Trick or treating is no longer a feature of my life since the babes have flown the nest, but I do still like to mark the season anyway by throwing an elegant relaxed little grown-up supper party. That said, orange pumpkin lanterns are just not going to cut it in terms of elegance. I do love the vibrant fiery colours of Autumn but I wanted to create something a little quieter and sophisticated for this table. Rather than heading straight for the florists though, I decided to take a wander in the garden and take a look at whats really happening out there and here’s what I found…

An elegant halloween supper table, by Jane Ashton

I picked a few of the delicate roses, a lone gladioli, a few stems of a pretty shrub with wine coloured berries, a stem of seeded flower heads, gathered a few conkers and some tall languishing tarragon.
click here to watch the how to video

I started with a charcoal grey natural linen tablecloth, I love its casual un-ironed style, the perfect laidback backdrop for this look. Next I took 3 stems of my trusty faux winter foliage by Abigail Ahern, I bought these a few years ago and they have been such a great investment as they can be used in arrangements and tablescapes year round. Their long flexible form act as a great starting structure.
I laid two stems at opposite ends deciding where I want the centre piece to finish and then lay a third in the middle. Unless you want to remove the tablecloth and hang on to the arrangement for a few days, there’s no real need to attach the stems in this instance since its in situ and isn’t going anywhere.

Then I layered up the tarragon with three stems of the red berry foliage.

And although I have just said work in odd numbers, in this case I used four but I used two roses together but acting as one, to create a little asymmetry.

Using foliage and flowers that are actually growing now in your garden and in their seasonal form creates a seamless transition from the outside to the inside. This will add a comfortable and relaxed feel to your table and room because it’s a true reflection of whats happening in real time in your natural surroundings.
Elegant styling and entertaining doesn’t have to cost the earth, often there are so many things on our own doorstep. I hope I have inspired you to head outside and capture a little of the garden and bring it home.
If you would like to watch the ‘how to’ video click here
Happy Halloween,
