SEEK inspiration in nature to create dreamy dining settings and cosy corners this autumn, writes Sam Wylie-Harris.

WITH the leaves crisp and golden, and dappled sunshine filtering through the windows, there couldn’t be a better time to embrace nature and bring a touch of autumnal charm indoors.

For wellbeing and styling expert Liz Earle, the season is one of her favourite times of year, with its rich reds, deep oranges, soft yellows and pinks creating the ideal setting for a rustic feast.

She’s a fan of outdoor entertaining during this cool, crisp season too.

“The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of al-fresco eating” said Liz. “Autumn can be the ideal time to enjoy nature at her finest, eating with friends in the golden light of the evening.

“I like to capture the magic of autumn by spreading my table with the natural splendour of foraged finds, and this works brilliantly inside or out.”

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for outdoors or inside, take a leaf out of Earle’s library of styling tips. Here’s how to let autumn’s shades and foliage inspire your decor and dining settings...

1. Decorate your table with foraged finds

“This is my favourite time of year for foraging, and the perfect moment to decorate your table with nature’s bounty. I love using apples to make tea light holders, and decorating table runners with leaves and dried seed pods and berries,” said Liz.

A woven basket will add an extra rustic touch. Fill with warm blankets, or fruit, twigs and berries in a display.

2. Create a centrepiece

“Every party table needs a centrepiece, and one of my top tips for a real show-stopping impact is to hollow out a pumpkin and fill it with seasonal flowers. Dahlias and chrysanthemums look particularly sensational, creating a centrepiece that is bound to be a talking point for weeks to come.”

Otherwise, silk flowers make a long-term investment, and can always be styled with thistles and warm russet autumn leaves.

3. Design a warming seasonal menu

“I enjoy serving guests a menu inspired by autumn shades, and given the abundance of red, orange and yellow vegetables at this time of year this is easily achieved,” said Liz.

“Many of my favourite autumn recipes can be found at lizearlewellbeing.com, including roasted pumpkin soup, lamb tagine with butternut squash, and caramelised apple and walnut lattice pie.

“All seasonal, local fare that’s easy to prepare in advance, so I can spend more time chatting to guests.”

Refreshing a country kitchen is easier than you think. With a little imagination and a few key materials, such as rust-coloured runners, nursery-rhyme farm animals and homespun decorations, creating a warm and inviting space your friends will love sitting down to doesn’t have to be complicated.

4. Light up the darkness

“As night-time falls, whether you’re eating inside or out, tin-can lanterns can make the perfect backdrop to any feast. With pretty ornamental details, they are especially atmospheric in a darkened room and I love the way the light dances around as the candles flicker, like a campfire.”

Alternatively, light up a glass bell jar with a string of warm white micro fairy lights to create a soft, diffused glow, which works especially well with copper-effect dining accessories.

5. Lastly, consider these autumn buys

Placing scatter cushions here and there means you can draw attention to cosy corners that might be ignored. The charm of the Autumn Watercolour Leaves Cushion, £23.99, Mode Prints, is that its white background means it can be grouped with white linen and peach cushions come the spring.

Wood panelling, mirror frames entwined with gold ferns, gold-leaf tea lights, branches used as props alongside rustic furniture, and a comfy armchair, all make for a cosy scene. Dunelm’s seasonal range makes it easy to create an intimate setting, with the Fern Foil Natural Cushion, £12, Finchley Multi Drawer Chest, £479, and Gold Leaf Mirror, £28.

A glorious mustard-yellow armchair with smart brass detailing and scalloped panels looks ready to sink into. The Alexander and James New Romance Betsy Fabric Armchair, currently reduced to £595 from £795, Furniture Village, makes a great investment with the potential for year-round styling. Drape a soft throw over it in the winter, or a beaded blanket to pick up colours from the spice route in summer.

For brilliant bedding with a vibrant collage that captures all the autumnal hues, look at the Anthropologie Alcea Quilted Bedspread, Kingsize, £168, John Lewis. It can also double up as a wall hanging and be pinned to a wooden pole above the bed, or dressed with cottons and linens to reflect sunnier climes.

You can never have too many blankets, and the Sunshine Shetland Throw, £67, Amara, can be draped over the corner of a sofa or woven between your favourite cushions.