lulu
Though I walk for exercise, my eyes are always open for what is blooming in fields adjacent to the path. There’s Queen Ann’s lace, goldenrod, interesting grasses, cattails, lupine pods and things I can’t even name. Often I come home with a handful that combined become part of lovely arrangements for the table.
My favorite way to arrange flowers is to put them in a variety of vessels. It is simple and the containers can be placed randomly to create an easy centerpiece.
The cloth that is background for the flowers is folded on the diagonal leaving part of the table bare. When it’s time to eat, a couple of placemats fill and protect the bare space as well as reflect the quiet background of the cloth.
Playing off the cranberry color of the small vases and the flowers in the textile, these dishes are perfect. They are long discontinued from the 40’s and 50’s and were a purchase from an antique show some years ago.
Their appeal is not only the color but the unusual shape.
Adding the thumbprint glasses continues the color scheme and finishes the table.
Tonight the family will gather around what we call the big house meaning it’s a step up from the breakfast room. Having teenage girls get involved in the table preparation is a great way for them to recognize that setting an attractive table can be very uncomplicated. Sometimes a pretty table is also a gentle reminder to use good table manners!
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Joining
After introducing you to Florescence, I cannot resist showing you more of the incredible floral arrangements interpreting the show’s challenges. Before going on I should tell you that Florescence is one of the largest competitive national flower shows sanctioned by the Garden Club of America in the U.S. 
It is impossible not to be awed by these creations
and seeing them displayed with the art that inspired them makes them even more dramatic.
I was blown away by creations inspired by couture dresses from the Museum of Fine Art’s collection.
As I look again at this photo, I notice that the arrangement mimics the flow of the dress…..absolutely stunning!
Here a styrofoam head wears an elaborate headdress made primarily of natural plant material. What sea goddess wouldn’t love to be so adorned?
Many times I see wooden boxes used on tables as centerpieces. Unique here is the mix of succulents, roses, lilies and tropicals that demonstrate how anything can work together provided the choices are selected with a critical eye.
Particularly interesting were arrangements incorporating abstract qualities inspired by pieces in the Museum’s contemporary art collection.
The varied materials used with flowers and plant materials was wonderful,
and I will be keeping my eyes open for elements that add interest.
Though I marveled over over the elaborate creations, I could not see such in my future. I was attracted to the ikebana technique because it seems a little more doable,
and I like the simplicity both of the containers and the flower design.
If I were to step a little out of my comfort zone, however, it would be to do something like this, so full of color and whimsey.
Beautiful floral arrangements are works of art, particularly when they are created to meet a challenge such as that demanded by Florescence, an annual themed flower show in Houston. For two days the entries are displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts where huge crowds marvel at the astonishing creativity. 
This is a very formal table with layers of textiles complementing the gold accents on the stemware and china.
Unique features are the unexpected use of orchids on the candlestick
and the fish jumping into bowls filled with iridescent baubles.
As with the first table, a tall arrangement is the focal point. I couldn’t help but think of sitting at either and wanting to move the arrangement to the side.
Two things, the teacup as a container
and a natural leaf secureing the napkin, are features worth remembering.
This table is all about fun and thanks to the clever arrangement I could almost forgive its size as a centerpiece. 
The use of pattern and color is consistent in every detail
right down to the elephants suspended at the layered corners. What sets this table apart is its touches of whimsey.
Here pattern is key,
and the layered textiles define the color palette used in both the flower selection and tableware. 
Overall, this is a simple table made warm and inviting by color and texture. Did you notice that the floral arrangement is on the side?
The breakfast room table is void of trees and snow globes that are replaced with what is left of the flowers the hubby gave me for our anniversary. They are arranged in an assortment of bottles which make for a simple and colorful centerpiece.
The table runner is one I made from a scrap of my handwoven fabric bordered with another remnant. Sometimes it pays not to throw anything away, but when I go into my studio I wonder how it will be possible to use all that is on the shelves!
With the runner and flowers in place, it was easy to pick everything else. The dishes are one of my favorites, Tuscany Rose from 222 Fifth. They’ve been around for a long time, and a few pieces now have chips in them. I’ll keep using them though until they are no longer presentable.
Add glasses and flatware,
and in just a few minutes the table is done. I wish that preparing dinner were that quick and easy!
