Tablescape Thursday

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan over at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ hop on over to her blog to see more tablescapes.

I came across these great table decor ideas and thought I would pass them along. I plan on making the flower balls for my Easter table..

Carnation balls are a fresh take on a humble flower. They add a fun burst of color to your Fourth of July table, and they're easy to make. Thoroughly saturate a 3-inch sphere of floral foam with cool water, then insert short carnation stems — cut to an inch below the calyx — in a concentric, coiling pattern until the sphere is almost covered. Each of these spheres holds about 50 carnations. Display carnation balls individually, or cluster balls of varying sizes — and color — on a favorite vase or tray to create a distinctive and dramatic centerpiece. Place sphere with its "bald spot" in a saucer of cool water; refresh daily and it will last a week.

This quick-and-easy place setting also makes a sweet party favor for guests. Cut a bandanna into fourths. Fill squares with candy, gather edges, and tie with ribbon. For the name tag, make color photocopies of bandannas. Cut into rectangles, punch a hole at one end, and string on ribbon.

Improvise a "cloth" tablecloth by criss-crossing strips of burlap from a garden-supply store, then layering lengths of crinkly white gauze over them. The effect is reminiscent of antique linen culled from Grandma's attic.

Multiple tables can be covered with simple, inexpensive burlap to create one long table for a large dinner party. Railroad lanterns provide illumination as night falls. Sunflowers in almost any type of container are informal — and affordable — floral centerpieces.

A medley of old china and chairs gathered under a tree creates a laid-back setting for a summer meal.

A giant umbrella shields party guests from the blazing afternoon sun, and hanging lanterns will illuminate the table come nightfall. Mix citronella candles with other colorful tea lights to keep away pests, and offer diners light cotton shawls to ward off a chill in the evening.

To make these bold centerpieces, trim the bottom off a floral foam sphere so that it can sit on a cake stand, and soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Clip dahlia stems short; insert into the foam until covered.

Bales of hay make great seating for a country table...

Add a cheerful touch to the summer table with this patchwork-style runner. Line up enough bandannas to fit the length of a table, leaving some overhang, and stitch together. To back the runner, cut an old cotton tablecloth (any light-colored one will do) to match its width and length. Sew together along the edges or attach with iron-on bonding.

In the center of the table, single philodendron leaves partner with clusters of delicate 'Limelight' hydrangea in simple glass containers. Sprigs of fresh mint in the glasses nod to the garden theme, while vibrant pink napkins add a pop of color to the white place settings.

A refreshing palette of golden yellow and robin's-egg blue sets the scene. For a casual yet stylish affair, mix upscale elements with down-home details. Burlap, bandannas, and disposable pleats mingle effortlessly with fresh flowers and herbs.

Mix vivid flowers, saturated colors, and patterns to set an exotic scene.