Celebrating Spring with A Table Full of Possibilities
Special table decor, centerpiece ideas, tablecloth help, and everything else you need to set a stunning table this spring.
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Enchanting Pieces to Elevate Your Spring Table
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I’m sharing a few of the highlights I’ve come across for setting a spring table, creating a centerpiece from nature, solving a tablecloth dilemma, and even some recipes for what to serve at that gorgeous table once it's set.
Earlier this week I participated in National Place Card Day™ by creating my own table setting. Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Cards created the holiday and choose the first day of spring to celebrate the start of another season of gatherings. I immediately warmed to the idea as I find so much table inspiration in the season, whether it's assembling a colorful seasonal place setting, foraging for goodies from nature to turn into decoration, or coming up with a menu that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious.
Product Picks
Asparagus Isn’t Only for Eating
Asparagus Beeswax Tapers ($40)
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A Pitcher Is Always Handy On A Table
Hawkins New York Essentials Pitcher, Green ($28)
Buy at ABC Carpet
Too-Pretty-to-Eat Cookies for An Easy Dessert or Table Accent
Carriage House Cookies, The Signature Cookies, Box of 12 ($49)
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Enchanting Table Decor
Setting a spring table calls for a fetching blend of tableware that feels pretty and fresh – in line with the season's blossoming and hopeful spirit. From touches of soft color and subtle floral patterns to delicate details and elegant shapes, these enchanting pieces will enhance and elevate any spring table setting. With excellent craft and timeless design, they are also destined to be used over and over again in different combinations.
From top right: Hyacinth + Daffodil Dinner Napkins, Courtland & Co. Twisted Spiral Candle, Etsy. Raffia Bread Basket, Cabana. Serax Iki Doll Vase, Assorted Sizes, ABC Carpet. Set of Two White Hydrangea Dinner Napkins, Well Appointed House. Kalamkari Tablecloth Blue and White, Rectangle, Cabana. Serax + Ann Demeulemeester, Grace Clear Red Wine Glass, ABC Carpet. Hand Painted Green & White Flowers and Shells Dinner Plate (Set of 2), Well Appointed House. 'Blue Butterflies' Place Card Set, Punctilious Mr. P's Place Cards.
Nature-Inspired Spring Centerpieces
I’ve always thought the best table centerpieces for spring are ones that take their cues from nature — as if the flowers were sprouting from the ground, only it’s the table. It’s the time of the year when there’s floral abundance right outside your door (or nearby market) and keeping it organic feels more fresh and pure; these blooms and bulbs don’t need to be gussied up to be enjoyed. Inspired by floral experts on both sides of the pond, I’ve collected arrangement ideas ranging from moss-wrapped bundles of bulbs to snowdrop fairy bowls. Any of them would be perfectly fitting as a spring floral centerpiece. I've tried them all myself and share the tips I have for creating them.
Dear SoS: Tablecloth Woes
My dear friend reached out with a quandary: she couldn't find a tablecloth that works in her dining room. She entertains a lot and prefers to use a more interesting tablecloth. The trouble is she has rather busy wallpaper and finds that the two can clash. So, she asked if I had any suggestions.
Well, first of all, I say, embrace the pattern; pattern x pattern can be brilliant. I personally think patterns work best when there’s a bit of a contrast – for instance, a large print and a small print, or an abstract print and an open pattern. And if you get nervous about matching prints, try a stripe or a gingham – they are the most foolproof patterns. As for color, I suggest contrasting colors or tonal colors from the same color family.
At left: In the eating room of Salvesen Graham founder Nicole Salvesen, the brand’s open pattern wallpaper in a palette of pinks, greens and blues is complemented by a green gingham tablecloth.
At right: the open pattern of Cabana's Houghton Hall Magnolia Tablecloth blends beautifully with the small print on the walls; likewise the pink of the tablecloth offers a strong contrast with the blue wall.
Recipe Ideas for Spring
I am a really big cook, and one of my biggest pleasures is planning a menu for an occasion, tracking down the inspiration, sifting through recipes to find the right ones, and then hunting down those ingredients. I guess it’s a similar process as how I approach curating home decor. Just as special objects are about creating a welcoming home, the best recipes help you prepare thoughtful and delicious food that expresses your love and caring.
For obvious reasons deviled eggs are fitting for spring celebrations. These Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs really kick them up a notch, and coming from Southern Living, you know they have to be good. I made these for Easter last year, and they were a hit.
This Herb-Crusted Cod from House & Garden UK is one of those simple recipes you might actually forget about, but is such a good go-to when a sophisticated main dish is called for. This crust packs a lot of flavor, plus gives it a great crunch and makes for a lovely presentation.
I’ve only made this Radicchio Caesar Salad from NYTimes Cooking for myself, but I am waiting for the opportunity to serve it to guests. It is the holy grail of dinner party food – beautiful, easy, and a little special. And you can make little variations to make it your own: I have subbed a vinaigrette (plus capers); added quality blue cheese, sliced radishes and diced prosciutto; used a mix of chicories (the more and prettier the better).
For some reason, decadent potatoes like this Fennel-Potato Gratin, seem right for a spring dinner, as a counterbalance to the lighter foods. No one does decadent better than Ina Garten so it’s her recipe I turn to, plus I like how this one incorporates fennel which is in its prime in early spring.
This Little Krapfen by Photisserie is perhaps a little fussy to make, but I couldn’t resist. The donuts look just like Easter eggs and would be charming served in egg cups as pictured here.
Another one by Photisserie — how beautiful is this Rhubarb & Almond Cake? I can confirm almond cake is so easy to make, full of flavor and with this extra special touch very worthy of company.