how to create a moody, autumnal easter table

---

March 14, 2025

Easter in Australia isn’t about pastel florals and spring sunshine—it’s about crisp autumn air, rich earthy tones, and cosy gatherings as the seasons shift. If you’re looking to embrace the moodier side of Easter this year, think warm candlelight, layered textures, and a colour palette that leans into deep chocolates, rustic ambers, and olive greens.

Here’s how to create a beautifully moody Easter table that feels seasonal, inviting, and effortlessly stylish.

1. set the tone with a deep, earthy colour palette

Ditch the traditional bright pastels in favour of a more autumnal palette:

• Deep rust and terracotta for warmth

• Olive green and sage for an organic touch

• Chocolate brown and caramel for depth

• A hint of soft cream or charcoal to balance it out

Start with a tablecloth or runner in a deep linen hue—think warm grey or a rich, earthy brown. Layer with textured napkins, ceramic plates, and wooden serving boards to build dimension.

2. create ambiance with soft lighting

Lighting is everything when it comes to setting a mood. I like to go for:

• Taper candles in beautiful holders in a brass, black, or silver or pewter finish

• A mix of tea lights and pillar candles to create layers of glow

and for night-time:

• Add a small table lamp in the corner to softly illuminate the space

• Dim the overhead lights and let the candlelight work its magic for an intimate and cosy atmosphere.

Additional note: I'm all for mixing metals, but keep to the one finish for you candle holders and think about mixing in a different metal with your cutlery/silverware instead.

3. bring in natural, seasonal elements

Incorporating nature is the easiest way to ground your table in the season. Think:

• Dried florals in warm, muted tones (banksia, eucalyptus, or dried hydrangeas work beautifully)

• Wooden or ceramic serving pieces for an organic feel

• Autumn fruits like figs, pears, or black grapes as an edible centrepiece

  
  

A touch of greenery or dried foliage draped across the centre of the table keeps things feeling effortlessly styled.

4. moody, elegant tableware and decor

I love a crisp white dinner set, but if you're wanting to lean into something more textured and rustic, some great options include:

• Matte black or speckled ceramic dinnerware

• Aged brass or silver cutlery/silverware for a vintage feel

• Linen napkins in deep, muted tones, tied with ribbon or a small sprig of rosemary

Mixing these more natural textures with elegant finishes such as gold accents or crystal glassware creates a perfectly balanced moody aesthetic.

5. elevated comfort food

Easter is all about food, so lean into rich, comforting flavours that suit the season. Consider serving:

• Slow-roasted lamb or a hearty vegetable bake

• Rustic sourdough with lashings of herb butter

• A spiced pear and walnut tart with fresh cream for dessert

Pair with a bold red wine (this is my favourite organic Shiraz) or a mulled cider for the ultimate autumnal feast.

*see my fave non alcoholic mulled cider recipe below - it can also be spiked ;-)

6. thoughtful, minimal easter styling

Instead of over-the-top decorations, keep your Easter styling subtle and elegant:

• Handwritten place cards on textured paper

• Mini linen-wrapped chocolate eggs at each setting

• Small ceramic bunnies in muted tones rather than bright, playful decor

This will keep your table feeling sophisticated while still keeping in the Easter spirit.

7. final touch - make it personal!

Whether it’s a passed-down family recipe, a playlist of soft acoustic tunes, or a handwritten menu, the little details make all the difference. Easter is about connection, and setting an intimate scene that invites those slow, meaningful moments to unfold.

Are you embracing the moody Easter vibe this year? Let me know how you’re styling your table!

---

Typically an American drink, but one that is super delicious is this Mulled Cider. Not to be confused with our (Australian) alcoholic cider, this delicious hot beverage using cloudy apple juice.

Ingredients:

2ltrs Cloudy Apple Juice or Tart Apple Juice

1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries

1 Orange (rind only)

3 Cinnamon Sticks

1 Star Anise

1tbs Maple Syrup

1tbs Pure Vanilla Extract

To Serve:

Orange Slices

Cranberries

Cinnamon Sticks

Rosemary

Apple Slices

To Spike (optional):

1/2cup Brandy

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat then reduce to low and continue to simmer for 45mins. For the spiked version add in Brandy after the 45mins and stir

Serving:

If you're serving your cider in individual glasses or mugs, pour just the liquid first, then add the fresh garnishes right before serving for that extra pop of colour and flavour.

Personally, I love making a statement with the cider, so I like to serve it straight in the pot with a ladle, letting guests help themselves. I recommend removing all the cooked fruit and spices first, then adding the fresh garnishes in for a vibrant, eye-catching touch.

Let me know if you give this recipe a try—I’d love to hear what you think!