A nice vase of fresh-cut flowers. Always a beautiful choice . . . but also a bit expected. With the rush and details of other party preparations, it’s easy to overlook this simple opportunity to make a big impression.
The centerpiece. The focal point of your entire meal presentation. In the 18th century, the centerpiece was the highlight of a formal dinner.
Today, all you need is a little imagination to create a winning display. One of the easiest ways to delight your guests is to use something ordinary in an unexpected way. For example, filling a cored pineapple with zinnias or hydrangeas—very Williamsburg! For a fall version, scoop out a pumpkin or gourd and fill with sunflowers. Or, use a conch shell, wine bottle, galvanized pail, or watering can to hold flowers, palm fronds, cat tails, and more.
You can also try using your tableware in a different way—glassware in varying sizes and shapes can be artfully arranged around the table and filled with bright berries, colorful flowers, or a glowing candle. And remember, wreaths aren’t just for the wall—seasonal wreaths laid flat on the table make a wonderful centerpiece, whether a holiday one with pinecones and ornaments, a spring egg or wildflower wreath, or a trio of small any-season square boxwood wreaths. Best of all, they have a hole in the middle, so you can add a candle in a hurricane lantern, a bunny statue, or even a tiered dessert server.
So gather some of your favorite things and have some fun. The possibilities can be truly endless.
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- Decorating with Iron Forms
- How to Plant and Train a Topiary on a Wire Form
- How to Make a Cone on a Styrofoam or Paper Form
- How to Make a Fresh Fruit Cone on a Nail Studded Wooden Form