Pro Tips for Creating a Beautiful Tablescape
Do you set a gorgeous table for special meals? I’m always so impressed at the pictures I see around Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas — so many of my friends really go all out to create a stunning tablescape with decorations and flowers and, you know, matching plates. I have to admit that I find it all a little intimidating.
The thing is, everyone should have the opportunity to set a beautiful table, so we asked Amy Wheeler, owner of Petals of Palm Coast, Inc. in Palm Coast, Fla. and part of the flower delivery site BloomNation to answer a few budding (sorry, couldn’t help it) questions for us.
Fit Bottomed Eats: What are your top tips for creating a striking tablescape, especially for those of us who might not have much experience doing that sort of thing?
Amy Wheeler: Stick to one theme — you can do warm and cozy or merry and bright — just make sure it’s not too busy and that it doesn’t take away from the actual meal. And consider using groupings. If your table is going to be crowded, use several smaller groupings spaced 6 to 12 inches apart rather than having one big, long and low centerpiece.
AW: Make sure your arrangements are “conversation height” — low enough to look over, or high enough to see under. You don’t want you guests looking “around” the flowers in order to have a conversation at the table.
And remember, the internet is great for lots of things, but flowers can be hit or miss. Get to know local professional florists! You can use BloomNation.com as a guide. Florists’ inventory of perishables change daily. Because BloomNation offers 100-percent transparency, you’ll be able to shop directly with the top local florists in more than 3,000 cities across the country. If you have a question about your order, you have direct access to the florist creating your arrangement. Be sure to also provide BloomNation and the local florist with a number where you can be reached. They will call with options for you if the product you ordered is not available.
Eats: What are some festive options, other than flowers, for decorating a holiday table?
AW: Candles, but be careful with them — hurricane lamps and votives are best. Make sure you keep open flames away from flammables. I know it sounds like a given, but people catch napkins and tablecloths (and even sleeves) on fire all the time.
Thanks for the tips, Amy! Anybody out there feel like sprucing up their holiday table this year? I have a few votives that I think might have a new home. —Kristen