If you are hosting a dinner party, it’s awfully nice to gussy up your dining table with flowers, and flowers are certainly the most popular kind of centerpiece. And why not? Flowers are gorgeous, fragrant, and special – they add a touch of elegance for not much effort or money.
If you are going to have a floral centerpiece, take note of this rule of thumb from the pros: go short or very tall, or don’t go at all. A floral arrangement that interferes with eye level blocks your guests’ view of, and thus ability to interact with, their fellow diners.
If all of your vases are tall, as they often are, do not fear. A wide, decorative bowl is a perfect vessel – just be sure to choose one that is proportional to your table. Stick a chunk of floral foam in the bottom (an industry standard) and cut your stems at varying lengths as you work so that you can build a mound from the edges up.
These inexpensive bowls ($7.50 at Pearl River Mart) would look gorgeous with delicate pale, pastel, or white flowers.
This clear glass fishbowl ($8.99 at Jamali Garden) accommodates larger flowers with nice stems, and would look elegant filled with vibrant and richly-hued blooms.
Note: A single arrangement is perfect for a round table. If, however, your dining table is long and rectangular, create a line of low “vases” and divide the flowers between them. Elegant tumblers, jars, painted tin cans, or even a series of small votive holders filled with single stems would work perfectly.
