It’s the time of transition: summer to fall, white sandals for leopard loafers, and bright green pillows for deep velvet ones. With a touch of briskness in the air, I decided to bring out some of my favorite little fall touches as a nod to this seasonal change.

I picked this gorgeous Ralph Lauren home tablecloth (similar here and here) that I found at Home Goods recently to use as the base for the table, then layered on my summer rattan-like chargers to add a little textural contrast. Roughly one-third of my tablecloths are Ralph Lauren Home (one of my favorites is still availableΒ here,Β used recently hereΒ and for Valentine’s). The patterns are terrific, they last through multiple washes, and they’re such an easy price point if you need something quick to make your table really stand out. The same goes for Kate Spade Home.

These chargers have been great with almost all of my summer get-togethers (similar here). They’re light and versatile, and the color makes them great transition pieces. I used our white porcelain dinner plates, ivory Sferra napkins (similar here and here), and these knotted napkin rings (similar ones here on Etsy) that we picked up during our last trip to the Homestead.

Pro tip: always buy things for the table (napkins, flatware sets, glasses, etc.) in pairs. Six pairs (12 total) is best and gives you the most flexibility with your spread. Four pairs (eight total) is good, especially if you are just starting out and building your entertaining closet. Two pairs (four total) is probably your minimum, though three pairs (six total) will give you much more room to grow. I’ve often found that the pieces I fall in love with are the ones I could only find six of years ago and now I find myself needing eight or ten. Trust me, if they’ve got three sets of four, buy all three. You can thank me (and yourself!) later.

Last season, I picked up this too-cute pumpkin at Nordstrom of all places. I know, I was surprised, too! I’ve found similar ones since then on Amazon. This season, I also have my eye on these MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Pumpkins to use around the house. Adding a few pinecones here and there are fun little accent pieces. You can pick them up at just about any store, or order them here.

I mixed these gorgeous brass candlesticks that I picked up antique shopping with these rose gold mercury glass votive holders. I purchased several sets of those votive holders in different colors last year, and found similar ones here and here. I just love the warmth that brass and rose gold gives off, especially during the colder months when the lighting changes and the weather gets cooler.

When you’re shopping for antique candlesticks, think height. In a perfect world, you’re able to find a pair of short ones, a pair of medium ones, and a pair of tall ones. The best part? The pairs don’t have to match each other perfectly. These certainly don’t, and I think it adds more interest that way. Look for pieces that cooperate with each other, but have slightly different accents. It’s a quick way to add some character to your tables.

Hydrangeas and green accent flowers in ginger jars added crisp, freshness to the tablescape – and a reminder that summer still has a few more days left!