GARDENING
Decorate your table with what's growing in your own backyard
By Cindy Dampier
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
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We've seen them on skirts. We've spotted them on sofas. Lately, they've been gracing paper goods, handbags, table linens ... you name it. And now, thank goodness, we're also seeing them in our yards and planters.
Yep, bloom time is here, and we're talking flowers. They're certainly in style, but more than that, they're one of the principal joys of the season. So here's our suggestion: Gather up an armful of the bounty your backyard (or even the nearest florist) has to offer, and build a beautiful tablescape around it. Then gather up some friends and serve up a warm-weather feast to delight all the senses.
How to get started? Just try one of these three easy ideas, or get inspired and create your own.
LUSH AND LAVISH
What you need:
For centerpiece: Cut flowers short, leaving only an inch or so of stem. Fill cups with water. Rest a single big bloom in each cup, adding one leaf to each cup as needed for a touch of green. (If your blooms are not fully open, use warm water and assemble your centerpiece a few hours early or even the night before party time.)
For table: Cover table with white tablecloth. Fold fabric edges under along the long edges of the table and let it hang down on each end to match the length of the tablecloth. Use an iron to press the folded sides of the fabric flat. Make sure fabric ends are hanging neatly and any rough edges or strings are trimmed. Secure a band of ribbon around each napkin using a quick stitch with needle and thread or even a discreet piece of double-sided tape. To create a more eclectic style, try using serving dishes with a sculptural, modern shape in the same color palette as your dinnerware.
AU NATUREL
What you need:
For centerpiece: Divide flowers into four equal bunches. Cut each bunch at the length to make a short bouquet in your glasses. Place each cut bunch into an old-fashioned glass — stems should be fairly tightly packed and standing upright. Knot a piece of raffia around each glass.
For table: Knot raffia around each napkin, letting ends trail. Tuck one flower stem under raffia atop each napkin. Add a couple of small silver accents (salt-and-pepper shakers, small silver tchotchkes) to the table to set off the earthy vibe.
FRESH AND GREEN
This table gets its oomph from simple flowers and foliage (spirea, ferns and hosta leaves) and a modern floral runner. Black accents bring it all together. Also try this tablescape with hydrangeas.
What you need:
Cut long stems of greenery and flowers and tuck ends into frog set into vase/bowl/cachepot. Pull some stems up in the center for height, let rest spill over the sides of the container
Fold floral fabric lengthwise so that it takes the shape of a wide runner. You should have at least 12 to 18 inches of fabric hanging at each end of table. Fold ends of fabric neatly and trim any rough edges or strings. Use iron to press folded sides of runner into neat, flat edges. (After the party, you can reuse fabric again as a runner, or give it new life in a sewing project.)
Knot a band of ribbon around napkins, and tuck a green leaf into each.
Gather hanging ends of "runner" into neat folds and tie with a piece of ribbon about 6 to 8 inches from the end.
