Sea Urchin Vase: Let the sea flow onto your table

Living miles from the sea needn't mean you can't have a little marine decoration on
your table. The sea offers a huge source of ideas and materials. Traditional tokens
of beach outings, seashells are celebrated for the beauty of their unique forms and
textures and often used as decorative touches in seashore abodes. But that coastal
address isn't necessary in order to enjoy the brilliance of the beach, with a host of
of products bringing it as close as the backyard.



Indulge a love of the sea with a few nautical inspirations. Water restores the soul,
so it makes sense that aquatic objects, sea urchin vases, would renew your table.
You haven't seen underwater action like this since you last went scuba diving.

sources: Michelle Rago and Brides magazine

Summer tables sizzle with colors and patterns

Whether it's a laid-back picnic or lively dinner party, forget about setting a serious table.
After all, it's summer and that's the perfect excuse to dish out a table that's drenched with
color and wild with pattern. Since we have only a few months of reliable warm weather each
year, why not make the most of them and create a special place in your yard for summertime
dining and entertaining? With a little imagination, you can create an oasis for a daily escape.

TEA PARTY TABLE AND OCEAN THEMED TABLE SETTING



Play up the look with mismatched china cups, more than one teapot, posies from the garden,
and cupcakes frosted in a multitude of floral hues. Use plastic plates and utensils for a casual
sea-themed party. Sea shells function as flower vases, decorative centerpieces, and place
setting embellishments.

BANDANNA TABLE SETTING AND PINK TABLE SETTING



A humble picnic table can be set with as much care as your fine dining table. Dress up
a wooden picnic table with an embroidered cotton or lace runner, and use a few
strategically placed bowls and plates, like these bandanna-printed ones, to anchor
the cloth. Mix vivid flowers, saturated colors, and patterns to set an exotic scene.

FERN TABLE SETTING AND GREEN TABLE SETTING WITH ROSES



Mismatched silverware and china still look sophisticated with natural embellishments,
like a hand-picked fern frond. Even when dining outdoors, if your table's surface is in
good shape, like this one, you can forgo a tablecloth. Don't be afraid to use crystal goblets
outside. They add elegance to the table and look right at home next to antique flatware
and long, tapered candlesticks.

WHITE TABLE SETTING WITH FLOWERS AND PEARS



Improvise a "cloth" tablecloth by criss-crossing strips of burlap from a garden-supply
store, then layering lengths of crinkly white gauze over them. The effect is reminiscent
of antique linen culled from Grandma's attic.

(top photo - a refreshing palette of golden yellow and robin's-egg blue sets the scene. For
a casual yet stylish affair, mix upscale elements with down-home details. Burlap,
bandannas, and disposable pleats mingle effortlessly with fresh flowers and herbs).

source: Country Living magazine

Do The Bright Thing!

Summertime, and the living is easy and it's generously colored: bright, like a daisy;
pastel, like sorbets; and other hues that are as cool as a lake or pool.



This year there's a bumper crop of new designs, many of them on melamine, a rugged
plastic hybrid. It's dishwasher safe, of course, but improved methods of fusing colors
to the melamine mean the patterns won't chip or scratch in the dishwasher, either.
And the designs run the gamut from fanciful to elegant.



Solid-color plastics have not been forgotten, either. In the table setting above, the bright
colored goblets give the table a lift, as does the decoupaged teapot, especially when it's filled with flowers.



(above: Plate - "The oval shape of this plate is a fresh take, and it shows the pattern off
so well". Oval Batik Melamine dinnerware; Goblets - "Bright, vivid colors work anywhere
anytime". Jewel Tone Plastic Goblets; Napkin Ring - "The patterns and colors of Africa
are fascinating". 3.5" round Wooden African Mask Rings. Flatware - "Polished resin adds
sparkle to the table, think accessories, think jewelry". Shown in Orange)

All the tableware can be purchased at J.Roaman
Image source: House Beautiful magazine

Green Peace: take color cues from Mother Nature this spring when setting your table

This spring, the freshest greens lean toward bright, high-contrast shades. From spring grass
to shell peas, citron to chartreuse, green lies at the root of this season’s most inspired table
settings.



Welcome guest to the table with personalized gifts they can enjoy at home. A garden
stake in a diminutive flowerpot allows friendships to blossom.



(above: create a miniature bouquet with an inexpensive bud vase, pretty grosgrain ribbon,
a guest’s monogram and a trio of tulips).



(above: decorate your table (clockwise from top left) with a custom-embroidered napkin
and place mat. Tie buffet napkins with string and arrange them in a compote. Candlesticks
become favors. A hand-embroidered fern. Candy strips. Scalloped edges ruffle peachy plates.
Mix and match napkins and rings. Vegetables are a visual treat. Present a set of napkins to
your hostess.



I continue to be smitten by the colors and images of garden-themed decor. Fortunately,
there's an array of product, from tableware to napkins and glassware, to satisfy nearly
everyone's green thumb.

Image sources: Martha Stewart Weddings and Country Living

Parrot tulips never tiptoe their way into blooming big, bright and brassy, they deserve a centerpiece all their own

A centerpiece incorporating tulips should have a place on every table. They're colorful,
they're fun and they're great performers. They come in an impressive range of flower
forms - from simple upright goblets to the double blooms of peony-flowered forms -
and every color you could think of - except blue.



However, the frilliest, fluffiest and most flamboyant tulips of all are the parrot tulips.
They are a riot of multi-colored blooms with fringed, feathered or wavy edges. They are
actually "moving" flowers; they stretch and turn in response to the light.



Carolyne Roehm acknowledges an extreme love for parrot tulips. ``I'm drawn to their
odd streaks of craziness and their individuality - no two are the same. Looking at a
bundle of parrot tulips is like staring into a pool of the fantastic. I wonder: How did
nature decide to follow such an eccentric course?''



Roehm's fascination with these fancy flowers is demonstrated in the first photo with
the centerpiece she created.



For longest enjoyment, buy cut tulips when the buds are still closed but are beginning to
show the flower color. Before arranging tulips, prep the stems by re-cutting the stem tips.
A fresh cut opens the stems' water uptake channels. Unlike most cut flowers, tulips keep
growing in a vase. Plus, as they grow taller-often up to an inch-they tend to bend and move
toward sources of light. The fact that tulips dance in the vase is part of their charm. Don't
bother with flower food. Add fresh cool water to the vase every two days so they won't
drain the vase dry. Place tulips in a cool spot.

sources: Carloyn Roehm, A Passion for Flowers; Martha Stewart and Country Living magazine

Botanical Bliss: Naturally inspired tablesetting

Imagine sitting down at the table to find a butterfly on your napkin, green moss under
your plate, bees swarming above and birds perched on your glass. And they all make
you smile. The butterfly is a napkin ring, the sheets of florist’s moss, transforms the
table into a woodland landscape, the bees are from the beehive lantern and the birds
are porcelain.



Butterflies, blossoms, and other botanical motifs bring nature's beauty to the table.
Host a springtime lunch in the garden or backyard. Bright table linens, whimsical botanical
decorations and a few nature-inspired accents make for a setting that infused with new life.



(above: White branch-shaped porcelain containers hold an assortment of pink blooms.
Spare tulips suit the sculptural look of this nature-inspired vase).



(above: Porcelain birds perch on the rim of the wine glasses, as if they’d alighted there).



(above: Hang America Retold's Beehive lanterns in your backyard for a warm glow
at night).

source: Myhomeideas and Country Living

Succulent settings

Now that the cherry blossoms have come and gone, the spring showers that bring May
flowers begin yet another cycle of plant life for the next season. However, for those like
myself, who lack green thumb expertise, those anticipated garden flowers may never bloom.
That’s why I like no-brainer plants. A plant that doesn't need even the slightest attention is
ideal. Not that I mind lavishing attention on a couple of exotic beauties, but not everything
can require nursemaiding. Perhaps that's why I like succulents so much. The only way you
can kill them is with too much attention.



Have you noticed the current interest in succulents? Succulents, original to dry regions
of the world, have been used as houseplants in cooler climates for many years. Suddenly,
it seems as if succulents are a new discovery. Magazine articles and the increasing availability
of plants in local nurseries and garden centers has turned non-plant lovers into gardeners
eager to try growing them.



With fleshy leaves which store water, succulents can usually go many days between watering,
making them desirable plants for college dorm rooms, people who forget to water, and people
who are away from home for extended periods of time. Succulents also make excellent
favors for wedding guest. The endurance of the succulent plant is unequaled and will leave
guests with a lasting and easy-to-care-for reminder of your wedding -- all they need is good
drainage and sun.



Another reason why I love succulents is that they look so good in groups. You can have
hours of fun arranging them, either in clusters of pots with similar or contrasting colours
and foliage, or in larger containers planted with several different varieties. Succulents can
be planted in shallow gardens, and the roots will spread out. They are fun plants to use in
tabletop centerpieces where you don't want height. Also, there are so many diverse types,
leaf forms and colors. It's like creating a tapestry. Being little can be advantageous and
beautiful!

Image sources: Martha Stewart, Brides and Country Living

Centerpieces of the week: Mum's the word (say it with flowers)

Giving flowers doesn't have to mean simply placing a call to the florist and leaving
all the creativity to them. With a little imagination, you can turn a bouquet into a very
personal gift. With an eye toward summer blooms, here are some style tips from Isabelle
Bosquet, she breaks a few rules -- to help you make your own knockout centerpiece for
mom.



Outdoor setting: "This bouquet of anemones, muscari, hyacinth, pink parrot tulips, and
lilac is an intended contrast to the china's pattern. Full of aroma, it is perfect for an
outdoor summer meal. "The addition of the artichokes was inspired from the green colors
on the plate," - Isabelle Bosquet.



Tropical Decor: Of the tropical display of orange and green cockscomb, protea, and roses.
"I adore this one because of the strong color and texture. The cockscomb and protea pick
up the colors in the china and napkin ring. It really looks like coral." - Isabelle Bosquet.



Peonies in Bloom: Don't underestimate the beauty of one kind of flower on its own.
"This bundle of pink peonies highlights touches of color in the china. And, a cluster of a
single kind of flower complements a more casual setting". - Isabelle Bosquet.

Of all the ways to let our moms know we are thinking of them on Mother's Day, giving
flowers is perhaps the most popular. And why shouldn't it be? So many gorgeous blooms
are at their seasonal best right now. Whether your mom is traditional or funky, stay-
at-home or out-on-the-town, a blooming bunch is the perfect way of showing how much
you appreciate her.

source: My Home Ideas

Guarantee a great start to her day: Mother’s Day breakfast special

For many, breakfast is hurried, heads-down sustenance supplemented with caffeine.
Hold the social interaction. For others, breakfast is a business function, the food an
afterthought to early morning deal-making. But for me, setting an elegant breakfast
table for my mom on Mother’s Day is a splendid alternative to taking her out to dinner.
This elegant option provides a splendid opportunity, unhurried and uncrowded, for my
family to socialize and to show my mom how special she is.



Spoiling mom at a beautifully laid table is a lovely way to begin Mother’s Day. Whether
served in bed or at the table, making breakfast on Mother’s Day is a great starter for
mom's special day.

Tablesetting: gold-edge eggcup and butter dish by Legle Limoges. “Constance” bread-and-butter plate
(below eggcup), sugar bowl, and coffeepot by Bernardaud. “Illusion” teacup, saucer, and dessert plate
in endive by Haviland. “Derby Panel Green” bread-and-butter plate (with knife), dinner plate, and vegetable
dish (with flowers) by Royal Crown Derby. “Olivia” tumbler by Juliska. “Fairfax” silverware by Gorham.
Image, Martha Stewart magazine.

Birthday party under the “Big Top”!

There was a time when "kid's birthday party"' meant a cake, some balloons and maybe
pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. When I was a little girl my birthday party was a modest
affair in the basement. Not anymore. My sister and I have been planning my nephew's
party for weeks, we've chosen a circus theme - - - and we’ve been relentlessly incorporating
this theme in every element of the party, including invitations, music, games, craft
projects, snacks, cake, entertainment, favors and of course the table setting.



The circus has always been a part of my family’s tradition. I can remember the high-
wire artists performing their death-defying acts, the sugary, billowing cotton candy,
the popcorn, the ponies and the clowns. Some traditions just seem to slip away in the
churn of modern life but the joys of the circus is something that we wanted to pass
down to the next generation.



With easy-to-make treats, old-fashioned games, and party decorations to delight kids
of all ages, we let the sights and sounds of an old-time circus inspire us.



Birthday parties are often big events in children's lives but the bottom line is for children's
parties to be special and fun, whether they're simple home affairs or themed extravaganzas.



Source of inspiration/images: Country Living magazine

versaTYle! Dressing your table to fit your personality

Setting your table for special dinners with family and friends, holiday gathering, or just
to give yourself a visual boast when you sit down to dine are great ways to express
your decorating personality. Tabletop is an extension to a larger fashion or
decorating statement and it doesn't matter if your style is exotic or eclectic, you
have endless options for dressing your table to fit your personality.



(above: for a personal addition to the table setting, make place mats from black and
white copies of snapshots printed on tabloid-size paper)



These images from Ty Pennington shows us that with the right basic pieces you can
design any table setting as the mood strikes. The right pieces can enhance a casual
setting or soften a formal atmosphere. But one mistake can throw off the whole look,
so when setting your table, look to coordinate, it will keep the mood right and the tone interesting.



(above: just-cut fronds make awesome place mats and bring a bit of nature to the table;
their color plays well off of the earthy tone dinnerware. Orange linens tie into other
hints of orange in the room).



(above: a new twist on takeout - create a centerpiece by slipping a vase of flowers or a
small potted plant in a to-go box. When dinner is over, it can double as a parting gift
for guests).



So, whether you're decorating your house or putting plates on the table discover
fashion-related looks that go with your personality. Dressing a table is a lot like dressing
yourself. For instance, casual-chic style pairs jeans with a dressy blouse, or a pair of
boots with a cocktail dress. It's all in the way you put it together. The same goes for the
table.

source: Ty Pennington at home, Pointclickhome.