Tabletop Garden

My team and I made this extraordinary tabletop garden the other day for the entrance to a spectacular wedding.

I had 2 tables set up on either side of the entryway and set up 2 very large versions of this centerpiece. As I am sure you can imagine this made a very dramatic first impression!

You can create this at home just need to scale it down. It works great on any table! A side table, console table, coffee table or you could make an entry way display as well.

To have an arrangement of this nature on a console table is surprising and different that what you regularly see. For me that is the exciting part of entertaining, mixing it up a bit.

I do like it as a main centerpiece too, it gives off a picnic feel which is always fun in summer.



I like the way this looks like a garden is growing out of the table. To achieve this look you are going need low containers and succulents.

No need to go about and buy some pricey container.
Take a look in your cabinets and see what you have that would work.
I would suggest cakes pans, casserole dishes or inexpensive aluminum roasting pans.

Make sure you use cascading succulents. Put them completely around the centerpiece to create a border to your garden. Succulents don’t need much water, put them in dry oasis on the outside of your containers.

Now the fun part, picking your flowers!
You could use anything you like but I would recommend using at least one filler type flower like Hydrangea to keep your costs down. For the other flowers you are going to need to soak your oasis and cut to size to fit in your containers. Drop them in and then start the creative process of placing your flowers in the oasis.



We used Hydrangeas, Ranuculas, Lady Slipper Orchids, Hyacinth, and Viburnum.

Like I said use anything you want for this, but as rule of thumb try to pick more hearty flowers so they will stay beautiful all night long.

If you do decide to make this centerpiece or any other ones on the my blog, I would love to see what you come up with! Please send your images to
info@prestonbailey.com

Refreshing Summer Centerpiece

In the dead heat of summer this centerpiece is perfect!
It looks difficult but in reality it is very do-able.
SHHH don’t tell your guests…

Now that you have those you need to decide what kind of flowers you want to use, I chose all white ones to go along the lines of refreshing but I think color would look fabulous as well. Don’t forget to get flowers to float as well I used gardenias which are perfect little floaters and smell terrific.

Next you need to cut your flowers but make sure to do them in all different heights as it adds layers to your centerpiece. Tie your different bouquets up and sink your vases in the water and add your flowers. Since you can see the little vases we tried to add some texture by wrapping them in beeswax and putting a ti leaf in the bottom to hide the stems.



Don’t forget to coordinate your table setting with your flowers!
Your guests are going to be so impressed!

Handmade 4th of July

This is an easy, affordable and elegant way to decorate your table for Independence Day. As you can see these are not traditional decorations for the 4th, but that is what I like about it and so will your guests.

For the table I used a white table cloth – easy enough we all have one.
The runner is actually made out of heavy stock paper which is very affordable but I would get a couple of extra sheets in case you make a mistake- which I definitely did.

To make the pattern of your runner pick one design to repeat. I used a stencil which I believe would be the easiest. Make sure when you are tracing the stencil that each little design is touching each other to make it all one piece. If I may suggest get a good eraser cause this can be difficult if you are working with an intricate stencil.
After you have traced your runner start cutting!

If it is turning out to be too difficult to make one complete pattern make a few and just overlap them on your table.

I love chair covers I think they bring a sophistication to every event, even if it is an outdoor BBQ. The chair covers below are made from wrapping paper I found in my closet. I love that this is a pattern in the right colors for the holiday but not what you would guess someone would use. The element of surprise here makes your party unique.

The first thing you need to do is measure the top of your chair, then cut your paper accordingly to wrap around the chair top. To secure each end you can double stick tape or glue the sides together. If you are feeling super crafty you can use a hole punch and some ribbon and lace up the sides.





To make my chair covers even more fancy I added paper petals made from heavy stock paper ( so they stand up straight) and my same wrapping paper. I glued my wrapping paper onto my heavy stock petals and then simply glued them to the top of my chair covers. EASY!
Get creative with this and don’t be afraid of non- traditional patterns. As I am sure you will see the possibilities are endless!

Have a great 4th!