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Put A Bow On It: Simple Spring Centerpieces
It’s that time of year when I share ideas for Spring Centerpieces! This time around I decided to use a ‘gift’ theme.
Some things just naturally go together. I happen to think flowers and bows make a pretty pair.
Making bows from ribbon is inexpensive and easy yet they add so much flair to the simplest of flower arrangements. Wrap it all up using an unexpected ‘gift box’ for a container and you’re in business.
For this ‘gift’ centerpiece, I used a box covered with ivory capiz shells that I purchased from HomeGoods. I placed the hydrangeas in a drinking glass filled with water before putting the whole arrangement into the box.
Blue hydrangeas are some of my favorite flowers. Just a few of these big, fluffy blossoms are needed for a robust display. Just beware — beauty aside — cut hydrangeas are fussy and may not last more than a day. So, if you use them, prepare your arrangement the day of your event.
Yellow daffodils are also some of my faves, and in my quest to find a unique way to arrange them in a gift box I came across this:
Perfect! A ceramic gift box complete with a yellow ribbon and bow on top. Did I mention that I found this at the thrift store? Time to snip a small bunch of daffies from the yard:
Although the ceramic box was a fortunate find, there are many other ways to create a gift-theme centerpiece. I’ll share a couple more ideas later in the season.
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Spring Centerpiece: Jellybean Tower
If you’re looking for a candy centerpiece idea, this Jellybean Tower will add a little vintage sparkle and warm colors to your table.
The photo below shows you all of the parts to this centerpiece: three vintage, glass candy dishes {one of my new favorite accessories} and three glass votive holders.
You can find vintage candy dishes at just about any thrift store or antique store. I bought these at a thrift store for only $2.00 each. The glass votive holders are available just about anywhere — the grocery store, craft store or Wal-Mart. As you can see, I filled two of them with jellybeans and used one as a vase for the ranunculus. These flowers are brilliantly colored and have tons of petals that actually look like paper. Very pretty!
The final step is to stack each part on top of the other beginning with a candy dish and ending with the flowers. Add extra jellybeans in the top dish {optional}, and you’re done! Needless to say you can use any color of jellybeans you wish. I wanted warm hues, hence the yellow and orange.
The great thing about using clear glass items is that they become whatever color you want them to be just by what you put in them. So don’t ignore a pretty glass container even if you want something colorful.
One other point — this tower is best suited for adult gatherings. Unless you glue all of the parts together, the display can topple over so use your discretion when children are around. I’m pleased with how this centerpiece turned out and I’m sure it will make for a fun dinner conversation.
Design and photos by Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs
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Sunflower Tablescape
It’s the first day of Summer, so what better time than to share a bright and cheery tablescape featuring Sunflowers as the focal point.
I created this ‘welcome table’ for an outdoor party. Although I enjoy designing with sunflowers, they are sometimes tricky to work with. Sunflowers have thick stems and can be awkwardly shaped, but their stately stature, dramatic yellow hue, and affordability really make them a great choice for summer gatherings…and yes, they can look elegant!
Packs of retro chewing gum usually get a positive reaction from guests. In this case, yellow packs of Juicy Fruit perfectly complement my color scheme.
Fabric and ribbon are my “go to” weapons for tablescapes. Notice how the buttons on the vase are made from the same fabric as the table runner.
Be sure to follow Color Sizzle for more fun and colorful entertaining ideas this summer!
photos and design by Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs
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Quick Centerpiece Idea {from the yard}
Need a quick centerpiece? If you have flowering shrubs in your yard, grab a pair of scissors! Right now, my Hypercium {St. John’s Wort} shrubs are in full bloom. With just a handful of branches and a few added strands of vinca vine, I made this centerpiece in no time.
Other great shrubs and plants that will work: lilac shrubs, hydrangeas, viburnum, Japanese rose shrubs and peonies….and don’t forget to use a colorful vase!
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A Pink, Peach and Lilac Affair
One of my favorite event designs caught my eye six years ago.
OK, maybe it’s because I love lilac, but this darling decor still tops my list of faves. Featured in the Spring/Summer 2004 issue of Receptions from Bride’s magazine, I re-discovered it while flipping through some old publications.
I just think these ribbon-tied flower boxes are so adorable. What a great centerpiece idea for Mother’s Day, and your flowers don’t have to be expensive — mums and carnations work just fine!
If you’re planning a spring wedding, you certainly can’t beat this delicate color combination – and check out the cookie favors:
Pretty ideas for the perfect spring celebration {and for those who love purple}!
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Pink Flowers
I had planned on posting photos of my pink flower arrangements before Easter, but I ran out of time! However, I do think pink flowers are perfect for spring occasions such as a baby shower or Mother’s Day {which is coming up on May 9, 2010}. In fact, I’m sure there are many Moms and Grandmas who would really appreciate a Teacup Tablescape.
Once again I raided the thrift store — where teacups are abundant — and found these lovely cups from Laurel China….but you know me…I had to glam them up a bit so a little bling was in order.
Thanks to adhesive jewels {from Michaels} these vintage teacups now have a contemporary touch. I then arranged three roses in each teacup, and Viola!
The second design {below} is just a fun, casual mix of seasonal pinks: snapdragons, tulips and more roses.
My vase is another thrift store find. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice more jewels.
If you’ve ever perused the ‘jewelry making’ aisle at the craft store I’m sure you’ve seen an array of beautiful beads and gems. These items really can turn a centerpiece from ordinary to extraordinary. Even subtle jewels can add interest and catch your guests’ attention.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my centerpieces this spring. If you use any of these ideas or come up with your own, I’d love to hear from you and share your creations with Color Sizzle readers!
{One last photo of my office which was overtaken by flowers for several days. My oldest son, who has allergies, was sneezing like crazy — poor thing. Oh, how my family puts up with me!}
CLICK HERE to view Spring Centerpiece Central
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Back-To-School Tablescape
This Labor Day weekend will mark the “unofficial” end of summer. So, my latest tablescape is all about color, whimsy…
…and did you notice that it has a ‘back-to-school’ theme? What better way to get your kids ready to hit those books — they’ll be thrilled, right? The best thing about this tablescape is that you can use inexpensive school supplies. You may even have some extra items you’ve already bought. Here, I used colored pencils, sticky notes and colored notebook paper.
I also used scrapbooking paper and photocopies of a composition book to embellish the glass vases. Fresh sunflowers and balloons complete this festive table. Who knew you could celebrate in style with school supplies? Have a colorful weekend!
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Celebrate {With} Color!
I get so much inspiration from colorful celebrations such as these designs featured in Ceremony magazine:
The setting above features bold, bright colors. LOVE the orange and fuchsia — and the flower appliques. Below, the design is more subdued with softer hues, but the look is still dramatic and fun thanks to delicious mint-green stripes and candy displays. And, of course, both floral centerpieces are amazing.
Professional designs like these can give us tons of ideas for colorful entertaining @ home!
floral design: top setting – Extraordinary Flowers; bottom setting – Couture Flowers
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Colorful Spring Centerpieces
If you’re planning a spring event, here are some fun centerpiece ideas using seasonal colors.
I designed these candy topiaries and flower baskets for my friend’s baby shower. These were very easy to make, although the topiaries take a little time and patience. The flower baskets are plastic Easter buckets. I filled each one with potting soil and garden flowers that guests could take home and re-plant . Below are other great ideas from southernliving.com.
Here is an adorable, kid-friendly centerpiece. This is a very creative way to use dyed eggs.
Using pedestal bowls and silk butterflies, this centerpiece provides an elegant touch to a traditional setting.
Design a quick-and-easy centerpiece with grocery store flowers and fruit. Here, sliced limes support yellow tulips to create a simply stunning display.
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