DIY ideas to use fresh flowers on tables
Story and photos by SHARON WHITE
Summer is a time for gathering and entertaining. But no one wants to spend a lot of money — or effort — decorating. Here are some easy ways to set a beautiful table using inexpensive containers and seasonal flowers.
Distressed Terra Cotta Pots
Everyone seems to love the earthy look of terra cotta pots like those found in the Italian countryside.
The Japanese even have a term for this weathered, natural patina. They refer to it as “wabi sabi,” which means “imperfect beauty that only comes with age.”
Of course these clay pots can be found readily — and very cheaply — at any garden center. But, new pots lack character. Here is a quick way to create your own mossy patina on new terra cotta pots.
What You’ll Need:
Terra cotta pots
White acrylic paint
Mossy green color acrylic paint
A cup of water
A damp rag
A plastic plate
Rubber gloves
Brown paint or dirt (optional)
Squirt a bit of white paint on the plate
Water down the white paint using about three parts water to one part paint. It’s important to get the paint very thin so it will create a chalky base on the pot.
Dip the moist rag into the paint mixture and begin rubbing the pot gently to get a whitewashed finish, avoiding any harsh lines or splatters on the porous terra cotta.
When the entire pot has been whitewashed, place a small amount of green paint on the plate.
Dip your rag into the green paint and begin dabbing the green lightly onto the pot, focusing on the rim and the bottom of the pot, so as to give the natural appearance of aging in those areas.
Use your fingers to smear the green paint in places you want to darken.
After you achieve the desired “garden stained” effect, you can rub lightly with a bit of brown paint, or dirt, to give an even more authentically-worn look.
Fill with flowers. For very little cost, you can decorate several tables for a large gathering, and you can save and reuse pots, or give away to guests.
‘Spirited’ Floral Arrangement’
Have you ever noticed that bourbon, whiskey and gin bottles have a sculptural quality? They can be used as vases for charming table decor. (Tall, clear bottles can also be used — or a collection of simple bud vases of different heights. Just make sure the mouth of the bottle is small — that way, you will only have to use 2-3 flowers in each vessel.)
This casual arrangement is guaranteed to be a conversation starter. And one bouquet of store-bought flowers is enough for an entire table setting.
Seasonal ‘Drop Ins’
Do you have a collection of pots or some that coordinate well together (same color or style)? If so, group them and add potted flowers (no need to plant).
Purchase seasonal flowers from your garden center and “drop them” into your container — pot and all. In the spring, you can use hydrangeas.
During the holidays, you may want to use poinsettias or narcissus. Geraniums (or other flowering plants) work well in summer.
You can pick up flower pots, wooden boxes, baskets and other containers at thrift stores and garage sales. Keep them on hand and use them again and again to create no-stress table decor.
