Pink & Brass Fall Tablescape: Mixing Family Treasures With Autumn Style
There is something extra special about setting a table with pieces that have a story behind them. For this fall tablescape, I skipped the traditional oranges and browns and leaned into soft pink, warm brass and creamy white—with a collection of brass candlestick holders that once belonged to my mom taking centre stage.
My mom collected the brass candlesticks while living in Saudi Arabia, and over the years they became one of those collections that is about so much more than décor. I love finding ways to actually use treasured pieces rather than keeping them tucked away.
And once I decided the candlesticks were going on the table, there was really only one thing to do: recreate my candle napkin fold.
A Soft Pink Fall Tablescape
Who says a fall table has to be orange?
I started this tablescape with a soft pink and white gingham tablecloth. The pale colour palette feels light and unexpected for autumn while still giving me the cozy, layered look I love.
Pink scalloped chargers add another layer of colour beneath simple white dinnerware. I kept the dishes neutral because there is already plenty happening down the centre of the table—and those gorgeous brass candlesticks deserved to be the stars.
The combination of pink, white and aged brass feels feminine without being overly sweet, and the little touches of autumn keep the table firmly planted in the season.
Decorating With My Mom’s Brass Candlesticks
The inspiration for this entire table really came from my mom’s collection of brass candlestick holders.
She collected them while living in Saudi Arabia, and I love that no two are quite the same. There are different heights, shapes and designs, and instead of trying to make everything match, I grouped them together along the centre of the table.
That mix is exactly what makes the arrangement work.
Some hold tall pink tapers, others hold shorter candles, and my circular multi-candle holder is filled with pink twisted candles. The different heights create movement down the table and make the centrepiece interesting from every angle.
More importantly, every time I look at them I think of my mom. That is my favourite kind of decorating—beautiful pieces made even more beautiful because of the memories attached to them.
Mixing Pink Candles With Vintage Brass
Once I gathered all the brass together, I knew I wanted to soften it with pink.
Rather than using identical candles, I mixed several styles and shades. There are classic pink taper candles, chunkier candles and twisted pink tapers ranging from blush to a deeper rosy pink.
Normally I might be tempted to make all the candles perfectly uniform, but I actually love the mismatched effect here.
The warm patina of the brass keeps the pink from feeling too spring-like, while the pink gives the older brass pieces a fresh, updated look.
Adding Simple Fall Details
To bring autumn into the softer colour palette, I scattered a few small pumpkins among the candlesticks. White pumpkins blend beautifully with the dishes, while the little grey-and-white buffalo-check pumpkins add pattern without competing with the gingham tablecloth.
Small floral arrangements bring in more traditional fall texture and colour. White flowers, sunflowers, autumn leaves, berries and pinecones add just enough gold, brown and green to connect everything back to the season.
I also tucked the arrangements into simple glass vases and repurposed wine bottles. I love using things I already have when I set a table, and the dark glass works surprisingly well with the antique brass.
Keeping the Place Settings Simple
With such a dramatic collection running down the centre of the table, I kept each individual place setting fairly simple.
I layered my pink scalloped chargers with classic white dinner plates and white bowls. Silver flatware and clear wine glasses keep everything clean and timeless.
But there was one detail I couldn’t resist.
The Candle Napkin Fold
With all those candlesticks on the table, how could I not bring back my candle napkin fold?
I used soft pink cloth napkins and folded each one into a standing candle shape before placing it in the centre of the bowl.
The napkins repeat the shape of the real candles running down the table, and that little connection is what pulls the whole tablescape together.
It is whimsical without being fussy—and definitely a conversation starter.
I’ll share the complete step-by-step candle napkin fold tutorial separately so you can recreate it for your own fall, Thanksgiving or holiday table.
Using Sentimental Pieces in Your Tablescapes
One thing I have learned after setting countless tables is that you don’t need to buy an entirely new collection every season.
Start with something you already love.
For me, this time it was my mom’s brass candlesticks. Once I had those on the table, everything else followed naturally: pink candles, the gingham tablecloth, simple white dishes, fall florals and pumpkins.
Vintage pieces, family treasures and things collected while traveling can make a table far more personal than anything purchased specifically to match.
And don’t worry if everything isn’t identical. Different heights, finishes and shapes can actually make a centrepiece much more interesting.
A Different Take on Fall Decorating
I love a traditional autumn table filled with pumpkins, oranges and warm earthy tones, but sometimes it is fun to take fall in a completely different direction.
This pink and brass fall tablescape still has all the things I associate with the season—candles, pumpkins, fall leaves, pinecones and a table ready for everyone to gather around—but the blush pink gives it an unexpected twist.
And having my mom’s Saudi Arabian brass candlestick collection running right through the centre makes this table particularly special to me.
After all, the best tables aren’t necessarily the most perfectly coordinated ones.
They’re the ones filled with stories.
Shop Your Home Before You Set the Table
Before you head out looking for new fall décor, take another look at what you already own. Pull out those candlesticks you’ve forgotten about, mix your vintage pieces with newer finds, repurpose bottles as vases and don’t be afraid to use a colour that isn’t traditionally associated with fall.
Sometimes one treasured collection is all you need to inspire an entirely new tablescape.
And in my case, apparently one brass candlestick collection requires a whole lot of pink candles. 🩷🕯️🍂
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