Harvest tables

1 Nesting instinct
Bring a hint of natural colour to neutral place settings with these sweet nest decorations. To make the nests, twist and curl a handful of raffia into a tight circle, tucking in any loose ends until it holds together. We used kumquats for the eggs, but you can use almost anything small and egg-shaped, like pecan nuts in the shell or coloured marbles. Add a place card to each nest.

2 Elemental
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This sparkling centrepiece is super easy to make and is a sensual mix of three elements: earth, fire and water. Fill two cylinders vases three-quarters full with water, then add stones (available at craft or aquarium supply stores) and float three votive candles in each vase.

3 Spicy swag
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If there's one colour that'll spice up a table, it's dark red. String fresh or semidried chilies (if fresh use small ones) onto a strong thread or fine-gauge wire, making a garland long enough to swag along the sides of the table. Pin the garland to the tablecloth at one-foot intervals. Tuch a chili into a knotted napkin at each place setting. Styling tip: Use Chinese spoons to hold salt and pepper.

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Photography by Mark Burstyn