Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

Centerpiece strategies

Using a centerpiece to make a table look at least as exciting and special as the meal being served can enhance a meal's enjoyment, stimulate conversation and establish the tone of the event.

Toni Burnette of North Myrtle Beach Florist says, "A dining room table is not complete without a centerpiece." Experienced helpers abound on the Grand Strand to ensure that a sparkling, innovative centerpiece will grace your table for the upcoming holidays.

General considerations

Whether you are making an appointment to have a centerpiece made for you or you are going to indulge in the process of making the arrangement yourself, the following advice from Granny's of Conway, and North Myrtle Beach Florist and the Assistant Manager of Michaels Arts & Crafts of Myrtle Beach will aid your quest for the perfect table complement.

Think about the entire room. Dahl Frederics of North Myrtle Beach Florist says that one of the first things to do is to "consider the entire room and everything else that will go on the table.

"Tablescape" is a relatively new term that refers to such coordination of the holiday, party, or everyday centerpiece with linens, china and other home decor. To ensure good design coordination, take samples of china, table linens and other parts of the decor with you when planning the centerpiece with a designer, picking up the items for do-it-yourself or even selecting a ready-made centerpiece at the store.

Height. Steve Jones of Granny's in Conway notes that it is important to know if a piece needs to be at "conversation level" so that the dinner guests can easily talk over it or if the piece will be removed (more common) before the guests sit down to eat. For a piece that was to remain on the table during the meal, Jones recounts that he once designed a "tablescape" with a series of small containers lining the long table.

Color. Jones suggests that "one color is best for parties." He likes a mono color arrangement for effect, which complements the rest of your room and the table's colors with masses of one color flower or other elements.

Real or silk florals (artificial, aka premium botanicals). Jones suggests, "Generally, real flowers are for a single occasion and artificial and other objects are for arrangements that need to last longer."

Non-floral elements. Jones adds that if you want to use a special container of your own for the arrangement, take it with you to the designer. "Some people even bring fabric samples and pieces of their china into the shop to help determine the design."

Creative uses of papier-mache, or ceramic statuettes, candles, lights, "Christmas balls" and more can also enhance a centerpiece.

Decoration value after the single event. Especially at holidays, people often leave a lovely centerpiece on the table as a part of the overall decoration scheme.

Longevity generally mandates the use of artificial, silk flowers or non-flower objects. And of course, any nonperishable part of even a live floral centerpiece can be used again.

For storing entire nonperishable arrangements, Frederics advises, "Wrap the centerpiece loosely in tissue paper and place them in separate sturdy boxes."

Timing. Michael Ortega, assistant manager of Michaels Arts & Crafts, says, "Order at least a week; two is better, in advance."

Do it Yourself

Michaels Arts & Crafts and Old Thyme Pottery are two sources for supplies to "do it yourself." Ortega of Michaels notes, "Our store has floral designers on staff to help you plan your projects." In addition to selling containers, styrofoam, tools and custom bows, Michaels also carries books on floral design.

Ortega adds that most do-it-yourself crafters are already working on Christmas and says that his store's stock of stems (florals) and other supplies reflects this need to stay one season ahead.

Ready-made options still include a large fall selection. Granny's and North Myrtle Beach florist have designers on staff to help you plan an arrangement as well.

Beyond the Tablescape

For the designers who help you plan and create your centerpiece, "tablescapes" and even full-house holiday and party designs, working with you is an important part of their holiday, too.

Toni Burnette says, "One of the things we most enjoy about the upcoming season is going into people's holiday homes and making them holiday ready. We get to work with the treasures the families have collected over the years and put them together in a way that makes their homes a beautiful place to enjoy the season."