virtual equinox

entertaining with style- making it work for you

Categories: Dinner Party, Setting the Stage, Posted on March 18, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten

Spring is around the corner… or so the calendar says. Last fall I optimistically ordered six flats of pansies as part of a fundraiser. They arrived last week and just as I loaded them into my car the snow began to fall. I paled at the thought of chipping away at the frozen earth to plant this bit of spring.

If the outdoors was unrelenting in accepting my temperate offering perhaps I could bring these hopeful blooms indoors. And with a dinner party on the horizon it was time to get creative and set a table that defied the blustery forecast.

pansy centerpiece

Place cards are one the easiest ways to make a welcoming table. These adorable markers double as party favors, so each of your guests can take theirs home with them (one less to plant!)

pansy centerpiece

Discount floral stores have a variety of suitable and affordable containers. Choose a fun one with a plastic liner for the centerpiece.

pansy centerpiece

This size container will hold six plants or two three-packs worth of pansies.

pansy centerpiece

Alternate the colors of the plants in the basket.

pansy place cards

Glass votives are just the right size for a single pansy and perfect to use at each place setting.

pansy place cards

Remove the plants from their cell-packs and gently press into the votive.

pansy place cards

Repeat with the alternate color.

pansy place cards

I found these fun tags at Staples.

pansy place cards

Their elastic bands make attaching them to the votives a cinch.

pansy place cards

What a welcoming table to greet your guests as they come in from the cold.

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