HOUSTON – Southern Home and Farm’s Master Gardener Rhonda Kaiser is stopped by Houston Life today with some tablescape inspiration for the spring season! She is sharing her DIY tips!
Create your own decorated flower-pressed candles that your guests will think are store-bought.
THE MATERIALS
- Fresh & faux flowers
- Fruits
- Pressed flowers
- Pillar candles
- Wax paper
- Hair Dryer
THE STEPS
- Lay wax paper on a table and apply dried flowers on top.
- Gently roll the wax paper (with flowers) around the candle.
- Use a hair dryer to melt the wax so the flowers adhere
Follow along as she creates a beautiful, decorated candle in the video above.
And if you want to go the extra mile, Kaiser shared her steps in creating a beautiful tablescape to match your fancy candles.
STEP 1: Choose a theme!
- Choose a theme, then build your tablescape around it. She chose a garden theme for today’s demonstration.
STEP 2: Choose colors that coordinate with the theme!
- These can be complementary or monochromatic.
- PRO TIP: If you are uncertain about colors, invest in an inexpensive color wheel, which shows the relationships between primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors.
STEP 3: Gather decor!
- Gather any appropriate saved decor. Her motto is always to try using what you have first!
STEP 4: Create your focal point first, then build around it!
- PRO TIP: Invest in higher quality florals. Mix faux with fresh flowers to create a seamless look. Fresh greenery is always an inexpensive option to buy. You’ll create a cohesive look while saving money!
STEP 5: Use fresh fruit!
- Try using seasonal fresh fruit in your table arrangements - this elevates the look! For example, you could use lemons or tomatoes at the base of a vase or glass bowl for summer, and exchange for cranberries in the winter. Place fresh flowers in a smaller vase and rest them inside a larger vase. Fill the gap with fruit!
- PRO TIP: If your setting is more intimate, try using a decor height with this easy tip…rest your elbow on the table. Place your chin atop your hand. The decor should be kept to this height (or lower) for ease of conversation. If outdoors (or much larger setting) taller arrangements are perfectly suitable!
STEP 6: Utilize layering!
- Try layering plates, chargers, and napkins. It creates more interest. There are also many ways to display napkins. For example, a simple fold left dangling under a plate, a fold into a flower shape, with a vintage brooch in the middle (for a bridal shower) or tie it with jute string and rosemary (for a garden party). Napkin ring ideas are endless. Just use your imagination!
STEP 7: Match your dinnerware with the theme!
- For plates and glasses, again choose your appropriate theme and color.
- PRO TIP: Don’t have enough plates? No worries! Visit a local antique store for vintage plates of the same, material, color, and theme. It creates a softer, more vintage feel while staying true to your theme. Mix and matching can be just as beautiful, if not more!
STEP 8: Add decorative treasures!
- Use any decorative objects that apply to your theme. Again, a mix of inexpensive versus a few treasures here will elevate the look.
- PRO TIP: Use risers under a few objects to create different heights and visual interest, rather than resting all items on the existing table surface.
STEP 9: Have fun with it!
This is the most important part! Showing off your tablescape at your event allows you to show off your decorating skills. Use this time to shine!
For more inspiration on designing a beautiful outdoor space, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.
You can also sign up for her FREE Garden Planning and Design Guide on her website.