Autumn-inspired Tabletops

Tabletops can be beautiful and inexpensive to make. Use seasonal natural elements to lend an autumn feel to your surroundings.

To create this eye-catching centerpiece (right), stretch two sturdy rubber bands around white pillar candles that are surrounded by sturdy vegetable stalks, such as green beans and asparagus spears.

Mask the bands by covering them with satin ribbons in golds, bronzes and sage greens. A hollowed-out artichoke or large apple makes a lovely container for a pillar candle. Place the candles on a platter, silver tray or terra cotta dish, and decorate with flowers, small white pumkins, berries and twigs. www.bhg.com

Covering a table runner with scattered faux leaves (from a craft store) is a gorgeous and inexpensive way to create a festive autumn table and a nice alternative to a traditional table cloth. Satin ribbon layered on the runner in complementary colors creates a more formal look. Place a compote in the middle of the runner and fill it with pomegranates, small pumpkins, assorted fruits and candles. This adds height to the tablescape. www.bhg.com

Fruit makes for excellent place cards that are simple to create. Use pears, crab apples, or small pumpkins and attach a handmade, hole punched name tag to the stem. www.marthastewart.com

Mercury glass candlesticks and votives or crystal candle holders are a great way to add a fresh contemporary look to your table. They pair well with pillar candles (check out the battery-powered varieties, as they are child and pet safe.) www.potterybarn.com

You can never have too many pumpkins around the house at Thanksgiving time. Arrange this versatile and colorful squash in the middle of your table. Add satin ribbon, colorful berries, twigs and small pinecones for added visual appeal. www.bhg.com

A blend of nature and glamour mixes the formal with the informal to make a style statement. Here, a pair of humble acorns gets a lift to luxurious by replacing one acorn with a large craft store pearl and tying up a linen napkin with a gorgeous velvet ribbon. www.bhg.com