Do you like having parties but postpone setting and decorating your table until the last minute? Gardening expert Lark Foster shares some great party tips and shows how to create a natural buffet tablescape using ferns, rocks, ivy and, of course, moss.
Note: Plants, like vegetables, have growing seasons. You can stretch your decorating dollars by using flowers and greenery that are in season. Ask your florist about specials too. Often flowers that are earmarked for the trash can be purchased at reduced prices.
Materials:
floral sheet moss
mood moss
pretty rocks
stems and twigs
Australian fern tree
dessert caddy
fruit
candle and glass container
Get Ready
Set aside a few hours a day or two before the party to work on your table decor . First, collect all the serving utensils, platters, dishes and glasses you'll need . This step gives you not only a jump-start on decorating but also the opportunity to take a quick inventory. If you need more plates, cups or serving dishes, you'll have time to buy or borrow them.
Get Set
Decide which table you'll be using for your buffet. Set the serving dishes, plates , forks and napkins on the table. If the table is too crowded, divide the serving areas by placing the salad or dessert on a side table.
Note: To make your tablescape design more interesting vary the height of the serving area by turning different size pots upside down on the top of the table. Then cover the entire table with a large sheet to add visual continuity. That 's how the professionals do it.
Decorate!
Foster recommends using treated floral sheet moss. Floral moss has been fumigated, dried thoroughly and treated for little critters so it's safe to use inside your home.
Steps:
- First Foster covered the entire area with moss, butting the edges together to hide the tablecloth. She concealed the seams with ivy cuttings, tucking them into the moss.
- If you use candles, Foster suggests that you place them in glass containers to protect the moss from the flames. Also, set them at the back of the table away from your guests.
- To add visual height to the buffet, add an Australian fern tree on the right corner of the table with smooth gray rocks around the base of the pot.
- Set mood moss around the base of the serving dishes and plants to vary the height on the buffet.
- On the opposite end of the table, Foster positioned a two-tiered dessert caddy filled with colorful fresh fruit and another Australian fern tree.
Resources Gardening With Lark
This 30-minute video covers subjects including topiary, re-potting plants, creating the perfect recipe for potting soil, plant feeding and even children's projects.
Alternate website is www.larkfoster.com
Egardenregistry.com
7344 S. Harpeth Rd.
Franklin, TN 37064
USA
Phone: 615-799-9385
Toll Free Phone: 888-456-5275
Fax: 615-799-2510
Email:
gardeninglark@aol.com
URL:
www.egardenregistry.com
full nursery and plant farm
John Deere
Website:
www.deere.com
Website:
www.johndeerelandscapes.com Guests Lark Foster
Garden Author, Radio Talk Show Host, Personal Garden Designer/Consultant, Egardenregistry.com
7344 S. Harpeth Rd.
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-799-9385
Toll Free Phone: 888-456-5275 (LARK)
Fax: 615-799-2510
Email:
gardeninglark@aol.com
URL:
www.LarkFoster.com
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