Simple Centerpieces
by Laurie Nienhaus
Few sounds are sweeter to a hostess’ ears than the oohs and aahs, cries of delight and contented sighs of happy guests. Yet, what can be harder on the pocketbook? It's a sad truth that such perfection does not come cheaply. Perhaps we can help you with two centerpiece ideas that are both unique and easy on the pocketbook.
Flowers are always a first choice for centerpieces, but unless you’ve a garden in full bloom, you must purchase. This can greatly add to the expense of your tea, especially if multiple arrangements are necessary. However, think miniature and both the price and the task itself become quite manageable.
For a vase, consider glass salt and pepper shakers. If you're lucky enough to possess crystal ones, fabulous! But simple glass ones - the kind found in thrift shops or that were once used in diners - are charming when filled with flowers, greenery, herbs, or a combination of all. They hold only the smallest amount of stems, making the composing of an arrangement absurdly simple. They’re also small enough to be put into a home refrigerator, giving you more lead-time with this particular hostess task.
Secondly, think "still life." Are you a collector or have you multiple collections? If so, consider creating a still life composed of different pieces from your various collections.
Do you collect Majolica vases? Rather than flowers, let your silk ribbons or vintage handkerchiefs tumble from them. Stack several of your vintage pincushions on top of a short, skewed stack of old books or stand a vintage book and drape your grandmother's beaded necklace over it. Create a different still life for each table.
Why yes, I too can hear the oohs and aahs.
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Laurie Nienhaus is an author, playwright and public speaker living on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. She is also the director of Gilded Lily Publishing and Beach Haus Productions. To learn more, visit www.GLily.com.
