Mother's Day Garden Party

The centerpiece on this table is simple yet still a show stopper. Made with fresh plants and some unexpected plumbing fittings, it manages to add just the right amount of drama to the table.

You will need: 9 flowers with fairly large heads and stalky stems (gerbera daisies work well here) / twine / scissors or pruning shears / 3 tall glass vases / 8 succulent plants in medium containers / 8 succulent plants in small containers / (8) 3” PVC couplings (found in the plumbing department) / (8) 2” PVC couplings. Begin by cleaning the PVC couplings.

Gather three blooms together alternating the heights slightly. Cut a piece of twine at least 15” long. Tie a knot 2-3” from the base of the lowest bloom, leaving a tail on one end of 4”. Point the 4” tail downward toward the bottom of the stems and hold it against the stems. 

Wrap the longer tail around the stems and the shorter tail. Continue wrapping until you have covered about 1 1/2”. Tie a double knot with the two tails. Snip any excess. Cut the bottoms of the stems evenly to about 12-15” total height. Place one bundle of three stems in each of the three glass vases filled halfway with water.

Line up the three vases with flowers in the center of the table. Add (4) 3” PVC couplings to each side of the vases with the vases nestled between. Add (3) 2” PVC couplings between each of the 3” couplings on the side and (1) 2” PVC coupling to each end between the 3” couplings. If your succulent containers fit in the PVC couplings without their pots showing, place them in the couplings. Otherwise, insert a small plastic bowl in the couplings. Then remove the succulents from their packaging and add them to the couplings.

Serve up this simple "eggs in pots" recipe for farm fresh appeal. Simply preheat your oven to 350˚F. Add a heaping tablespoon of creme fraiche to the bottom of a teacup. Sprinkle in a touch of salt and pepper and a few fresh thyme leaves. Add an egg. Add another tablespoon of creme fraiche with a touch of salt and pepper. Bake cups in a casserole dish filled about halfway with water for 12-15 minutes or until yolks are set as desired. Top with fresh thyme sprig.

A simple salad of watermelon chunks, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh mint from the garden add bright flavor to your meal.

Our table is a mixture of delicate china, rustic wood and modern planters. This mix of styles says something special is happening here, but it isn’t too fussy.

The finished look of the blooms ties into the overall style of the table.