Centerpieces Made Simple

No flower expertise is needed in this colorful centerpiece. This one is perfect for spring when fresh color is so desirable after our gloomy winters or so appropriate for hot summer when we need relief from the heat.

There are three components in this center grouping; flowers, fruit and found objects from around the house. These items are all grounded on a bed of moss.

I started with my standard fail-proof grocery store roses (so many orange-ish varieties to choose from) and grouped 6-7 opened roses in stemless wine glasses. The stemless white wine glass works so well for arranging. The height of the glass is just right for never blocking the view between your dinner guests and the neck of the glass curves in to perfectly hug the roses right in place. Never be afraid to cut the stems off. There’s nothing worse than having to peer over or around to see the person across from you or having to remove the centerpiece when your guests sit down to eat. Shorter stems also allows roses to “drink” the water easier and therefore, last a good bit longer.

I line the wine glasses with a couple of larger leaves. In warmer months I usually trim leaves off my hydrangea bushes or use a few hosta leaves. Any larger leaf will work well. Lining the glasses with leaves hides all your “mechanics”.

I bought 7 oranges and sliced several in half and left others whole and randomly placed them on sheet moss. Sheet moss can be purchased at most floral shops, big box stores and floral wholesalers. This particular package I picked at Scarlet Scales Antiques while shopping at The Antiques & Garden Show. Set your moss in place before setting your dishes. It gets a little messy but cleans up easily with a damp paper towel. Just tear the sheets of moss and place the pieces randomly around the roses layering them a bit. Then place your sliced and whole oranges on your moss.

I grabbed a few of my vintage blue and white carpet balls to complete the look. Blue and white is one of my favorites and the orange just pops with my mother’s vintage wedding china!

SOURCES

• Placemats: The Collected Nest at Gas Lamp Too, Nashville / Annabelle
• Napkins: The Collected Nest / Cornflower
• Roses: Whole Foods
• Chargers: Caspari
• China: Personal Collection / Blue Danube
• Napkin Rings: The Sterling Saddle / Instagram
• Carpet Balls: The Sterling Saddle / Instagram and Gas Lamp Too, Nashville
• Photos: Ruby and Peach @rubyandpeachphoto