As the leaves turn and evenings draw in, autumn invites us to enjoy and value time around the table. It is a season made for generous suppers, candlelit warming dishes and tablescapes that feel as welcoming as the food itself. Think richly toned linens, branches gathered from the garden, heavily accessorised settings, and ceramics that bring texture, colour and a sense of occasion to everyday hosting. Nature is the overriding inspiration: woodland wildlife in illustrations, the changing colours of the landscape seen in detailing, and earthy tactile finishes that make a table feel relaxed yet considered. Whether hosting a harvest-style lunch, a family roast or an autumn dinner party with friends, Spode and Portmeirion offer three distinctive collections to embrace the season.
Spode’s Woodland collection
For a classic autumnal table, Spode’s Woodland collection is a natural place to begin. With its detailed depictions of British game birds framed by the collection’s distinctive floral border, Woodland captures the character of the countryside. It brings instant warmth and storytelling to the table, while feeling equally at home for an informal Sunday lunch or a more celebratory gathering. The beauty of Woodland lies in its ability to set the scene without making a table feel overly formal. Build a layered look by mixing dinner and side plates across the different bird designs, then introduce linen napkins in neutrals, deep olive or rust. Add amber glassware, taper candles and seasonal foliage, such as leaves, berries or branches, to echo the natural detail of the ceramics. The result is abundant, inviting and full of personality.
Gemma Harper, Senior Brand Manager at Spode comments: “Autumn is the perfect time to create a table that feels warm, relaxed and full of character. Woodland has such a strong connection to the British countryside, so it instantly brings the beauty of the season indoors. We love styling it with natural textures, rich colours and generous sharing food, creating a setting that encourages everyone to linger a little longer. Its ability to be layered and added to over time makes this a timeless classic that offers prominent autumnal themes but can equally be used year-round thanks to its splashes of golds, pinks and blues in the bird illustrations, bringing brightness to the table in all seasons.”
Portmeirion’s Minerals collection
For a more contemporary interpretation of the season, Portmeirion Minerals brings the earthy beauty of nature to the table. The stoneware collection combines textured forms with reactive glazes, meaning each piece has its own individual finish. Its five colourways, Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Aquamarine, Amethyst and Jade, can be used alone or mixed together for a table that feels expressive and effortlessly collected. For autumn, pair the deeper Amethyst tones with soft Moonstone neutrals, adding warm metallic cutlery and a simple centrepiece of dried foliage or statement vase with seasonal flowers. Minerals is ideal for hosts who favour an organic, unfussy look; its tactile curves and unique glazes provide interest without the need for excessive decoration. Serve comforting bowls of pasta, slow-cooked dishes or seasonal salads straight to the table and let the ceramics do the talking.
Portmeirion x Sara Miller 10 year anniversary collection
Known for playful prints, vibrant pattern and an expressive use of colour, the collection offers a spirited counterpoint to autumn’s earthier palette. Introduce Sara Miller London pieces as bright accents within a richly layered setting: colourful tableware, glassware or serveware can lift dark woods, berry-toned linens and seasonal flowers, creating a table that feels stylish without losing its sense of warmth.
Diane Clark, Senior Brand Manager at Portmeirion comments: “This collection is an ideal choice for celebratory autumn occasions, from warming mugs of coffee on a chilly morning to sharing dinners with friends. The joyful pattern of Sara Miller London creates a table with plenty of personality whilst the illustrations of birds with accents of gold bring the desired cosiness of the season.”
