There’s something magical about September. Maybe it’s because summer’s languid humidity gives way to a refreshing breeze. Or it could be the colours, which seem to come alive in a fiery show of auburn, mustard and bronze. Whatever the reason, when it comes to outdoor entertaining, we’re eager to take advantage of every September minute and enjoy the outdoors before the first frost comes. Here, contributing design editor Christine Hanlon shows how a simple swap of outdoor decor accessories can take a summery tablescape to a fall feast for the senses in the Toronto garden of Victoria Mifsud-Teti and Tony Teti, owners of the shop Rizo Lola & Company.


Photography by Angus Fergusson

Summer table setting
Love the look? Find out how to get this stylish summer setting on the next page.

Summer table setting
Get the summer look with these four amazing tabletop accessories:

1 Soda lime pitcher
Coloured glassware lends a fresh look that’s suited to light, warm-weather fare. Anthropologie, $28 US.

2 Cambridge pendant light
Light up your night with a stately outdoor pendant light, which offers a touch of formality to balance the laid-back table setting. Restoration Hardware, $299 US.

3 Fresh florals
Don’t get overly fussy with florals: Clip flowers right from the garden for a pretty, casual centrepiece arrangement.

4 Tahitian vine napkin
Choose juicy, bright table linens to coordinate with the cheery coloured palette. Anthropologie, $16 US per set of 4.

Photography by Stacey Van Berkel

Fall table setting
Love the look? Find out how to get it on the next page.

Fall table setting
Get the fall look with these four great tabletop accessories:

1 Misura PZ wine carafe
Cool nights and hearty fall cuisine call for a fullbodied red wine. Make it fancy by serving it in a shapely carafe. Trudeau, $9.

2 Small round pillar candle chandelier
A rustic candle chandelier emits a delightful glow over the evening’s festivities. Restoration Hardware, $995 US.

3 Centrepiece
In lieu of summery blooms, fall’s bountiful harvest of pumpkins and squash make for a whimsical fall centrepiece. Their white and grey skins match the muted colour scheme.

4 Linen napkin
Linen lends a wonderful warmth and texture to the table that’s perfect for the moody setting. Indigo, $24 per set of 4.