How to Transition Your Dinnerware from Summer to Autumn

As you move from the heat of summer to the crisp beauty of autumn, it’s time to embrace all the opportunities season offers for celebration. Just as richer colors and cozy sweaters embody this time of year, your dinnerware can help set the mood for all the occasions you’ll host. The new season is the perfect time to transition your dinnerware to warmer-toned autumnal pieces and your Thanksgiving dishes. 

 

 

Changing Your Dishes and Updating Your Home for the Season 

 

Embrace the change from summer to autumn and refresh your home and your entertaining by swapping out your dishes and serveware. Changing your dishes for the season allows you to cycle through your collection and reinvigorate your surroundings.

While the summer season offers plenty of opportunities for hosting, we find most of those get-togethers are more casual in nature, often taking place bayside or poolside. The autumn season brings us back into routine and provides new moments to celebrate as we anticipate the height of hosting: the holidays. 

Ordinary days become more thrilling, filled with a sense of anticipation as you approach the holidays and bring out that Thanksgiving dinnerware or prepare for other special occasions. We’ll walk you through the best ways to transition your dishes from summer to autumn for an easier and more enjoyable experience.

 

 

The Benefits of Transitioning Your Dinnerware from Summer Styles to Autumn Designs

 

Dishes for the autumn season can offer a new and exciting visual appeal, embracing fall’s colors, textures, and feelings. Swapping out your dinnerware and serveware as the seasons change encourages you to use more of your collection, coordinating your dinnerware in a new way. It’s also a simple way to redecorate or update your home without major renovations and an easy way to rejuvenate your kitchen cabinets, dining room, dining table, and more. 

 

2 Simple Changes for an Autumnal Dinnerware Update:

1. Put away summer’s bright, bold colors and motifs and embrace cozier, warmer hues and textures along with seasonal dish sets such as your favorite Thanksgiving dinnerware.
2. Update centerpieces and table décor to reflect the season and its special holidays. 

Pro tip: The change of season is also a perfect time to declutter your dinnerware collection {something we all need!}. Transitioning from summer to autumn can provide an opportunity to assess what you have, what you need {hosting Thanksgiving? Maybe Thanksgiving dinnerware?}, and what you can donate or stow away for a while. Whether it’s a new set of Thanksgiving dishes or unique serving bowls, fresh additions can instantly revitalize your home and your table.

 

 

3 Steps to Transitioning Your Dinnerware from Summer to Autumn

 

 

Refreshing your dishes for the new season may sound time-consuming, but it’s easier than you think and can be an enjoyable experience in and of itself - just like the feeling of “nesting”. We’ve found that you can move smoothly into the new season in just three simple steps: 

 

 

1. Set the Mood and Gather Your Dinnerware Collection

The best way to start a project is to set up a scenario where you’ll enjoy the experience. Choose a day when you feel energized and excited to update your dining table and décor. 

Create a fun atmosphere so the action becomes more than just a chore. Play your favorite music, light an autumn-scented candle, and gather all your dinnerware from the cabinets and any decorative spaces on a big area, such as your dining room table or kitchen island. Don’t forget that this can also include your table linens, centerpieces, or other household décor items. 

 

2. Consider Colors, Patterns, and Motifs Appropriate for Autumn

Next, consider which items you want to use this season. Group your dinnerware into categories like shape, color, pattern, and design. Visit your storage area and evaluate all the items held there — unpack anything you might require, such as Thanksgiving dinnerware or dishes with warmer color schemes or autumn-inspired designs, and put those on your table as well. 

Now consider what events, parties, or occasions you may host this season and what serveware essentials you need to create beautiful tablescapes and home décor — does your current collection include everything you require? If not, assess what you might shop for, but don’t feel like you must completely overhaul or invest in a brand-new collection. 

 

3. Choose Your Dinnerware and Serveware for the Season and Store the Remainder 

Select all the dinnerware and décor you think you’ll need to create the perfect autumnal atmosphere in your home. If you are unsure about certain elements, store the dinnerware in an easily accessible spot. That way, it becomes a simple task to retrieve it if you reconsider.

Before moving everything neatly into its new destination — either storage, a cabinet, or to be displayed — take time to freshen up your dishware. Wash and dry each one or do a few loads in your dishwasher. When everything is clean, you can reconfigure your home, incorporating that fall feel.

 

Some of Our Favorite Everyday Dinnerware Collections for Autumn

 

Rather than feeling intimidated by investing in a myriad of autumn-themed or Thanksgiving dinnerware, you can curate a beautiful set that's perfectly suited to the season by selecting a handful of your most favorite specialty pieces, and then choose everyday essentials to build out the rest of your set. Instead, choose everyday essentials that match the overall look and feel of the season and use them to lean into fall. 

Think about working with a color palette of darker hues, such as deep oranges, greens, reds, and browns. Consider, too, the dish’s shape and function since, as the weather cools, you might start preparing heartier comfort foods like chili and chowder. 

Dinnerware that complements these types of meals can enhance your dining experience, making it more fitting for the season. Some of our favorite dinnerware collections that help create an inviting autumn atmosphere include:

 

 

Our Fundamentals Collection

 

 

We consider this as a foundational collection since the acacia wood dishes mix and match with so many other sets effortlessly. The signature ruffled edges add beauty to every tablescape — whether you choose to use just serving pieces, such as the Fundamental Wood Ruffle Platter, or want to coordinate the Fundamental Wood Ruffle Plate with your individual table settings. 

 

Our Crew Collection 

 

 

With its eye-catching arabesque-style edging, our black and white dishes add a bold touch to any table. The scalloped shapes make for modern décor, creating visual interest as a centerpiece or on your mantle. The versatile design may be layered with your Thanksgiving dinnerware or autumnal colors in your collection, allowing you to extend your design possibilities.

 

Our Deco Collection

 

 

Gold and white dishes add a modern touch to any celebration with their metallic accents. You can brighten up your table or décor instantly — whether you use the entire Deco Gold Scallop Place Setting or mix and match with other dish sets. 

 

 

Seasonal Dinnerware for an Effortless Autumn Tablescape

 

 

Dishes that celebrate the season can add a festive touch to your meals and align with autumnal holidays and seasonal celebrations like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and more. Our seasonal dinnerware often features designs that celebrate fall’s themes, like leaves, pumpkins, or harvest motifs, including our Thanksgiving dishes. Setting the table is a key factor in creating an unforgettable occasion. 

 

 

Inspiration for Your Autumn Tablescape

 

 

A new season opens up so many possibilities for designing a table you love. We adore autumn at Coton Colors and have developed different table setting looks that you can use to get inspired for all your season’s celebrations. Whether you want to host an intimate game night, a cocktail hour, or a gathering with friends, we can help you create an inviting atmosphere that showcases harvest and holiday vibes with bold colors and warm textures.

 

 

The Perfect Autumn Table Starts With a Theme

 

A themed gathering or dinner party makes a simple event memorable as guests enjoy food, drink, décor, and activities presented in a cohesive and creative way. Choosing an overriding theme fosters conversation and enhances the originality of a gathering so guests remember it for years. 

Not every occasion necessitates an experiential gathering like a “Great Gatsby” party or “Spooky Halloween” dinner {although these are fun!} — you can also capitalize on colors and motifs to capture a desired ambiance, playing with darker, deeper hues and nature-inspired elements like leaves, pumpkins, acorns, and corn.

We enjoy transforming ordinary occasions into unique affairs that embrace the harvest and have lots of tips on how to set a table for the season. There is no shortage of ideas for creating a memorable event. Besides choosing your dinnerware and serveware, you can accessorize your table with all kinds of centerpieces, candles, and table linens. 

 

 

Switch Up Your Serveware

 

Don’t forget to select the best serving spoons and forks, platters, spreaders, and serving bowls — these serving essentials are just as important to your tablescape as your dish sets, theme, and décor. Choosing the right serveware helps you present your prepared menu in a beautiful and functional way. 

You can build your serveware collection slowly, starting with foundational pieces that you’ll use for regular family meals and smaller gatherings. Neutral serveware, like our Ecru Quatrefoil Handled Tray or our Signature White Ruffle Casserole, can work across many seasons. As you upgrade your serveware, think about selecting alternatives that expand the number of guests you can host, are required items for favorite recipes, and feature holiday and seasonal patterns.

 

 

Play With Your Dinnerware 

 

 

Have fun when designing your fall tablescapes; you can even become adventurous and try different combinations. Mix and match using our Signature White Dish Collection with our Brass Napkins to bring autumnal colors to each place setting.

You can also interject a bit of blue into an autumn color palette, mixing our Fundamental Wood Ruffle Salad Plate with our Iris Blue Ruffle Dinner Plate, showcasing a bit of lingering summer blues with the appealing warmth of hand-carved acacia wood {or keep it simple and use a complete place setting}.

 

 

Setting the Table for Thanksgiving

 

 

The Thanksgiving table provides a unique celebration of the heart and hearth. Most Americans agree that gathering with family is one of the most important components of life. This holiday especially provides a moment to connect with loved ones, strengthen bonds, and build memories. 

The ideal Thanksgiving tablescape celebrates cherished traditions while offering something new each year. Our Thanksgiving dinnerware and serveware blend seamlessly with your existing dishes, allowing you to add new elements every holiday. 

 

 

Festive Thanksgiving Serveware

 

 

As you switch out your serveware, be sure to consider serving dishes used for your Thanksgiving menu. If you already have an extensive autumnal dish collection, Thanksgiving serveware can be an opportunity to bring a festive holiday touch to the table.

Set an ambiance of gratitude with our Give Thanks Round Board, which is perfect for displaying appetizers as family and friends gather. Add a decorative accent to your table and keep the mashed potatoes warm in our beloved Turkey Covered Bowl. 

 

 

Themed Thanksgiving Dinnerware

 

 

Design your Thanksgiving tablescape to match your evening’s mood. Whether you are hosting a Chop Night for preparations, a Friendsgiving, or a large family Thanksgiving, enjoy creating a festive backdrop for your meal with Thanksgiving dishes. 

Try mixing and matching patterns with our festive Turkey Stripes Ruffle Plates. Remind everyone of the reason for gathering with our Give Thanks Salad Plate, perfect for serving everything from appetizers to salads to slices of homemade pecan pie with a side of gratitude. If you have little turkeys at your table this season, be sure to accommodate them and allow their parents to stress less with melamine children’s Thanksgiving plates.

 

 

Autumnal Centerpiece Inspiration

 

 

An eye-catching centerpiece can complement your table setting, elevating your guests’ dining experience and setting the tone for your table. We like to get inspired by using the following techniques at our autumnal gatherings:

• Brighten your space with fall foliage: Either dry your own leaves to accent your table runner or candle arrangement, or preserve them and display them in a decorative dish.
• Showcase the cycle of nature: Use naked tree branches or fluffy grasses and place them in a vase or decorative container. The stark beauty will make an eye-catching accent piece on your coffee table, kitchen counter, or even as a table’s centerpiece.
• Seasonal figurines create magical holiday tableaux: Some of our favorites for each and every season come from artist Lori Mitchell and are available in our Flagship Stores. The oh-so-collectable characters feature the sweetest details and look wonderful on your table or in a China cabinet.

 

 

Get Inspired to Host This Autumn

  

Whether it’s a football watch party or a Thanksgiving feast, you can follow these tips and tricks to be ready to host all of your events this fall. Try curating your autumn gatherings by adding special elements to your celebrations. For instance, this time of year inspires so many themes you can link to your get-togethers {think of the possibilities of Halloween supplies alone!}.

Switching out your dishes and serveware for the new season makes it easier to host autumn gatherings that you’re proud of. With those warmer-toned pieces in more convenient spots, setting a beautiful seasonal table becomes almost effortless. You’ll have them readily available for all your entertaining needs, including for football games, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. Guests will feel special as you bring everyone together at your autumn-themed table setting, making each gathering you host this season feel distinctive and intentional.