Healing Table

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-612 -- More Projects »
Adding herbs to holiday table decorations is an inexpensive way to create a festive and soothing mood.

"I created an elegant table setting using gifts from the garden and other supplies for less than $50," says Rebecca Kolls. "First, I make my own tablecloth. It's not as hard as you think."

Tablecloth

PHOTO

Embellish your tablecloth with a contrasting fabric sewn to the edges, and add a tassel to each corner.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Measure the length and width of your table. Plan for the fabric to hang about six inches over each side. Then go to a fabric store, and buy a washable fabric that you like. Once you have your fabric, create a seam along all four edges. To protect the table and add body to the material, use a piece of felt that is sized to fit the table.

  • If you want matching napkins, buy extra fabric. To make the napkins, just cut out a square; then simply turn the edges over and run a seam along the edges with a sewing machine (figure A).

    Placecards

    • PHOTO

    Figure B
    PHOTO

    Figure C
    PHOTO

    Figure D
    PHOTO

    Figure E
    PHOTO

    Figure F
    PHOTO

    Figure G
    For placecards, make posies or nosegays to which you'll affix nameplates. To do this, make a paper cone and wrap some ribbon around it. Stuff it with a collection of herbs. Here's how to make your own:

  • You need some decorative paper--either wrapping paper or handmade paper--that complements your tablecloth and napkins. Select ribbon that will tie everything all together.

  • Begin by cutting a square piece of paper. Fold it into a triangle (figure B), and bring one point to the top of the triangle (figure C). Hold that in place and fold the other side around it to create a cone (figure D). Glue down the edges and secure them with paper clips until the glue dries (figure E).

  • Cut out a piece of ribbon and glue a portion of it on the back of the cone. Then tie a little bow in front.

  • Stuff your cone with an assortment of herbs from your garden (figure F). Sage, bay leaf, rosemary, parsley and oregano make good choices. Stuff the cones generously to create spillage.

  • Tie decorative ribbon in a bow around each nosegay. Place them on the plates at each place setting. Add nametags to the nosegays so your guests know where to go. Rebecca makes hers with vellum and gold paper (figure G).

    Other Herbal Decorations

    • PHOTO

    Figure H
    PHOTO

    Figure I
    A great way to tie your whole theme together is by decorating your chairs. Most people forget about the back of their chairs, but that's the first thing most guests will see when entering your dining room. Wrap decorative ribbon around the chair, add a bouquet of herbs to the back and affix it to the chair with a bow (figure H).

    Rebecca also decorates her chandelier in keeping with the theme. She makes a wreath of sage and places it in the center. Around the outer side, she arranges a cluster of herbs in a pot, tying it up with ribbon that matches that on the back of the chairs. She then puts a votive in the middle (figure I).

    Also in this Episode
    Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-612
    •Healing Table
    •Winterizing Hedge
    •Decorative Holiday Porch
    •Holiday Window Boxes