Complete place settings and party tables with endearing details that draw from the bounty and beauty of nature. From colorful produce and fragrant herbs to foliage and flora, we’ve rounded up five garden-inspired entertaining touches that are sure to lend charm to any get-together.
Natural Allure
As the season’s produce bursts forth in a vibrant-colored harvest, welcome guests to your table with a garden-fresh take on place cards. Remove the tops of bell peppers with a sharp knife and discard the seeds. Leaving soil intact, transfer seasonal herbs such as sage from pre-planted cups to the hollowed peppers, pressing the soil lightly to mold it in place. Attach personalized paper flags to 4-inch dowels or sticks with double-sided tape or glue. These charming take-home favors serve as a cheery reminder of your hospitality.
Verdant Invitation
Using a gold paint pen, glossy leaves plucked from your own yard become personalized place markers. The natural greenery accentuates this setting’s whimsical motif: a single exotic bird poised amid budding beauties. Waxflowers and ranunculus in brilliant sunset hues bob cheerfully alongside the foliage.
Fragrant Flourish
Delight the senses with a display that features fresh lavender. Using a satin ribbon, tie two or three lavender sprigs together. Lay them across a place setting of mismatched china and linens in a range of soft purple hues for a sweet-smelling finish that brings the garden-inspired scheme full circle.
Berries and Blossoms
Greet friends with a playful display reminiscent of baskets brimming with fruit. Write the name of your guest on a sticker with a decorative border and attach it to a toothpick. Press a second sticker on the back to sandwich the toothpick. Fill a teacup with fresh blueberries and position the toothpick securely so the place card remains upright. A single bloom and scattered berries impart a garden-inspired flair.
Chilled Frills
A few floral details can make a striking impact. Place tiny flower blossoms, petals, and mint leaves at the bottom of each compartment in ice-cube trays, and place in the freezer. In lieu of a cooler or an ice bucket, choose a large bowl, like the pretty ruffled one shown here. When the cubes are set, fill the bowl, and add a bottle of lemonade, sparkling cider, or Champagne to chill elegantly until ready to serve.
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