A new take on fall color palettes of the past
...and how to incorporate them into this year's autumnal gatherings.
We’ve always tried to push the limits of color at 100 Layer Cake. Whether it was in the weddings we shared, the inspiration we collected, or our own designs, we were all about using colors in new and unexpected ways. Actually, our colorboards were one of the first columns that got widespread attention, all the way back in 2009. Countless readers saved, pinned and obsessed over them (just as we did), we did giveaways with them, and best of all: they were oh so fun to make. Let’s take a little gander back at some of our favorite fall boards and see how they apply today, unearthing the inspiration for your own cozy gatherings in these -Ber months we’re in.
Espresso and Lemon Curd
Let’s start with brown, because fall is all about earthy hues. But let’s go bold with a deep espresso—romantic and sultry. Pairing it with an autumn bright like lemon curd with a touch of rust and peach is still a fresh twist.
You can shop the look for your fall table + home here in our guide, featuring everything from rich wood-toned and marble platters to ceramic dinnerware to vintage champagne glasses.
Deep Plum and Violet
This one is all about blending dark and moody hues to take you from spooky season all the way through to winter—no need for bright color except gilded gold accents here and there, though you can soften it a bit with smoke grey as your neutral, and perhaps a centerpiece of blush colored blooms mixed with fall foliage.
Black, browns, and tans—you need not choose just one! Put earth tones against black and white with pops of plum for an unexpected Friendsgiving vignette. Shop the products here.
Auburn and Gold
Deep reds and golds are the most vibrant hues of fall, why not combine them with moody plum and midnight for an intimate gathering? Use auburn and rust foliage, paired with fall fruits and vegetables as your centerpiece, accenting with a wool-toned cream for more contrast.
Gold will always be a staple for fall entertaining, don’t you think?
A Softer Take
Peach for fall? Offset deep autumnal tones with bright neutrals and a pop of sunny lemon… much like the Aspens, trees that grow even in winter, this palette gives us a brighter take on fall.
Planning Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or a fall gathering of your own? Time to choose a colorboard to set the mood…
Really nothing better than a fall color palette under candlelight