Keep it simple, understated and classic… This design leaves you free to enjoy your time with family and friends and isn’t that the point of getting together??!?
Let’s get started…
To create a dramatic center piece for your table, you need to get your bulbs planted 4-6 weeks in advance. Get creative and have fun. Tulips, daffodils or even hyacinths can be planted to get you this look. I used paperwhites. A total of 16 bulbs are shown.
After planting your bulbs the only thing to do is keep them in the sun and well watered.
After you’ve selected your bulb variety, think about the container in which you want to plant them. I am using a large oval moss-covered concrete planter to symbolize spring and bring the outdoors in. Feel free to use an oversized glass vase, or maybe a matching set of ceramic mixing bowls, or even terra-cotta flower pots! Get creative folks! The concrete planter shown is 22 inches long by 17” across just as a size reference.
Now on to setting the table. Here are the pieces you will need. You need to know right now that I don’t follow the rules!!!! I don’t buy new, I use what I have.
Placemats: I use a pale pink linen napkins that are perfectly square. I open them completely and place these directly under the center of my plates.
Napkins: I use a dark yellow, or flax tone, linen dinner napkin, placing it under the center of the plate.
Plates: I use a super casual pewter plate. I love contrasting pieces and this is part of my festive holiday mix.
Flatware: A combination of a vintage silver fork and a Laguiole steak knife. Lord, I do love a mix of pieces that keeps the design from being too fussy and formulated.
Glasses: Crystal goblets certainly give a festive sparkle to the overall table, and after all, just a bit of table bling, but regardless of what you’re drinking, why not serve it in a gorgeous goblet!!
Place cards/place holders: This is one of my signature pieces. You will need Kraft paper tags approximately 1.75” x 3”. I use a pheasant stamp with black ink on one side (as shown) and write the names of my friend and family joining us for dinner on the back.
Using a 16” piece of silk, wire-edged ribbon, I loop through the hole at the end of the Kraft paper tag and tie a loose knot roughly in the center of the 16” piece of ribbon. Curl the tails of the wire-edged ribbon into a half circle shape mimicking the curve of the plate. Add a small sprig of rosemary for color. Just slip a small cut of rosemary 3-4” long into the knot of the silk ribbon.
Bulb Center Piece: Now set your table and decorate your bulb centerpiece! Wrap the bulb stems in the exact same wire-edged ribbon that you used on the place holders. Finally, loop the ribbon around the stems twice, and then add a big loopy bow to tie it all off!!
