Flowers for Table Decoration
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The following is an excerpt on the finer points of flower table decoration from a book dedicated to table decoration. The book is called "Table Style: 101 Creative Ideas for Elegant and Affordable Entertaining" and is written by Liz Belton and Rebecca Tanqueray. The book has sections on the fundamental elements of table setting and table decorating, like glassware and table linens, specific occasions like "lazy brunch" or "Mother's Day lunch," as well as specific settings like "British formal." Here is what it has to say about flowers as focal elements:
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"flowers and focal points
The simplest and quickest way to bring a table to life is with flowers. Not only do they add colour and interest to a scheme, but they will also give a special touch to any occasion and need not cost a great deal of money. For tabletop flowers, large structured bouquets aren't necessary. Something simple and subtle works best, even for a smart dinner. Single stems (or even just individual flowerheads) placed in glasses along the centre of the table are far more modern than a stiff, formal display.
Raid the garden or windowbox for suitable specimens. A jug of simple peonies, poppies or even cow parsley is perfect for an informal meal. Choose flowers that complement your tableware, or use them as the starting point for the table's decorative scheme. The soft pink of an orchid can be picked up in a napkin tie or a tablemat, for example, while white anemones or hellebores could form the focal point of an all-white winter lunch table.
If you want to place flowers in the middle of the table, make sure the arrangement is not too tall; your guests should be able to see over it easily in order to chat. If you have created a large and dramatic display, it's best to position it at the end of the table or move it to one side at the start of the meal. Avoid strongly scented flowers, as they can put guests off the food. Ideally, stick to unscented blooms or remove strongly perfumed displays from the table before you eat.
How you present flowers is up to you, but generally, the more creative you are, the more impact the arrangement will have. Instead of the usual bunch of flowers in a vase, experiment with single blooms in tumblers or eggcups, use a large bowl or even a cake stand for a pretty central display. You could even scatter petals across the tabletop. Flowers should be an eye-catching focal point, so play around with different effects and see what works best.
If you're entertaining on the spur of the moment and don't have any flowers on hand, there are countless other ways to create an effective display. Use a cluster of candles of different heights, pieces of glittering glassware or a dramatic candelabra. A large platter of seasonal fruit is another good option. An unusual focal point will bring charm and personality to a table, but don't be tempted to overdo it. The trick is to make sure that all the elements of the tabletop work together in harmony rather than one detail grabbing all the attention."
(from "Table Style: 101 Creative Ideas for Elegant and Affordable Entertaining" by Liz Belton and Rebecca Tanqueray)
The simplest and quickest way to bring a table to life is with flowers. Not only do they add colour and interest to a scheme, but they will also give a special touch to any occasion and need not cost a great deal of money. For tabletop flowers, large structured bouquets aren't necessary. Something simple and subtle works best, even for a smart dinner. Single stems (or even just individual flowerheads) placed in glasses along the centre of the table are far more modern than a stiff, formal display.
Raid the garden or windowbox for suitable specimens. A jug of simple peonies, poppies or even cow parsley is perfect for an informal meal. Choose flowers that complement your tableware, or use them as the starting point for the table's decorative scheme. The soft pink of an orchid can be picked up in a napkin tie or a tablemat, for example, while white anemones or hellebores could form the focal point of an all-white winter lunch table.
If you want to place flowers in the middle of the table, make sure the arrangement is not too tall; your guests should be able to see over it easily in order to chat. If you have created a large and dramatic display, it's best to position it at the end of the table or move it to one side at the start of the meal. Avoid strongly scented flowers, as they can put guests off the food. Ideally, stick to unscented blooms or remove strongly perfumed displays from the table before you eat.
How you present flowers is up to you, but generally, the more creative you are, the more impact the arrangement will have. Instead of the usual bunch of flowers in a vase, experiment with single blooms in tumblers or eggcups, use a large bowl or even a cake stand for a pretty central display. You could even scatter petals across the tabletop. Flowers should be an eye-catching focal point, so play around with different effects and see what works best.
If you're entertaining on the spur of the moment and don't have any flowers on hand, there are countless other ways to create an effective display. Use a cluster of candles of different heights, pieces of glittering glassware or a dramatic candelabra. A large platter of seasonal fruit is another good option. An unusual focal point will bring charm and personality to a table, but don't be tempted to overdo it. The trick is to make sure that all the elements of the tabletop work together in harmony rather than one detail grabbing all the attention."
(from "Table Style: 101 Creative Ideas for Elegant and Affordable Entertaining" by Liz Belton and Rebecca Tanqueray)