7 Easy Coastal Fall Table Decor Ideas (Cottage Style)
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Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
Fall has always been my favorite season to gather around the table with family and friends.
As someone who lives and breathes coastal cottage style, I've discovered that you don't have to abandon your beachy aesthetic when autumn arrives.
In fact, I've found that blending seaside charm with cozy fall accents creates the most inviting and unique tablescapes.
This year, I'm sharing 7 of my favorite coastal fall dining table décor ideas that I'm using to style my own home.
From nautical pumpkins to oyster shell candles, each idea beautifully marries my love of the ocean with the warmth of autumn.
Key Takeaways:
Discover 7 creative coastal fall dining table decor ideas I'm actually using this season
Learn how to mix beach elements with traditional autumn accents without losing your coastal style
Get practical inspiration for Thanksgiving and cozy seasonal gatherings
Easy, budget-friendly tips to create a charming coastal cottage look
1. Nautical Pumpkin Centerpiece
Nothing says fall like pumpkins, but when styled with a coastal twist, they become the perfect bridge between autumn warmth and seaside charm.
This year, I'm using white and blue pumpkins instead of traditional orange ones, and the difference is stunning.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
Why I Love This for Fall Decorating:
The beauty of a nautical pumpkin centerpiece is that it captures autumn's cozy essence while staying true to my beach-inspired style. I can keep my coastal vibe without feeling like I'm decorating two different homes.
Plus, this centerpiece works perfectly from September straight through Thanksgiving, which means I'm not constantly redecorating.
How I'm Styling Mine:
I started with a collection of white, blue, and soft gray pumpkins—these muted tones blend seamlessly with my existing coastal palette. I arranged them in a weathered wooden dough bowl that I've had for years, and it's the perfect foundation.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
Here's exactly what I did:
Placed the dough bowl in the center of my dining table as the base
Arranged 5-7 pumpkins of varying sizes inside, mixing whites and blues
Tucked seashells, starfish, and small pieces of driftwood between the pumpkins
Added a few sprigs of dried wheat and eucalyptus for that fall texture
Wove in some battery-operated fairy lights for a warm evening glow
Where to Buy Coastal Pumpkins & Decor:
I bought my faux white and blue pumpkins here, along with my dough bowl and LED fairy lights
This is where I found the most beautiful hand-painted coastal pumpkins and unique nautical accents
Great for budget-friendly seasonal finds when I want to add more pumpkins without breaking the bank
The result? A centerpiece that feels both festive and coastal, and I get compliments every time someone sits at my table.
2. Driftwood and Candles
There's something magical about candlelight in the fall, and I'm using driftwood this year to create a centerpiece that feels organic and coastal.
I collected a beautiful piece of driftwood during a beach walk last spring, and I've been saving it for exactly this purpose.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
How I'm Styling Mine:
I found a sturdy piece of driftwood that's long enough to run down the center of my table—about 24 inches works perfectly.
Here's my setup:
Placed the driftwood down the center as my natural "runner"
Arranged pillar candles in varying heights (4", 6", and 8") in autumn shades like ivory, cream, and a muted burnt orange
Tucked small white pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones between the candles
Scattered bits of sea glass I've collected over the years for subtle sparkle
When I light the candles in the evening, the driftwood's weathered texture catches the glow beautifully. It creates such a warm, inviting atmosphere that I never want to leave the table.
Where I Sourced My Materials:
Faux driftwood pieces (for those who don't live near a beach) and LED pillar candles for safety
Real driftwood pieces and handmade coastal candle holders
Fall candle sets in those perfect autumn colors
3. Seagrass Placemats with Copper Accents
I'm all about texture, and this combination has become my signature fall look.
The organic feel of seagrass paired with the warm glow of copper creates a table setting that's both sophisticated and approachable; exactly how I want my guests to feel.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
How I'm Styling My Place Settings:
Layering is key here.
Starting with round seagrass placemats as my foundation
Layering copper charger plates on top for that metallic autumn warmth
Using crisp white dinner plates to keep things bright and coastal
Folding navy linen napkins and securing them with small sprigs of fresh rosemary tied with twine
The contrast between the natural seagrass texture and the polished copper is exactly the kind of visual interest I'm going for. It feels elevated but not fussy, which is important to me when I'm hosting.
Where I Found My Table Essentials:
Affordable sets of seagrass placemats (I bought a set of 6)
Handmade woven placemats and custom copper charger plates
Budget-friendly copper-tone dishware and serving pieces
4. Oyster Shell Votive Holders
Living near the coast means I have access to beautiful oyster shells, and I've been collecting them for years.
This fall, I'm finally putting them to use as votive holders, and they're adding such an elegant, rustic touch to my table.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
How I'm Styling Mine:
I'm keeping this simple and letting the shells be the star.
Arranged oyster shells in a line down my burlap table runner
Filled each shell with a small pinch of sand and a tealight candle
Nestled mini white pumpkins and pinecones between the shells for fall color
Added a few scattered seashells and small pieces of coral for extra coastal charm
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
When I light all the votives at once, the shells seem to glow from within. It's absolutely beautiful for dinner parties or even just a quiet evening at home.
Where I Got My Supplies:
Handmade oyster shell votive holders if you don't have access to real shells
Bulk oyster shells (already cleaned) and LED tealights for safety
My DIY Project:
I made my own permanent version by gluing oyster shells to small wooden bases using E6000 adhesive. Then I poured candle wax directly into the shells and added wicks. Now I have reusable oyster shell candles that I can refill year after year. It was a fun afternoon project that turned out beautifully.
5. Coastal Cornucopia
I'm giving the traditional Thanksgiving cornucopia a coastal makeover this year, and I'm so excited about how it's turning out. Instead of the typical woven basket, I'm using a large conch shell as my vessel, and it's such a conversation starter.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
How I'm Creating Mine:
This is my creative twist on a holiday classic:
Using a large conch shell (about 10-12 inches) as my cornucopia base
Filling it with an abundance of mini pumpkins, pinecones, seashells, and sprigs of dried wheat
Placing it on my linen table runner with scattered autumn leaves around the base
Adding a few pieces of driftwood and starfish nearby to reinforce the coastal theme
The mix of traditional harvest elements with beachy accents creates something truly unique.
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Where I Found My Materials:
Faux conch shells or oversized clam bowls that look incredibly realistic
Natural shells for decor in all sizes
Mini pumpkins, gourds, dried wheat, and fall foliage
My Creative DIY Alternative:
I actually transformed a thrifted wicker basket into my shell-like "cornucopia" for a secondary table. I painted it with pearly white acrylic paint, added texture with a sea sponge, and hot-glued seashells and rope trim around the rim. It cost me about $5 total, and guests can't believe I made it myself.
6. Beachy Lantern Centerpiece
Lanterns have always been a staple in my coastal décor, and they transition beautifully into fall. I'm using a tall nautical lantern as my centerpiece this year, and the warm glow it creates is perfect for those shorter autumn days.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
How I'm Styling Mine:
This centerpiece is all about creating ambiance:
Placed a weathered white nautical lantern (about 18 inches tall) in the center of my table
Surrounded it with a wreath I made from dried lavender, coastal grasses, and small white pumpkins
Put an LED pillar candle inside the lantern for a safe, flickering glow
Added a few scattered tea lights around the base for extra warmth
The combination of the lantern's structure with the soft, organic wreath creates a beautiful focal point. I can leave it up from September through November without it feeling dated.
Top 3 Must-Haves for Fall Beach Cottage Decor
Here are three specific fall decorating ideas that I use to transform my coastal home without losing that beachy charm.
Where I Sourced Everything:
Rustic and nautical lanterns in various sizes and finishes
Handmade wreaths featuring coastal grasses and dried botanicals
LED candles that look incredibly realistic
My DIY Wreath Project:
I made my own wreath base using dried grasses I collected from the dunes (with permission from our local beach access area). I attached them to a foam wreath form with hot glue, added some dried lavender from my garden, and tucked in small faux pumpkins. The whole project took me about an hour, and I saved at least $40 compared to buying a similar wreath online.
7. Seaside Herb Centerpiece
This is my favorite idea because it's beautiful, fragrant, and practical. I'm using fresh herbs as my centerpiece this fall, and I love that I can snip from them while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. It's coastal cottage living at its finest—pretty and purposeful.
Credit: Celeste Monroe Creative Studios
How I'm Creating Mine:
I'm keeping this fresh and simple:
Planted sage, thyme, and rosemary in terra cotta pots (about 4-6 inch pots)
Distressed the pots with white chalk paint and sandpaper for a weathered, seaside look
Arranged them in a line down my table runner
Placed small pieces of sea glass and votives in between each pot
Added a few small seashells at the base of each pot
The herbs add a wonderful fragrance to my dining space, and the green color keeps things feeling fresh and alive even as everything outside turns brown. Plus, when I'm cooking, I just reach over and snip what I need. It's both decorative and functional.
Where I Got My Supplies:
Local garden centers – Fresh herb plants that I can transplant
Weathered terra cotta pots and sea glass fillers
Handmade rustic pots if you want to skip the DIY
My DIY Pot Transformation:
I painted my regular terra cotta pots with a homemade "saltwash" solution; just mix equal parts paint and water with a tablespoon of sea salt. When it dries, you get that beautiful weathered, coastal effect. I used white and soft gray paint, and the pots look like they've been sitting on a beach cottage porch for years.
Final Thoughts: Creating Your Coastal Fall Table
I encourage you to mix textures freely. The contrast between smooth sea glass and rough driftwood, or sleek copper and nubby burlap, creates visual interest that keeps your table from feeling flat or one-dimensional.
Don't be afraid to break the "rules" of traditional fall decorating. If orange pumpkins feel too bold for your space, use white or blue ones instead.
If you love the beach, bring those shells right onto your Thanksgiving table. Your home should reflect your personality and the lifestyle you love.
I'm so excited to use these ideas throughout the season, and I hope they inspire you to create your own coastal fall tablescape.
There's something special about gathering around a thoughtfully decorated table with the people you love. It makes every meal feel like an occasion.
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