Affordable Holiday Table Decor

This holiday season snuck up on me. Can’t say that I’m as prepared as my usual list making self. Maybe you find yourself in the same situation. So, when thinking about what I could offer you for this holiday I looked to see what have been the most frequently viewed posts. It’s no surprise that the various table setting and napkin folding posts take top billing. (I’ve included those links below). If you’ve utilized those you might be in need of a few new table decor ideas. Since my holiday season has been beyond busy for a litany of reasons, I don’t have time for super fussy decor. But does that mean my table should be bare? I think not. These ideas are intended to be simple, elegant and affordable. Time’s a wasting, so I’ll stop my yapping. Here we go.

These first two ideas are a bit more home grown, but add a sense of whimsy to a place setting. Typically I do not assign seats with place cards when I entertain. I let people choose where they want to sit. That said, I’ve always felt that having the host choose where guests sit elevates the dining experience. There is a certain sophistication to it. Plus, if the host is truly thinking about table conversation, careful placement encourages people to interact with other guests. For this holiday season, I subscribe to this thinking and will be telling people where to park themselves.

Wanting to keep it simple and organic, as well as something you all could easily re-create, I pulled out my scissors and scrolled through my garden looking for a hearty, long leaf. I cut Rhododendron leaves which were ideal in color, size and sturdiness. I found some decorative paint in my stash and painted the tips and stems gold . You can also use a Sharpie or one of those gold paint pens from an art store, such as Michaels or Target. Then I scripted the names on the leaf. That’s how simple this is.

The next little DYI project is for those of you who don’t have seasonal napkin rings. This one is right out of the creative crafts bucket. You’ll need:

• Toilet Paper Rolls

• Double sided tape, or regular tape rolled to double sided

• Snipped greens from the garden

• Scissors

Next:

• Cut the roll into 3/4” rounds (or whatever thickness you prefer).

• Wrap the tape all the way around the roll, or you can try glue. I just didn’t want the sticky fingers that often times occurs when using glue.

• Trim the greens to small, manageable pieces and place them around the taped part. Add tape or glue to tack down the fronds or if you want to cover more of the roll.

Once you’re done playing, slide your holiday themed napkin through the ring. Then lay the leaf place card against white plates set on a gold charger with a deep green velvet placemat and you’re all set.

Cost: $0 since I had the paint, and the leaves and greens were from my garden, and the roll of toilet paper, well…

Now, onto centerpieces. I like when the table decor allows for guests to see across the table. A low profile centerpiece does just that. Bear in mind that this idea is for those who like to have a permanent centerpiece as it is not meant to be removed for dinner.

Simply place a neutral runner or fabric down the center of the table. This could be brown kraft paper, burlap or muslin. I used two rolls of natural burlap I purchased awhile ago at Michael’s Craft Store. The more earthy toned the better for this theme to keep the feeling of nature. I like to add the candles first in order to have a sense where to place the other decorative elements. From there you just start filling in the spaces using the greenery trying to tuck the end stems under other greens. Add some pine cones to fill in the gaps. I bought this whole bunch of greens which included a Quesnelia flower for $8 at Trader Joe’s. I had the pine cones from my garden. A beautiful, warm centerpiece for $8!

This next one is a variation on the above idea but using actual large leaves or large leaf placemats instead of the natural colored runner. I picked up these placemats years ago when I was hosting private events at Despaña in Soho, NY. I used them a multitude of ways back then, and they are still coming in handy. You can find these in various stores, but of course Amazon has everything under the sun. Thus you’ll be able find a fairly prolific selection of leaf types in the link above. Lay them down the center of the table, and as previous, place the candles first. Since the base is green, I suggest leaning into more white florals and pine cones for this version to create more contrast.

And because I’m a sucker for options, if you like the above two ideas but need them to be removable, then build the centerpiece on long wooden boards, or trays. This way the entire centerpiece can be lifted to create space for food platters.

I created all the centerpieces directly on top of my dining room table without a tablecloth. You can either use placemats for your place settings or lay down a neutral tone cloth first. Your choice.

The last, simple but elegant centerpiece is a trio of vases in varying heights of all white flowers. What I love about this design is how the monochromaticity elevates even the most common flower. By utilizing a single color, you create more impact, allowing you to use affordable, inexpensive florals to create something stunning. Sure, red & green are lovely for the holiday season, but they are visually abundant this time of year. Which is why I adore a Winter White theme. For me, it is elegant simplicity. The best part is that you can easily lift these off the table if you need the center space for food platters. Added bonus; when you don’t need them as a centerpiece, you now have three separate floral arrangements to spread throughout your home. I used the large leaf placemats to anchor the entire centerpiece, allowing for the candles to feel more integrated.
I used 4 types of flowers, all purchased at Trader Joe’s for a total of $24. For less than one of those multicolored, mulit-flower bouquets I was able to create a stunning, sophisticated and abundant centerpiece.

• Roses $10

• Carnations $5

• Veronica $5

• Alstroemeria $5

I hope these give you a few more holiday decor ideas for your table this season. Wishing you the happiest and healthy of holiday seasons. As you know, I love hearing from you in the comments. Let me know what you think and if you used any of these or other ideas. Thank you for your loyal readership.

For more table setting & holiday ideas, check out these posts:

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Table Setting - A Multitude of Options

Napkin Folding - A Few Festive Ideas

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant Although this post has a Thanksgiving/Fall feel there are elements that can inspire any holiday table.

Thanksgiving Reminders, Appetizers & More

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration is already looking different from last year’s as people are venturing out and gathering more. As we all get our sea legs back for entertaining and hosting bigger gatherings, I thought you might need some fresh ideas or reminders on how the heck to throw a party. I know if I were hosting this year, which I am not, I would need to retrain my brain on what I should be doing and when.

This post will be a compilation of older posts to help you access info in a pinch. It’s going to be chock full, so snuggle up with warm cup of tea, or a bottle of scotch, and notebook in hand. I also figured that everyone prepares the main meal their own way and has tons of turkey, stuffing, mashed potato recipes already at hand. You don’t need me for those. But maybe you need some ideas in these other areas.

Hosting Tips & Prep Ideas | Table settings | Napkin Folding | Florals | Appetizers | Salads

Start your engines and prep, prep, prep.

While you’re prepping, grab a glass of vino and chill.

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.

List Making and Prep

I can’t stress this part enough. Whether you handwrite, type or send voice memos to yourself, the important thing is to make a list, and keep organized. Especially with Thanksgiving because there are so many moving parts. As you can see, sometimes I handwrite, sometimes I type it out nicely in bullet points but I ALWAYS have a list.

Clearly without typing and spellcheck errors are made.

Sure this list may not be for Thanksgiving but it serves the point of always making a list.

The below link was originally written with Christmas in mind, and so some of the references point in that direction. However, it definitely has tips for general holiday hosting, as well as a good refresher for Christmas, which quite frankly is just around the corner. Skim through the post to find what you need, or take the time to digest it in its entirety. It might help get you ready for large consumption on Turkey day. Ha!

Holiday Hosting Tips - Less Stress

Table Settings

Now once you have figured out your menu, guest list and overall game plan it’s time to focus on the table setting. I know I’ve said it before, but it warrants repeating, especially now as we re-welcome our loved ones back into our homes in larger groups. Setting a welcoming table sets the tone. It doesn’t have to be glammed out it just needs some love. Even the slightest of care taken to enhance the table shows your guests how special they are. The below links give a variety of ideas from the casual to the elegant. No excuses, just do it!

Create a mood

Burst of Burnt Orange - A Fall Landscape

The below link is the mother load of table settings and floral ideas for a special fall occasion.

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

Florals

I get it, some you might think flowers are a waste. But gosh darn, they do bring a smile when you enter a room. I know for a fact that you don’t have to be creative to make a great floral display. A while back one of my mom’s friends helped me to organize a luncheon for their group. When I asked if she could arrange the flowers she quickly replied, Oh, I am not good with that. Well, all it took was an example for her to follow, her confidence grew and then she used her own creative eye. And just like that she gained a new skill. And so can you. If you go to the store and stare at the flower section and can’t imagine something from nothing then simply take a look at the images and links below for some ideas. I know you can do it!

This might not be a typical Thanksgiving arrangement, but it screams fall. The big cabbage heads are fun and bold while the baby’s breathe fills in the gaps and adds whimsy.

Florals can be big and make a statement or a single flower with a simple burst of beauty. Whatever your style there is an arrangement for you. The first link is one that requires some planning, various size vases and a variety of floral items to pull off. But it’s worth it, and best part, it will last you through the fall season.

Fall Themed Centerpiece

There are floral examples in the Thanksgiving Table setting link above, but below are two more links for inspiration.

Eucalyptus Burst - A Floral Spray

Maybe you don’t want to break the bank on florals. Mums are ubiquitous, affordable and come in a variety of colors.

Mums…the Word

Napkin Folding

What can I say about napkins that won’t sound like I’m a broken record? Ok, hit the replay button. It doesn’t take much to make a napkin look a tad more special than just plopping in down on the table. Sure there are oodles of videos on how to make a turkey or pumpkin out of a napkin. If you have the time and wherewithal, knock yourself out. I’m all for simplicity with a touch of pizazz. The link below demonstrates 5 basic folds then gives a variety of ways to enhance each. Hope this helps convince you that it doesn’t take but a moment more to fold a napkin.

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Maybe you don’t need a place setting or napkin folding ideas because you are hosting a less formal, more casual buffet style meal. Here’s an easy way to corral utensils with an item that we all have stuffed in the back of our cabinets. The ever present florist vase.

Florist Vase = Useful Utensil Holder

Appetizers

Now here is a category I can really sink my teeth into. Pun intended. I love being creative with apps. I feel like this is where you can break from tradition and be a bit more adventurous with your offerings. As a matter of fact, one Thanksgiving, JuanCarlos and I decided to turn the holiday on its head, literally. We made the appetizer portion the main attraction serving 12 different offerings ranging from cold to hot which lasted 3 hours. Then the main meal was much simpler, and didn’t even include turkey! Extending the appetizer ‘hour’ allowed our guests to relax, eat leisurely and mingle to their hearts’ content. I think it was our best hosted Thanksgiving ever. So with that in mind, here are some appetizers that might stray from the norm for this holiday. Pick one, pick them all. Go crazy, it’s meant to be appetizing.

Contrast colors and texture to excite the palate.

Amuse Bouche literally means to amuse the mouth. And that’s what your first offerings should do. They should get the palate ready. An announcement to: Start Your Engines. Below is a variety of ideas that do just that.

Amuse Bouche…That’s not English, Right?

Pickled Offerings: I love serving quality store bought pickled items such as mushrooms, garlic, cornichon. These add a tangy punch to get the palate ready for more.

Marinated mushrooms with roasted red peppers

Skewers: This idea might feel more summer time but it doesn’t have to be. You can have warm skewered items or cold. They are easy to pick up and eat. And the best part about some of the below examples is they use store bought items plus can be made ahead, plated and placed out when guests arrive.

Potatoes & Pulpo (octopus) Skewers with alioli dipping sauce. Quality canned octopus skewered with boiled new potatoes.

Romaine Lettuce wraps with tinned Spicy Sardine and Grape Tomato/Cucumber Skewers

Boquerones (fresh anchovies) on Cucumber Ribbons

Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Endive Boats with yogurt cucumber dip

Sautéd Potatoes & Pulpo with parsley dressing on Endive

Oven Roasted Plum Tomatoes with Fresh Ricotta topped with herbs & olive oil.

And then there is the infamous Charcuterie/Cheese Platter. Sometimes putting this together can feel overwhelming. We’ve all seen them and they look amazing. But how do we compose an appetizing platter? Sometimes a simple step by step and visual helps us to create what may seem daunting. Here are some guides from me and a link from another master, That Cheese Plate.

The Art of a Charcuterie & cheese Platter

You can never, and I mean NEVER, go wrong with serving a charcuterie/cheese platter. There is always something for everyone. The beauty of it is that you can arrange it with anything and everything. Make it an appetizer platter, like the one below, filled with a variety of flavors and textures.

Boqueron/olive/cucumber skewers, roasted red peppers, spiced nuts, asparagus baked in puffed pastry, palmiers all mingle nicely among cheese and dry cured meats.

Abundance. Fill the platter and block each item in sections. It makes it look organized and appetizing. You WANT to dive in.

And now for even more appetizer ideas…

Smoked Trout Cucumber Bites

Boquerones = Bow ka row nays

Luscious Butternut Cream Crostini with Roasted Walnuts & Honey

3 Dips a Dippin’

I love this one because it’s a different take on crudité. And the dips are so flavorful that will keep on dipping.

Marinated Feta

This dish is an absolute winner. My customers love it as much as my guests. It is so versatile, creamy and tangy, spicy and delicous.

Fried Polenta Topped with Mushrooms & Goat Cheese
These fried polenta rounds are also a great vehicle for the above marinated feta. I’ve often made that combo and had not a single one left.

5 Appetizers That Impress & Relieve Stress

Maybe you have the task of figuring out what to serve a vegan during a holiday that rarely has offerings that will suffice. Here’s an appetizer that is hearty, earthy and fits the vegan bill.

Vegan Chick Pea Mash

And for our last category, because I’m sure by now your tea has gotten cold or you’ve run out of scotch. Either way, it was a boat load of info. But this last section is much needed and short.

Salads

Ok, let’s admit it. We all make the effort and serve them up on Thanksgiving. But how many of your guests actually eat it? I say offer up a salad that counters all the heaviness of a traditional Turkey dinner. Crunchy, refreshing salads will be a palate and belly cleanser. Try any of these.

Citrus. Salad Bowl

Versatile Crunch Salad

Cucumber Ribbons, Chunks & Cherry Tomatoes

Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons from an English cucumber. When you get to the middle section after peeling, cut it into chunks. Add halved cherry tomatoes and mix with a herb vinaigrette.

Ok, that’s it for now folks. I hope these helped you and provided some ideas. I wish you all a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. May we each find health through nutritious food and spiritual love. Gobble Gobble.

Easter Ideas - A Refresher Course During A Pandemic

Brighter days ahead. This Easter will look a bit cheerier and a ton more hopeful than 2020. A year ago we were just getting used to lock down and coming to the realization that we weren’t going to be able to visit with family and friends for the holiday. Never in our wildest dreams (aka nightmares) did we think it would last this long. 365 days later, while there is a glimmer of hope in being able to gather in small, safe groups, it might not be the case for everyone.

For those who can, you may want a refresher course on how to entertain. This harkens back to last week’s post but dives way deeper. And since like all of you I haven’t hosted any events, I don’t have any new tricks up my sleeve. That’s when you have to reach back to the past and pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. No reason to reinvent the wheel, use what’s worked before.

I give you, Reminders of the Past & Other Helpful Easter Ideas. And if gathering with loved ones still is not in the cards for you this holiday, any of these can be pared down to help make the day feel more festive.

Get ready. This post is chock full of images and links. Let’s start at the beginning.

Setting a table

To me, it’s the one act that truly connotes a special event and rings in the feeling that guests are coming. This may be the first time in quite awhile that you have taken out your linens and tossed them across the table. I say, go all out and make everyone feel special this go around. Here are a few ideas for a fresh spring table setting.

Yellow, Yellow Burst of Sunshine Tablesetting

The yellows and white are so cheery, while the midnight blue anchors the place setting in a lovely pop of contrast.

Calming Creams & Bold Blues Table

Same sort of color combo but in a more calming tonality.

We will be eating outside in order to continue being as safe as possible. So I might take some cues from this table setting, Sunday Blues - of the Soothing, Swooning Kind. Plus this link also has a few recipes from which I might just take food cues as well.

I know we are all out of practice, but let’s try not to be lazy about the details. Take the time to finish off your table with napkins. There are various ways to fold a napkin, which doesn’t mean you need to be a magician of deft dexterity or a master of origami. It just takes simple folds, and then possibly adding an embellishment… or not. Check out these super simple ideas to put the finishing touch to your table.

Napkin Folding 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Maybe you have decided that you aren’t quite ready for a formal meal. Perhaps brunch or a buffet style setting might be a good option for you.

How To Set a Brunch Buffet Table & Napkin Pockets

Brunch Made Simple

Florals

And what would a proper table setting be without flowers? You can be extravagant and make various arrangements or you can keep it as simple as culling together a single color of tulips for single elegance. Need some visuals? Here you go.

Never Too Many Tulips

One big arrangement

Eucalyptus Burst - A Floral Spray 

Given the dire economic state, funds might be a concern, and that is completely understandable. An inexpensive way to use florals that will make a big impression - Mums. They have different varieties that can be mixed and matched for impact.

Mums the Word

The Menu

Sure you can have all the bells and whistles with your decor but nothing keeps them coming back like the food you serve. When it comes to the holidays people have certain traditions they like to keep, and some are even expected. JuanCarlos and I found this out the hard way during a few Thanksgiving feasts. You know me, I like to mix it up; some traditional, some not. You might have your menu already set, possibly with lamb as the starring role. But if you are still pondering what to make, fear not. Below are links to a variety of alternatives that hop just outside the Easter basket but still sing Spring.

Meat alternatives to lamb:

These are hearty and in the same vein as a lamb dish but slightly off the beaten bunny path.

Osso Buco

A Belly Full of Pork

Appetizers:

Pizza Rustica

A traditional Italian appetizer. Admittedly, this recipe is a labor of love. It is very rich and serves a lot, so I highly recommend only making it if you know you have guests that will enjoy it.

That’s right, it’s not actually a PIZZA, but a cake of sorts. It’s filled with layers upon layers of prosciutto, salami and ricotta cheese.

And some not so traditional

Tarts of Summer

Spring Asparagus Tarts
(Rolling and cutting puff pastry, mix together ricotta & goat cheese, parsley, salt, pepper. Spread over pastry and top with asparagus. Brush with garlic oil, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake at 400 until golden.)

Spring asparagus with cheese on puff pastry. This is pretty straightforward, and makes a great appetizer.

Crisp pastry, creamy cheese and the bite of spring asparagus. What’s not to love?

Oven Roasted Tomatoes & Ricotta

Oven roasted tomatoes are like candied jewels and pair perfectly with the salty, creaminess of ricotta cheese.

Salads: bright and crisp

Citrus Salad Bowl

Individually plated salads… a good way to serve during a pandemic.

Pretty in Pink Salad

There is something exotic and striking about the colors and textures of these pink lettuces.

Butter Lettuce with Orange, Blueberries & Crunch

Salad Baby: Little Lettuces Fresh & Crisp

Side Dishes:

Here are two side dishes that may not be typical but truly spring - Spring. And the best part, they can be served warm or room temperature.

Strings… of Bean, Peppers & Asparagus

Tomato, Squash, Peppers & Onion Bake, a one pot vegetable side that can be enjoyed warm or room temp.

I love how the sweetness from the veggies plays off the savory of the cheeses in this baked dish.

I hope you found this trip down memory lane useful. Even more, I hope that in taking from the past we can borrow some joy to light a spark for our future. As for our family, we have been extremely fortunate and so very grateful for our health, safety and beyond. This Easter we are lucky that the stars are aligning for some of my family to be able to come to my house. The weather is expected be nice enough for us to be outside. My parents and a few others have been vaccinated and the rest of us have been quite diligent about staying safe. We will still remain a good distance apart and wear masks when we are not eating. But we will be together, and that is a very good thing. I wish for you the same. May you be able to break bread with your loved ones safely and joyously.

Happy Easter and beyond.

Fall Themed Centerpiece

Yup, it’s that time of year. Nature is doing her thing. Leaves are turning those awesome vibrant hues. Acorns and pinecones are dropping like bombs. Squirrels are busy squirreling away treats. And us mere mortals are coming to terms with the summer really being over. But there’s always a silver lining.

Autumn brings a crisp freshness to our world. A cleansing of nature as leaves fall and regenerate new buds. And the opportunity to wear those chunky sweaters breathes new life into our fashion repertoire. The change of season also ushers in the occasion to freshen up your decor. In my house, beauty is brought inside.
Cue the Fall Themed Centerpiece.

Sure, you can create a floral arrangement, upright and traditional. Or, you can climb outside the box (or that large vase) and go horizontal. I don’t mean wrestling around with your significant other in the fallen leaves. Although, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all. I mean, take your florals and fashion them into a landscape that meanders through a forest-like scene. One that creates several visual points of interest.

The best part of this type of centerpiece is that you can design it with whatever you have, and do it inexpensively. I grabbed yellow and crimson mums (from my favorite floral spot Dahlia NYC) to mimic the colors of the leaves, plus some eucalyptus leaves. All the other items I grabbed from our garden (rosed hued hydrangea, pine cones) or around the house. The entire arrangement cost me $20.

Burst of yellow pom pom mums, crimson mums, eucalyptus leaves and hydrangea are the stars.

Long wooden trays or boards are perfect. But you can use a ceramic platter or whatever else suits your fancy.

Going horizontal meant finding a main ‘vessel’ that would serve as the base since I was ditching the usual tall, large vase. I searched for something a tad out of the ordinary. A few choices popped up, including a long ceramic platter, but I settled on a wooden tray for a few reasons. One, it was the largest and I felt I needed the space. Two, it’s easy to carry since it is a tray. Three, I like the feeling of the earthiness of the wood. But use whatever you have. Oval, or round, rectangle or square. It doesn’t make a difference. The only important aspect of this kind of arrangement is to go low and long. Landscape, not portrait. I then gathered up some small vases, cups, shallow bowls, pumpkins and water phials (tubes with rubber caps to hold water for single stems).

The helpers to this arrangement. It’s key to gather up your tools.

Next, I lined the tray with parchment paper to protect the wood. And moved onto laying the groundwork… literally. Instead of using the eucalyptus leaves in a large spray like I usually love doing (Eucalyptus Burst), I spread them down to create a bed, as if it were a forest and the leaves fell to the ground.

I love this wooden tray, so it was important to me that I make sure it was protected.

Since these stems will be lying down, do not fill the water phials to the top, as then the water will slip out.

Fill the tray, leaving spaces, or making spaces for the vases.

From there, I nestled vessels of differing heights to hold the flowers. All the while, visualizing how to spread out the color.

I loved how the color of this sake cup blended right in.

Slightly taller, heart-shaped glass vase seemed appropriate and perfect to give some height to this horizontal piece.

Then I added the pumpkins and squash to the scene.

Yellowy, green pumpkin added a nice pop of color amongst the green leaves.

Filling the space with a butternut squash adds to the bounty.

It was then time to fill the vases with flowers. I started by cutting the stems of the crimson mums short so they could fill up the shallow bowl.

I continued to fill in and see what looked good and worked in each vase, thinking about spreading the color around the arrangement, as well as adding contrasting colors next to each other.

See how both the yellow pumpkin and the crimson mums are accentuated by being placed next to one another?

I noticed that there was a corner that seemed empty, so I added another shallow bowl for an additional burst of color. You see, you don’t have to have it all planned out exactly. You can add, subtract, modify as you go.

The idea is to create something that feels right to you. Move things around until it pleases your eye and your heart.

I stepped back to inspect landscape and its little scenes within itself. I decided to tuck in the last two hydrangea flowers and have them cozy themselves into the eucalyptus base, as if they might had fallen down. Plus, it created more depth and visual interest.

Use the water phial to hydrate the hydrangea. Then tuck it in wherever feels right.

The final touch was to slip a few pinecones right up front.

I think it turned out pretty cool. Loads of color. Little pockets of visual charm in every corner. Highs and lows, Pops of bright yellow contrasted by deep crimson hues. Abundance and bounty.

What I really enjoyed about this arrangement was that it had tiny vignettes within the main piece. Different points of interest within one big floral display.

Lots of love everywhere.

A bounty of autumn.

Use what you have. But most importantly, use your imagination and heart.

Let the leaves fall where they may. And may they fall beautifully, spreading the love across your autumn table.

Blush Roses - A Display of Order & Whimsy

I haven’t been traveling into the city lately. Much to my sadness, since the urban jungle definitely energizes me. Things to do. People to see. You know, the pulse. The visual impact. The pace. The unusual. The swirl of life.
So, no city, no train, no Grand Central, no flower buying from Dahlia.
Woe is me.

But wait, no need to fret, if my schedule isn’t cooperating just check on others' availability. “Hello, hubby? What are your plans for today?”

Such was my fortune this past week, when JuanCarlos’ meetings took him into the city. Yeah, hurray for me! I didn’t give him any specifics. No flower type. No color preference. I just shouted out from the car as I dropped him off “Get me flowers!…” Please.

And so he obliged. He has good taste, so I knew his choices would be solid. He is a designer after all, so he had that in his favor. With no flower type in mind, he gazed at his options and as usual sunflowers first caught his eye. He adores their big yellow faces. Yet he knew I would want more than just sunflowers to work with. It was the soft color of the roses that lured him in. Soon after he grabbed some green by the way of Kale cabbage stalks and a pop of purply blue from Salvia.

Lucky me. When I saw his choices, I blushed with glee. They gave me a sense of calm and excitement simultaneously. I was lured in, too.

Kale Cabbage stems, Salvia, Roses, patiently waiting their purpose.

Now looking at these, even JC admitted, that the natural approach would be to leave their stems long and just nicely arrange them in a large, tall vase. But I saw something different. I saw a sense of order with a dash of whimsy. I realize that maybe I get more dreamy about things than most. They are just flowers, right?

To me they are so much more. They are nature. They are beauty. They are colors and shapes and fragrances that touch my senses. I love catching their grace as I walk by them. I get such joy when I see them stand proudly showing off their natural allure and arranged in ways that showcase their special attributes. So for me, it’s not just flowers. And that especially goes for roses. I dreamed of something a bit different for these pale whispers. We have all seen roses in one big bunch a million times. Of course, they look gorgeous like that. They’re roses. Duh, gorgeous.

I immediately went for my metal rectangular low vessel and knew it would be a good fit.

Using frogs, those spiky plates that help flowers stay exactly where you want them, I placed the cabbage stems in an orderly row that be the center point of the arrangement.

I have three different types, and used all three for this arrangement due to the long length of the vessel.

Like little baby cabbage heads.

The ‘stay where I put you’ stand.

Standing tall and sturdy.

Once I placed the cabbage stalks into the vessel, I found the right height for the roses so their tops hit just above the bottom of the cabbage leaves. Then using that as a guide, I cut all the rest of the roses to the same length. Next, I began lining up the roses around them like a moat around a castle. Thus, building on that theme of ‘order’ I had in mind.

Using my first rose to guide me for all the rest.

Different heights create more dimension.

Onto the whimsy. By placing the Salvia in and around the entire arrangement, peeking out they created a weeping, breezy feeling, softening the hard lines of all the ‘order’. Plus, added a contrasting color punch.

Little note; when I cut the Salvia to size, the bottom part of the stems still had greens. I used those to fill in the spaces and create volume.

Nothing wasted.

Everything gained.

I love this sweet arrangement. Ordered whimsy. I know I am showing a ton of different shots but I can’t seem to get enough of all the pretty angles.

Although I placed it on our dining room, I created the arrangement in the kitchen. All the while I kept getting glimpses of the giant golden LOVE sign my dear friend, Dominique, gave me.

See the faint lines of love in the background?

Clearly, love shows up often in my home.

I couldn’t help but think of her as I made this pretty in pink beauty and giving thanks to her friendship, her thoughtfulness and feeling blessed to have her in my life. She definitely represents order and whimsy. She gets stuff done and has fun doing it. Top that with a cosmic giggle as I rejoice on sharing this post precisely now, since tomorrow, September 15th, is her birthday. Here’s to blushing with joy on all the goodness you bring to the world, and to my life… with golden LOVE. Happy Birthday, Dominique!