When planning a seasonal table, our first stop for inspiration is right outside the window — because Mother Nature really does know best. Pull together hues, textures and patterns to create a cozy and welcoming gathering place for friends and family.

Though disposable ware might make for easier cleanup, a table set with beautiful dishes and real linens bridges the gap between casualness and formality. (And there's the added benefit that you're sending a lot less to the landfills.)

Keep scrolling to prep your table for an intimate fall dinner or your big Thanksgiving meal with these entertaining essentials.

The Best Fall Tablecloths & Table Throws

Set the scene with a beautiful tablecloth or table throw. As the base of your design, the tablecloth is your starting point to build upon with layers of chargers, plates, napkins and decorations. Simple embroidered linens lined in tassels, autumnal plaids or cloths adorned with festive pumpkins, leaves and harvest flowers – these beauties are the perfect first tier.

The Best Fall Table Runners

Whether placing on top of a tablecloth or adding softness to a bare table, a runner brings pattern to your tabletop without taking over the whole space. Timeless to trendy, these table runners deliver an array of styles to your display with classic jacquard weavings, delicate leaf prints, woodland creatures and colorful pumpkins.

The Best Fall Centerpieces

It's time to pull out all the candles and pumpkins. Create a warm, inviting centerpiece that reflects the season. Work in an array of pumpkins (either real or faux) and fall leaves or woody sprigs amidst candle holders and metallic spires for an unforgettable vignette.

The Best Fall Dinner Plates

Fall is all about gathering around a table, especially when it comes to the main event — Thanksgiving. Hence, the meal is really the star of the show, though your centerpiece is a close second. Grab dinner plates that are ready for a bounty of turkey, sweet potatoes and cranberries.

The Best Fall Side Plates

If you stick with a mainly solid dinner plate, it's easy to have fun with your smaller plates. Anthropologie's Nathalie Lete plates are a whimsical collection of autumn botanicals, mushrooms and adorable creatures, while their botanical sprig pattern brings in a more subtle touch of fall. Mixed wood plates would be an earthy pairing with these stoneware dinner plates, and the botanical pumpkin design juxtaposes nicely with these.

The Best Fall Napkins

Though mostly needed for their functionality, napkins are also required for their extra burst of color, texture or design — even if it's a simple "thankful" in the corner of all-white linen. Rather than buying napkins that match your tablecloth or runner, look for ones in a similar color scheme that brings a new pattern to your setting.

The Best Fall Napkin Rings

And to top it all off? The jewelry of your table — napkin rings — are the final touch. Metallics add glitz and glam. Nature-inspired ones establish an organic or rustic edge. Or the perfect blend of both, the leather rings merge sophistication and ruggedness into one.

The Best Fall Drinkware

Eat, drink and be merry with beautiful glassware. Glasses in autumnal shades, detailed in gold filigree or even shaped like a pumpkin inject your tablescape with a little extra charm. Don't be afraid to mix and match different tumblers and stemless wine glasses for a collected-over-time look.