Frugal Fall

I got a call yesterday from my very close friend /-slash-/designer extraordinaire, and sister-at-heart, Rachel, from the White Sands Inn. Her cousin is getting married this November and her aunt is hosting the rehearsal dinner. She is about as "frugal" as they come, bless her heart; and had the idea of placing stems of silk (fake!) fall leaves around the candles that will already be provided at their venue. She just wanted to know if I had any ideas of something they can do on the cheap themselves without breaking the bank...or even the change purse. And I slapped together a little inspiration:

Fall is the easiest time to find something really classy for your table without the expense. Mums are found on just about every corner, last for over a week when separated from the soil, and come in so many different colors. I bought small ones for my porch last year for less than $2.00 a pot! Bunch them in a earth-tone bowl and they are simplistic and beautiful (like shown above).

You can use any seed or stems from the trees outside, cutting the day of, up to a couple of days ahead of time. Just make sure to put your stems in water to keep fresh. My very favorite idea is the one above in the center. Use stems from a colorful tree and use a beautiful or even clear vase. Adding little "notes of love" to hang from the branches to the groom and bride-to-be would be a surprising little detail.

I love the idea of using natural items for place cards. Use dried leaves and gel-ink pens...even pears spray painted gold with a natural tag connected with the guests name would be chic. Also, any clear cylindrical vase with fall fruits placed in them would be a great idea.

Add a few forsythia stems to your table. They are bright yellow and bring a pop to the table. Hey, yellow is a fall color too, you know. And talk about cheap...they grow in my yard.

I think the best way to make a table interesting without spending a lot of money is using candles for the best lighting. Make sure you incorporate different heights of items for interest, and don't forget your linens! Even a runner or bold napkin will bring contrast and fun.