6 Simple Tips to Nail Your Fall Tray Decor This Season

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year to decorate, and creating a beautiful fall tray is the perfect way to bring the season’s warmth into your home. Whether you’re arranging it on a coffee table, kitchen island, or entryway, a fall tray adds a touch of coziness that sets the mood.

Plus, it’s a versatile decor piece that’s easy to change up! If you’re as excited as I am to bring the fall vibes indoors, this guide will walk you through some easy, stylish tips for curating the perfect tray.

If you’re ready to transform your space with stunning fall tray decor, here are six tips to get you started!

A wooden tray holding white pumpkins and a ceramic pitcher filled with cotton stems and dried leaves, placed near a window with soft natural light.

A cozy fall display featuring a lit candle in a beige holder, small white pumpkins, pinecones, and acorns arranged on a wooden tray with a plaid blanket.

A wooden tray decorated with a white ceramic pumpkin, a small chalkboard sign that says "Fall," a lit candle, and golden wheat stems, creating a warm autumn vibe.

A fall-inspired tray with a lit candle, small pumpkins, pinecones, and a green plaid cloth, perfect for a cozy autumn setting.

A light wood tray with two white pumpkins, a vintage lantern holding a white candle, and a vase filled with dried pampas grass, creating a minimalist fall display.

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How to Pull Off the Perfect Fall Tray Decor

A well-decorated fall tray is all about blending style with a seasonal touch. To make it work, focus on incorporating cozy elements that reflect autumn’s colors and textures. Think pumpkins, leaves, and wooden accents, but also don’t be afraid to add personal items that reflect your home’s unique vibe.

Choose a mix of natural and seasonal items.
Include personal pieces that tell your story, such as small framed quotes or mementos.
Think about where you’re placing the tray and tailor the design to match the surrounding decor.

A rustic metal tray with three pillar candles, one small pumpkin, and a brass-colored vase filled with white flowering branches, sitting on a wooden table.

A modern fall tray decor arrangement with three white pumpkins, a blue-and-white decorative jar, and dried maple leaves, placed on a light-colored coffee table.

A cozy fall setup featuring a white vase filled with pampas grass, a lit candle, small pumpkins, and cinnamon sticks on a wooden tray.

A warm autumn display featuring multiple lit candles, small pumpkins, pinecones, and dried flowers in a vase, placed on a wooden tray in a cozy living room.

A minimalist fall tray with a vase of pampas grass, a lit candle, and small white and orange pumpkins, creating a soft and neutral autumn aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Tray for Your Fall Display

Before diving into decor, you’ll need the perfect tray to start with. The tray itself can be just as important as the decor you place on it! Consider size, shape, and material when making your choice. Wood, metal, or ceramic trays work wonderfully for fall because they blend seamlessly with seasonal themes.

Opt for a wooden tray for a rustic, warm feel.
Try a round or rectangular tray depending on the space and surface.
Choose a larger tray if you want to display multiple layers of decor items.

If you’re styling an entryway, a tray on the table can serve as the perfect welcoming touch. Learn more about styling your fall entry table decor.

A light wooden tray displaying white pumpkins, a rustic lantern, a lit candle, and dried pampas grass, creating a soft, neutral fall aesthetic.

A round wooden tray with two white pumpkins, a mason jar filled with cotton stems and cinnamon sticks, and a brass vase holding dried leaves, for a warm fall look.

A rectangular wooden tray with two speckled pumpkins, pinecones, copper-colored decorative items, and a lit lantern, perfect for cozy fall decor.

A brass tray with a tall white candle, cotton stems, cinnamon sticks, dried leaves in a jar, and a golden jar candle, creating an elegant autumn setup.

A simple fall tray decor featuring two white pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and cotton stems in a glass jar, accented by a wooden candle holder.

Curating a Color Palette for Your Fall Tray Decor

Selecting the right colors is crucial for capturing that cozy, autumnal feel. Rich, earthy tones like deep oranges, mustard yellows, and browns set the foundation, but you can always add a few unexpected pops to keep it fresh.

Stick to a color palette of 2-3 main shades.
Consider using metallics like gold or copper for a touch of glam.
Don’t be afraid to add a pop of green with faux or real greenery to balance out the warmth.

A round wooden tray featuring a white pumpkin, wheat sprigs, pinecones, and two vintage candle holders, creating a rustic fall vignette.

A tray with a knitted white pumpkin, dried hydrangea flowers in glass vases, and a gold tray holding cinnamon sticks and a small bottle, for a cozy fall feel.

A light wooden tray holding a knitted pumpkin, dried hydrangea flowers in a vase, two candles, and cinnamon sticks tied with twine, creating a warm autumn ambiance.

A woven basket-style tray with white pumpkins, eucalyptus leaves, a lit candle, and cinnamon sticks, arranged on a cozy, neutral-toned couch.

A dark wooden tray with white and orange pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, a lit candle in a glass jar, and dried fall leaves, creating a cozy autumn look by a window.

Balancing Height and Texture in Your Tray Display

One of the keys to an eye-catching fall tray is variety in height and texture. Mixing up these elements will keep your arrangement from looking flat or too uniform. Varying the heights of your items adds visual interest, while different textures create depth. Balancing height and texture will make your tray stand out, especially in common areas like a fall living room.

Use tall candlesticks or vases to add height.
Combine smooth surfaces like ceramics with rougher textures like wood or burlap.
Layering smaller items like pinecones, leaves, and small pumpkins brings dimension.

Utilizing Candles and Lighting for a Cozy Vibe

Candles are a fall decor essential, and adding them to your tray is a simple way to make the whole space feel cozier. The soft glow of candles creates a welcoming ambiance, perfect for autumn evenings.

Add pillar candles, tea lights, or lanterns to your tray.
Choose scents like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or vanilla for that extra fall touch.
If you’re worried about open flames, try flameless candles or small fair y lights.

Bringing Your Fall Tray Decor Together

Once you’ve chosen your tray, selected your colors, and played with textures and lighting, it’s time to bring everything together. Make sure each piece feels intentional and contributes to the overall fall vibe. Don’t be afraid to rearrange until it feels right!

Step back and assess your tray’s balance and symmetry.
Keep things simple and avoid overcrowding.
Switch up the items as the season progresses, adding or swapping pieces to keep things fresh.

ENJOY!

Creating a beautiful fall tray doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about playing with elements that make you feel cozy and capturing the essence of the season. I hope these tips inspire you to create your own fall tray masterpiece—one that warms up your home and brings joy every time you pass by it. Happy decorating!