PLACES EVERYONE - Patricia Wilson
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GOOD LIFE
PLACES
EVERYONE
S et th e sta ge f o r
s p r in g en ter ta in in g
The reasons to celebrate in springtime
are seemingly endless: Mardi Gras, St.
Patrick’s Day, the first day of spring,
Passover, Easter, graduations and
Mother’s Day.
STORY BY PATRICIA WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA PURGAHN
38 March/April 2019 | MyLifeStylesMag.com
March/April 2019 | MyLifeStylesMag.com 39
“Nature always wears the colors of spirit.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
W
e come together in spring to enjoy the people we love, to celebrate
accomplishments, to toast new beginnings, to honor cultural and
religious heritage and to show appreciation. We celebrate the season's
promise of more abundant sunlight, fresh greenery and colorful blossoms.
NATURE'S BEAUTY
Let nature be the inspiration for the spring celebration table.
Spring is full of colorful flowers: cherry blossoms, dogwood, wisteria,
hydrangea, tulips, iris and daffodils. Using these fresh blooms brings beauty, color
and fragrance to the table.
Greenery adds even more color. The lily of the valley has both delicate bell-
shaped flowers and medium-bright green leaves.
Start by dressing the table with a white tablecloth, which serves as a blank canvas.
Add flowers either individually, assembled in a bouquet or even as the design on
your favorite china or linens.
Create a take-home party favor for each guest by tying ribbon around individual
floral stems and placing them on a napkin at each place setting.
Use lace, ribbon and beautiful fabrics as embellishments to the floral elements.
Sheer fabrics pick up surrounding colors and are a great way to blend different
shades.
For a layered look, lay flowers on top of linen cloth, add antique china and your
treasured serving pieces and go even higher with bouquets of your favorite flowers.
A stunning floral centerpiece is a great focal point for the spring celebration table.
Be sure the centerpiece is below eye level so it doesn't hinder conversation across
the table.
Blend shades of pink, rose, blush, peach and coral for the sophisticated feel of
tone-on-tone. Consider combinations of pink, mint green, yellow, lavender, light
blue, yellow and purple.
Combine complementary colors for a beautiful effect. These are colors that are
opposite of each other on the color wheel, such as purple with yellow, pink with
green, blue with orange or yellow.
Combining colors that are near each other on the color wheel yields a fresh
effect. Pink and yellow, or blue with green are fun examples.
Layers of white in a variety of textures create an amazing understated elegance.
SETTING THE MOOD
Consider what you want your party to feel like? Lavish, elegant, casual or simple?
Is the celebration best suited for formal decorations. Maybe the occasion
calls using antiques as decorative accents. Perhaps a table with contemporary
minimalism design fits the occasion.
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“May the sun shine warm upon your face.”
— from an Irish blessing
| CONT. FROM PG. 40
Complementing floral elements with decorative pieces full of symbolism adds
depth of meaning to the celebration. The butterfly and the egg symbolize rebirth
and transformation that are so precious during spring. The Bells of Ireland, a
gorgeous tall spire-shaped plant, is a symbol of good luck, which is perfect for a St.
Patrick’s Day gathering.
Candles are always a nice touch. I use unscented candles to not overpower the
fragrance of the floral pieces.
PERSONAL TOUCHES
To make the table uniquely your's, add a few of your favorite personal
objects. Over the years, my husband and I have gathered an assortment of
decorative items — alabaster eggs, a glass butterfly, a pink marble mushroom,
antique crystal wine stoppers and colorful glass pitchers — that have served
as table decorations.
Use beautiful fabric to complete the table dressing. I love crisp white linens,
colorful napkins, floral prints and crocheted lace doilies. For texture, I add
monogrammed hand towels or woven mats.
Handwritten menus and place cards become great little keepsakes for your
guests to take home. Giving them something that you have carefully written
is a very personal touch.
Patricia Wilson is a commercial interior designer registered with the Texas Board of
Architectural Examiners. Visit her at www.PatriciaCWilson.com
March/April 2019 | MyLifeStylesMag.com 45You can also read
