Tuesday Tips - Centerpieces

A centerpiece is defined as a decorative piece or display placed in the middle of a dining or serving table.  That is leaves it pretty wide open as to what you can use for centerpieces; and of course, what the occasion is would help guide your centerpiece choices.  The only rules I try to follow regarding centerpieces are to make sure the centerpiece does not block your view of people across the table, nor be to large as to crowd the table, and to not use flowers so fragrant that they compete with the food you are serving.

For a wedding or benefit where you need numbered tables, and have a nautical theme, this is a cute idea.

A simple bowl of seashells is this casual centerpiece.

These jars of colored buttons are a fun centerpiece idea.

Books

I have seen books used at many weddings, with a different author being represented at each table.  I would like to see books used at a dinner party, with the titles carefully chosen; which could make them a great conversation starter.  

One wine bottle for a dinner for two...many for a large dinner party.

Keep in mind what the occasion is that you need a centerpiece for, and try to tie the the event or theme to the centerpiece.  Above is a dinner party with wine bottles used to hold candles.  You would want to use this at a dinner when you are serving wine.  Below you see eggs in a bird's nest for Easter, but would work for any spring party or luncheon.  

An elegant Easter centerpiece in lieu of candy eggs. Bird's nests with silver eggs in them.

I am a fan of using fresh fruits and vegetables in centerpieces, so wrapping them around these candles is quite appealing.

Candy can be a fun centerpiece, especially if you have children at a table.

A lovely blue contemporary centerpiece idea, and very simple to create, just containers with water, a drop of food coloring and white floating candles.

Happy entertaining! ~ Chloe Crabtree

Tuesday Tips...RSVP

RSVP

R.S.V.P. is an acronym for the French phrase, "répondez, s'il vous plaît," which means "reply please".  You would include R.S.V.P. on an invitation when you would like those invited to respond, so that you may plan accordingly for the number of guests.  This is particularly important for an event such as a wedding or dinner party, where dinner will be served, as you will be setting a place for each guest.  For a cocktail party, or birthday party, you would also like a guest count as a practical point, so that you may plan on how much food and drink to buy and prepare.  For a children's party or bridal or baby shower, you would like to know the number of favors to prepare, also.   

A Christmas Dinner Party

You wouldn't want to show up for a dinner party without a place for you at the table!

Winter Dinner Party

Elegant favors for a wedding or shower.

You don't want to come up short with the number of favors, nor do you want to have to prepare or  purchase extra favors, another reason for a firm number of R.S.V.P.'s.

Fun for a children's party

I want you to always be a lovely hostess, but remember to always be a lovely guest, and R.S.V.P. promptly to any social event to which you are invited.  

Tuesday Tips...Repeat the Party

Having a themed birthday party for kids on a Sunday afternoon?  Take advantage of all the work you have done decorating and have an adult get-together on Saturday night!  This same idea works for a kid's birthday party on Saturday, and a baby or bridal shower on Sunday.  Some great ideas that work for either or are:

• A Pirate Theme
• A Princess Theme
• Alice in Wonderland Theme

Yes, it might make for a long weekend with a lot of work, but you save money and time!  Do all the decorations once, use them twice!

I could use the following decor for an Alice in Wonderland Party for little girls on a Saturday Afternoon and re-use it on Sunday for a Bridal Shower.

For children? For Adults?

A Pirate-themed dinner place setting.

The above table setting would be great for a 'night-before' adult party, then recycle the decor for the kids party the next day!

A Princess Party for little girls on Saturday? A Baby Shower on Sunday?

A lovely party setting
This lovely setting could be a Tea Party for ladies on Saturday and a sweet birthday party for a young girl on Sunday.

Use your imagination, and do the work once, entertain twice!

Tuesday Tips...for a dinner party...

When having a dinner party,  I ALWAYS make sure I have an alternative dessert...just in case someone doesn't care for what I have made OR my dessert fails (for example, burns, falls on the floor, or whatever!).  It does happen!  I always keep a nice sherbet or ice cream in the freezer along with some fancy cookies or fruit  for garnish!  

Strawberry ice cream.

Yummy! See how a cookie makes it more special?

A garnish makes a difference!

Or...you can always just plan to serve ice cream in the first place!