Creating an Autumnal Oasis in Your Dining Room

 

Creating an Autumnal Oasis in Your Dining Room!

Bonus - Step-by-step guide on creating your own autumnal table runner and placemats.

It's currently autumn in South Africa, which means the air is becoming crisp, the leaves are turning into fiery colors of red, orange, and yellow, and the promise of cozy evenings with loved ones is in the air. This season is the perfect time to bring those warm and inviting autumn vibes into your home, especially your dining room, which is often the heart of many delicious family meals. As a chromotherapist, I can help you achieve this goal by using the power of color to create a truly magical atmosphere.

Now, you may be wondering, "What exactly is a chromotherapist?" We believe in the power of color and its impact on our well-being. Colors are more than just visual; they can influence our mood and energy levels. Therefore, when it comes to decorating your dining room, choosing the right colors can make all the difference.

Imagine stepping into a room with bright, fiery orange walls. Instantly, you might feel a surge of energy, a sense of excitement. Now, swap that orange for a calming blue, and suddenly you feel soothed, and relaxed. That's the power of color!

Here's the science behind it: colors trigger the release of specific hormones in our bodies. Reds and oranges, with their fiery energy, stimulate conversation and increase appetite – perfect for a dining room setting. Warm yellows evoke feelings of happiness and optimism, while deep greens and browns bring a sense of grounding and connection to nature.

So, how do we translate this knowledge into a stunning autumnal dining room? Let's ditch the starkness of winter and the vibrancy of summer and embrace the rich jewel tones of autumn! Look at it this way...

Ruby Reds: This deep, luxurious color represents warmth, passion, and a sense of abundance. Imagine a statement wall in a rich ruby, instantly creating a feeling of warmth and inviting conversation. Don't worry, you don't need to go full-on crimson cave! A deep red accent wall or just a beautiful rug with pops of ruby can achieve the same effect.

Burnt Oranges: This fiery hue embodies the essence of fall foliage. It stimulates the appetite, encourages conversation, and adds a touch of playfulness. Burnt orange table runners or throw pillows can add a vibrant touch without overwhelming the space.

Sunny Yellows: Like a ray of sunshine on a crisp autumn day, this color brings cheerfulness and optimism. Yellow can be incorporated through accent pieces like artwork with autumnal landscapes or a cheerful yellow vase filled with seasonal flowers. Just a touch is enough to brighten the space.

While the warmer tones are the stars of the show, don't forget the grounding elements that nature brings!

Crisp Greens: A touch of emerald or sage green can balance the vibrancy of the warmer colors and bring a sense of nature's tranquility. Consider botanical prints on the walls or green placemats for a subtle touch.

Deep Browns: Earthy browns evoke feelings of stability and comfort, perfect for creating that cozy autumn vibe. Woven baskets for storing tableware, brown table legs, or even a textured brown throw blanket draped over a chair can add a touch of rustic elegance.

Now that we've painted a picture of your dream autumnal dining room, let's talk about setting the stage for a perfect meal! Here's where you can get creative and have some fun.

The Foundation: Start with a beautiful table runner. Think rustic orange with a textured weave, like fallen leaves gathered on the forest floor. This sets the tone for the entire tablescape.

Placemat Power: Nestle in some deep red placemats for each guest. The red will complement your statement wall or accent pieces and create a feeling of warmth and intimacy.

Napkin Flair: Don't underestimate the power of napkins! A pop of sunshine yellow adds a touch of playful color and complements the fiery oranges and deep reds beautifully. For a touch of elegance, consider cloth napkins in a sunny yellow hue.

The Centerpiece Masterpiece: Consider using a vintage galvanized metal bucket instead of the typical autumn basket centerpiece. This will add a charming rustic touch that complements the natural elements beautifully. You can find these buckets at flea markets, antique shops, or even some garden centers.

1.    Fill your bucket with colorful autumn leaves. Use a mix of reds, oranges, yellows, and even some deep browns for a truly autumnal feel. You can add some dried pinecones to your leaves. This not only creates a beautiful base but helps to anchor the arrangement.

2.    For a different centerpiece, you can create a cluster of candles. Use a variety of pillar candles in different heights and colors. Think about incorporating deep reds, burnt oranges, and maybe even a touch of creamy white or ivory for contrast. Nestle the candles amongst autumn leaves, creating a sense of height and visual interest.

3.    Don’t like buckets, baskets, or candles? Then personalize it! Scatter some pinecones or acorns around the candles for a touch of the forest floor. You could even add a few sprigs of berries or cinnamon sticks for a pop of color and a hint of autumn spice.

4.    Don’t have space on your table for a centerpiece? consider tying some raffia or twine around the base of glasses or your napkins. This adds a natural element and complements the rustic charm. Additionally, a string of small fairy lights tucked amongst the leaves and candles can create a magical ambiance, especially in the evenings.

Bonus Tip: If you're feeling extra creative, you can spray paint the galvanized bucket a deep bronze or copper color. This adds a touch of sophistication and will further elevate the rustic elegance of the centerpiece.

 

Lighting: Once the sun sets, create a warm and inviting atmosphere with strategically placed lamps. Go for warm white bulbs and consider table lamps with shades in rich jewel tones or natural fibers like woven baskets.

Texture Play: Don't be afraid to mix different textures to add visual interest and a touch of cozy comfort. For example, you can combine woven baskets, velvet, knitted chair pillows, and cotton tablecloths.

Seasonal Scents: Consider enhancing the autumnal atmosphere with scented candles, essence sticks, or simmering potpourri - featuring subtle scents like cinnamon, clove, pumpkin spice, sandalwood, pine, or dried rose.

Personal Touches: This is your dining room, so personalize it! Display family heirlooms, artwork with autumnal themes, or photos from past harvest gatherings.

With a little planning and creativity, your dining room can become a warm and inviting haven for a get-together with family and friends. Imagine a space bursting with the rich colors of autumn, where the warmth spills beyond the décor and onto the table laden with delicious food in autumn colors. Think Sticky Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, Squash Fritters with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce, Peach Cream Pie, and Creamed Corn with Herbs. Just to name a few – a feast for the eyes and the stomach! You can create a space that sparks joy and togetherness for you and your loved ones. It's the perfect setting for laughter, conversation, and making memories that will last a lifetime. So, get creative, embrace the abundance of autumn, and prepare to savor delicious food in a truly special atmosphere!

👉Check out the delicious food in autumn colors! - https://medium.com/@coetzee.ietsanders/beat-the-autumn-blues-with-sunshine-on-a-plate-3e9ccc160aa5

Step-by-step guide on creating your own autumnal table runner.

Materials:

• Fabric: You'll need two contrasting fabrics that complement your chosen autumn color palette. Consider rich jewel tones like ruby reds, burnt oranges, sunny yellows, or even a touch of crisp green or deep brown. Aim for at least 1-2 yards (1.7 meters) of each fabric, depending on the desired length of your table runner and any planned embellishments.
• Sewing Machine and Basic Sewing Supplies: Thread, scissors, pins, seam ripper (optional), iron.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure your table runner fits your table perfectly.
• Ruler: For creating straight lines.
• Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat (optional): These make for more precise cuts, especially if you're new to sewing.

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut:
• Decide on the desired length and width of your table runner. Aim for a width that allows the runner to drape over the sides of your table by a few inches on each side (typically 12 - 18 inches / 30 - 46 cm).
• Measure and mark the dimensions of each fabric.
• Cut out two rectangles, one from each fabric.
2. Prepare the Fabric Pieces:
• Iron each piece of fabric flat to remove any wrinkles.
3. Sewing the Pieces Together (Choose one of the methods below):

Method 1: Simple Seam * Place the two fabric pieces right sides together (the pretty sides facing each other). * Pin the edges along all four sides, leaving a seam allowance of ½ inch (or 1.3 cm) from the raw edges. * Sew along the pinned edges using a straight stitch on your sewing machine. * Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching for reinforcement. * Clip the corners diagonally at a 45-degree angle to allow for easier turning.

Method 2: French Seam (for a more finished look) * Place the two fabric pieces wrong sides together (the pretty sides facing outwards). * Pin the edges along all four sides, leaving a seam allowance of ½ inch (or 1.3 cm) from the raw edges. * Sew along the pinned edges using a straight stitch on your sewing machine. * Trim one of the fabric pieces close to the seam (about ¼ inch or 0.6 cm). * Press the seam open flat. * Fold the remaining fabric piece (with the wider seam allowance) over the trimmed edge and towards the wrong side of the project. Pin along the folded edge. * Sew close to the fold, encasing the raw edge and creating a clean finish.

4. Finishing Touches:
• Turn the table runner right side out through the gap you left in one of the seams (if using Method 1).
• Use a blunt object like a chopstick to gently push out the corners and ensure sharp edges.
• Iron the table runner flat.
• Close the gap left for turning by hand stitching it shut or using a sewing machine with a blind stitch hem.
• Optional: You can topstitch around the entire perimeter of the table runner close to the edge (about ⅛ inch or 0.3 cm) for a more finished look.
5. Embellishments (Optional):
• Get creative! Here are some ideas to personalize your table runner:
• Add a border of ribbon or bias tape in a contrasting autumn color.
• Use fabric paints or stencils to create autumnal motifs like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns.
• Hand-sew or embroider simple autumnal designs onto the fabric.
• Add buttons, beads, or small pinecones for a touch of rustic charm.

Step-by-step guide on creating your own beautiful and functional placemats.

Materials:

• Fabric: Choose a fabric that complements your décor and is easy to care for. Cotton or linen are popular choices. You'll need enough fabric for two placemats. A good starting point is:
• Fabric amount: ½ yard (0.46 meters) for 2 placemats. This assumes a standard placemat size of approximately 18" x 12" (46 cm x 30 cm).
• Fabric width: Consider fabric that's at least 36" (91 cm) wide to accommodate two placemats with minimal waste.
• Sewing Machine and Basic Sewing Supplies: Thread, scissors, pins, seam ripper (optional), iron.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure your placemats are the desired size.
• Ruler: For creating straight lines.
• Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat (optional): These make for more precise cuts, especially if you're new to sewing.

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut:
• Decide on the desired size of your placemats. A standard size is 18" x 12" (46 cm x 30 cm), but you can adjust this to your preference.
• Measure and mark the dimensions on your fabric.
• Cut out two rectangles, ensuring you have enough fabric for both placemats.
2. Prepare the Fabric Pieces:
• Iron each piece of fabric flat to remove any wrinkles.
3. Finishing the Edges (Choose one of the methods below):

Method 1: Simple Hem * Fold the raw edge of the fabric inwards by ½ inch (1.3 cm) twice to create a double fold. * Pin the folded edge along all four sides of each placemat.
* Sew a straight stitch close to the inner fold (about ¼ inch or 0.6 cm from the edge) to secure the hem.

Method 2: Pinked Edges (for a decorative touch) * If your fabric frays easily, consider pinked edges instead of a hem. * Using pinking shears, cut a narrow zigzag along the raw edges of each placemat.

4. Optional: Add Fusible Fleece (for extra body and heat resistance)
• Cut two pieces of fusible fleece (a heat-activated interfacing) slightly smaller than your placemats (around ¼ inch or 0.6 cm smaller on all sides).
• Following the manufacturer's instructions, iron the fusible fleece to the wrong side of each fabric piece.
• This adds structure and helps protect your placemats from heat.
5. Finishing Touches:
• Iron the finished placemats flat.
• You can personalize your placemats further by adding embroidery, fabric paint designs, or applique embellishments (optional).

Tips:

• Wash and dry your fabric before sewing to account for any shrinkage.
• If you're a beginner at sewing, consider practicing with scrap fabric before working on your actual table runner or placemat materials.
• Use a walking foot attachment on your sewing machine if you're working with slippery fabrics like silk or satin.

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👀 Looking to create a stunning space that speaks to your unique style? Wondering how you can use color to complement your home or which accessories can take it to the next level? Don't hesitate to send an email to coetzee.ietsanders@gmail.com with all the details of your inquiry. While I may be busy answering other queries, I promise to get back to you as soon as possible. I can provide the guidance you need to create a beautiful, functional space that you'll love coming home to.

Are you in need of urgent assistance? Then look no further than my Priority Inquiry Option! For a nominal fee of R100 ZAR (5.31 USD)  via PayPal, you'll receive the highest possible priority for your inquiry. Here's how you can benefit from this service:

1. Send proof of payment and your inquiry to coetzee.ietsanders@gmail.com with the subject line "Paid."

2. Your inquiry will be fast-tracked, ensuring prompt attention and a detailed response customized to your needs.

Don't hesitate to contact me for more information on alternative payment methods. Thank you and I look forward to assisting you!

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