virtual equinox

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.

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!)

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

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

Alternate the colors of the plants in the basket.

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

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

Repeat with the alternate color.

I found these fun tags at Staples.

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

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