The rain was threatening to happen, although it never did, I moved our table from the backyard to the porch, just in case. We usually don’t have a table on our porch, but I was able to move some plants around and tuck it in close to the house in case of rain. It turned out to be a lovely evening and just as we were getting settled at the table, we could hear the rowers going by on the Long Island Sound. Such a pretty sight as the sun was setting. I could not have timed it better if I had tried! Foraged wildflowers, colorful linens, a simple menu, and shallot jam as a parting gift.
I kept it simple and used everything I owned and wildflowers from our weekend adventure.
What inspired the simple table setting was the idea of the cosmos in my garden blooming in time. They are still not quite there, but the wildflowers I gathered in the Catskills on Sunday made up for it. The table is small and I knew we would have a Le Creuset with pumpkin soup in the center, so there was little room left for flower bouquets. I used small (and I mean tiny) amber bottles and a few stems of wildflowers in each for place cards. I placed religious candles from the grocery store in small wax paper bags for soft lighting. The table linens I chose also reflected the colors of the flowers. The napkins are from Serena & Lily. It was a pattern by Serena Dugan and I believe there was also wallpaper in this pattern, but I cannot remember the name. The tablecloth is one that I have used for many different occasions and it’s currently on my dining room table. The color is my favorite right now!
Small religious candles in wax paper bags for soft lighting on the porch
Small (make that tiny) amber bottles for DIY Place cards
Foraged Wildflowers
Let’s talk about making shallot jam!
Shallot jam is easy to make and it takes every dish up a notch. Seriously, it’s so good. I made a triple batch after trying it once so that I could put it into jars for my friends as parting gifts. I love to give a small homemade gift to thank my friends for coming. We are so busy these days, so when a group of friends say yes and make a plan to get together, I want to say thank you with a little something to take home. 
I used re-purposed Maille Dijon Mustard jars, but if I had the time, I would have used these. I cut a piece of paper for the label and glued it onto the top. Nothing fancy, but the jam speaks for itself.
A recipe for Shallot Jam
This jam is delicious on everything! Add it to a grilled cheese sandwich or any kind of sandwich, or a rustic pizza with potatoes and rosemary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 small jars 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- one pound shallots, peeled and sliced very thin
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup dark beer (we used a non-alcoholic beer)
- 1/4 cup white sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
Instructions
Now let’s see what my friends put together for their fall tables!
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You are so darn clever you always put me to shame. I love the idea of using those tiny bottles for favors. I need something clever for thanksgiving since it will only be our family. I think I will make your shallot jam. I love to have jams like that on hand to serve over brie for a last minute appetizer. This will be my new favorite! How clever to use those religious candles from the grocery. Who would think of that besides you?!! Can I be you when I grow up?
You certainly had a beautiful Plan B from changing the setting from your backyard to your porch. Your table is beautifully set to enjoy the crisp Fall air with your pumpkin soup and hearing the rowers on the Long Island Sound. Loved how you used the amber bottles with the wildflowers as place cards. The jam sounds wonderful. I must say I love a great jam with soup and great bread on the menu. Happy to be participating with you today along with the other wonderfully talented ladies.
Have a great day!
CUTE ANNIE……………LOVE the little bottles!
Love your table outside! Your color scheme is inspired, and all your details make this a special table. Thank you for the inspiration, and also the recipe for the jam…going to try this soon! xo Lidy
Hi Annie, love your cute table on the porch. What a great idea to have friends over before it gets cold. How wonderful you guys can hear the rowers. That sounds magical. I will try the shallot jam! A really sweet idea for friends. Fun doing this with you. Wish we could all do lunch together again one day soon. Thank you for the beautiful ideas here! Hugs.
Wow Annie. This table has so many soulful touches beginning with the religious candles inside wax paper. I love the softened glow from the wax paper and that photo with the Buddha head creates such a lovely Zen vibe. I’m such a fan of the amber colored bottles, they make an utterly charming place card when you fill them with wildflowers. Your style exudes so much warmth and I would feel so comfortable hanging out on your porch.
BTW, thank you for your comment on my post, it was so kind.
You had me at the golden yellow table cloth – then I fell even harder for your table when I saw the tiny amber bottles filled with foraged wild flowers. Simply perfect Annie! Thank you for the recipe I will be making your shallot jam this weekend. Oh on a gooey grilled cheese – yes please!! xx
Speaking of golden yellow tablecoths! Kelly, your Buffalo plaid in gold is so gorgeous! The entire fall scene is stunning! I can’t wait to see your Christmas post!
Annie,
This looks like a fun table and I appreciate the Shallot Jam recipe. This is a fun collaboration. I’m getting all kinds of ideas for autumn small, safe get-togethers.
Karen
Hi Karen,
At least you’ll be able to have outdoor gatherings in beauitful California! We just had Madeline’s birthday dinner in Brooklyn at a cute restaurtant…all outdoor seating and even this early in October, it was quite chilly!
xo
annie
Annie! I always love the simplicity of your designs. And, these fall colors send me over the moon.
I can hardly wait to make the jam. I stocked up on gorgeous shallots from Rachel, one of our local farmers . I will tuck them away for Christmas gifts.
Enjoy the beauty of New York fall,
Diney from Camano Island
Hi Diney! You will not regret using Rachel’s shallots making this jam. It’s so good! But then I happen to love shallots! Let me know if you make it! Are you on instagram?
Thank you for reading MLT!
annie
Such a French approach to a delightfully casual meal with so many thoughtful details. Thank you for the sophisticated simplicity and presenting it all in an accessible way. You’ve included so many of my favorite things, and it all feels natural and organic. Happy fall, friend.
Michele! Thank you fo your sweet and generous note! I love that…a French approach…xx