Keep the plain white tablecloth in storage and use a festive paisley linen to display colorful dishes and casseroles instead. You'll have a colorful spread even before the food is ready.

Use an eggplant, gourd or other large piece of produce to serve as your menu. Be sure to slice off the written side if you plan to cook the veggie after your meal.

Add height and color to your table by slicing off the tops of large squash to serve as unexpected vases filled with festive flowers in fall colors like gloriosas, dahlias, calendulas and craspedias.

Use small produce to identify different buffet items. There will definitely be some gravy lovers at your table, so treat them with an entire serving of gravy in a mini gravy bowl.