How To Create A Simple, Elegant Tablescape
Prepping the table with dahlias from my garden wearing Saloni from The Fred Shop.
Photo: Julia Dags
I keep it easy when setting the table for a dinner party- sticking to one flower (either all one color or in 3 similar hues that vary in intensity), cutting the stems short, and sticking them in assorted bud vases from my eclectic collection, which includes well-priced classics from CB2, investment statement vessels from Alexandra Von Furstenberg, heirloom rare vaseline glass treasures from my incredible Aunt Joan who’s collection of the rare chartreuse glass inspired the redesign of our formal living room into a colorful (borderline psychedelic) parlor, Goodwill scores and a handful of fancy schmancy wedding gifts.
If I am buying flowers, I tend to go with roses, however, from July through October, I cut either dahlia or zinnias from my own garden (take that deer and gophers- you don’t get ALL the colorful blooms, SO THERE!)
I then cluster the vases in groups of 3 or 5 (odd numbers always- looks so much less planned and more elegant) and spread them down the length of the table. Interspersed with the flowers are these CB2 lucite tea light holders (I have square ones that I got years ago from here but these seem to be the current version on the same idea) and, depending on the occasion, one other whimsical decorative object- along the lines of these brass jacks, Baccarat butterflies or ceramic flowers.
So easy and fool-proof, the ultimate elegant tablescape short cut for the busy hostess!
I linked a bunch of my favorite bud vases below- start collecting now, and thank me when the holidays roll around and you get the table ready so damn fast you have time to actually pour yourself a cocktail and do your makeup before guests arrive!
Clear glass bud vases like this cloche style or a clean-cut curved cup.
Clean white ceramics in a set of 3 (and 2 are glossy, 1 is matte- so you get that eclectic style detail)- or go whimsical with this Jonathan Adler find that is unexpected and amazing (I posted it over the holidays last year as a hostess gift and it is still one of the most clicked shopping links on my site!).
Metallic geometric vases feel modern and perfect mixed in with clear or clean white vessels.
Pops of neon and drama in the form of these stunners from Alexandra Von Furstenberg’s home collection (which we own way more than I should admit of, I can’t get enough…)
The best place to find “Vaseline Glass” (in quotes because in my experience, most of the items listed are not real but the prices are amazing and they still look super cool) is on Etsy- linked my recent search here so you can peruse.
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Please share any of your tablescape shortcuts or go-to decor pieces in the comments! Oh- and if you can link any favorite bud vases, that would be amazing- I am always adding to my collection. xxJF