Festive Florals. The Aesthetics Of A Holiday Table

Everything beautiful within us becomes a reflection of the world we create. Flowers have a special effect on our mood, our perception, and our feelings. 

Fresh flowers are the best decoration for a festive table at any time of the year. Let’s learn how to use flowers to set the table correctly, harmoniously, and beautifully at home so that each meal resembles a festivity.

Flower Etiquette for Table Setting

There is a special algorithm to set a table with flowers, so let’s go through it step by step so your daily or holiday centerpieces stand out. 

1. The first thing is to clean the flowers from excess greenery. Cut off the stems and dip them in water. This way the flowers will absorb as much moisture as possible so they stay fresh and beautiful for a longer time. 
2. Use special florist tape on the lower part of the stems to make the flowers look even more festive. 
3. Arrange the flowers in a vase so they look the way you want. Make sure they are well-balanced and won’t tip over. Use a larger vase for the centerpiece and smaller vases for additional arrangements. 
4. Select an appropriate tablecloth to make the table look as aesthetically pleasing and to protect the wood surface from damage. 
5. Place the centerpiece in the middle of the table, making sure there’s enough space for cutlery. If the centerpiece is too massive, set it on the side of the table and add a matching table runner and other decorations. 
6. Arrange the cutlery on the table and use napkins as additional practical and decorative elements. 
7. Step back and take a look at the table. Viewing it from a distance might help you get an overall picture and notice things you might want to adjust. 

Practical Tips and Trendy Hacks 

Modern tendencies emphasize the importance and beauty of naturalness, so fresh flowers are the best option. In case it’s not the season of the flowers you need, or you’re setting a table in a place where fresh flowers won’t stay fresh, you can use stabilized flowers that are preserved to look natural. Avoid using artificial flowers.

There are other useful hacks for a proper table setting with flowers: 

• If you don’t use a tablecloth and the table has a mirrored or glass surface, use napkins made of delicate fabrics to avoid damaging the table. 
• If you are using both a tablecloth and napkins, then use different shades but the same color scheme. The only exception is light textiles, which allow you to use a single color for the tablecloth and napkins. 
• Choose small flowers to decorate the serving area.
• Wear an apron when working with flowers to protect your clothing from pollen and water stains. 
• When setting the table with cloth napkins and flowers, do this no earlier than 1.5 hours before the start of the celebration. The flowers should stay fresh. 
• Prepare small vases or other containers that match the style of the feast, where guests can place flowers after unpacking the napkin.
• Fabric napkins should be supplemented with rings or ribbons. They cover the stems of the flowers, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose.
• If your house is decorated with flowers, then make sure that the flowers for the table match them. This is especially important for the holiday centerpieces, as they are the main elements. 

General Rules On Choosing the Right Flowers 

Flowers for the festive table can vary greatly. Greenhouse plants, wildflowers, and flowers from your garden can help create an original but cozy atmosphere, while exotic flowers, berry bushes, and branches of juniper, pine, and spruce can create a festive mood for New Year or Christmas.

Use light flowers in pastel shades for family dinners and celebrations, and deep, dark shades for official events. Soft blue colors are better for daytime celebrations, as they match perfectly with purple and green. White flowers match any color palette and make arrangements look even more festive. 

Another thing to keep in mind is the aroma – try to avoid flowers with strong scents in case some guests might be allergic.

Flower Arrangement for Different Table Shapes 

Any florist knows that it is not necessary to overload the room with bouquets. Otherwise, you can turn a room or hall into a winter garden or flowerbed. When choosing compositions of luxurious roses or modest daisies, it is important to place these decorative elements properly. First, pay attention to the shape and size of the table.

• On a long rectangular table, simple bouquets in the European style look most appropriate. Place them symmetrically in relation to each other.
• A small round table should be decorated with one large bouquet in a large, beautiful vase.
• On an oval table, place small floral compositions closer to the edges.
• On T-shaped tables, place bouquets or individual flowers along the centerline or at the edges.

Creating a festive table with flowers transforms each meal into a celebration, reflecting the beauty within us. Select and arrange flowers carefully, plan in advance or ask for professional florist advice. This way, you’ll turn any occasion into a special and aesthetically pleasing one. Remember, the right flowers and thoughtful placement can turn even an everyday meal into a memorable event.