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 "Fall marks a time for entertaining as friends and families come
back together," says visual merchandiser John Griffith. "The
brilliant bursts of reds, oranges and yellows mark the last
vestiges of color until spring, and people are looking to grab onto
those, especially those who appreciate nature as a decorating tool."
Griffith and his team create seasonal decorating vignettes for the
retail store at Replacements Ltd. The company is known as the
world's largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and
collectibles. Griffith's merchandising team has seen fall decorating
become an increasingly popular trend. Shoppers are requesting
recommendations for autumn decor, as opposed to waiting for the
traditional winter holidays to start seasonal decorating.
Industry insiders say manufacturers are answering the trend in
autumn decorating by offering more seasonal ornaments and dinnerware
patterns, especially for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
"People want a change, but with higher gas prices and the economic
uncertainty, they're worried about spending money," Griffith says. "Many of us don't realize we can give our homes a refreshing
seasonal style with what we already own. This starts with rethinking
how you use your tableware. Fall is a great time to forgo form for
function and use your dinnerware in creative ways that aren't only
pretty, but a great conversation starter for fall entertaining."
While most people think about using their dinnerware for its
intended purpose, finding new uses for those pieces opens up fun
ideas to style your table. For example, Griffith suggests turning a
balloon wine glass upside down over your favorite fall foliage,
small gourds, or seasonal ornaments, and then placing a votive on
the inverted base. This creates a pretty accent on the dinner table
or anywhere in the home.
Look out in your yard for pine cones, nuts, seasonal berries or
magnolia pods to arrange on silver serving trays, compotes or
various-sized serving bowls. You can even create unique centerpieces
by mixing various natural elements and candles on single cake
stands.
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Griffith suggests filling wine glasses with small seasonal-colored
ornaments to use at each place setting or in various rooms around
your home to capture a burst of color.
If you are looking to expand your dinnerware collection for fall
entertaining, experts say there is no shortage of options.
"You'll find fall and Thanksgiving dinnerware in traditional browns
and yellows, as well as this season's trend color, pumpkin orange,"
says Robin Long, Replacements' product marketing vice president . "You
can easily capture the spirit of the season simply by adding accent
plates to the patterns you already own. Another great option is to
add a decorated turkey platter or other serving pieces featuring
colors and designs of the season to your table."
You can set off each course, such as hors d'oeuvres or dessert, with
seasonal accent plates. Favorite Thanksgiving patterns include His
Majesty, Autumn Monarch and Wild Turkeys.
As an additional note, Long suggests pulling out your dinnerware and
flatware in preparation for fall entertaining. You may notice chips or cracks
or recall a broken piece that needs replacing. Silver may have lost its shine. She
says you can find replacement pieces and care tips on the company's website,
along with information on restoration services. You can also find more
decorating ideas on Replacements' YouTube channel and Facebook page.
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