Decorating your table with natural items from the garden, woods or yard is easy. This lovely centerpiece from You’re So Invited by Cheryl Najafi is made from a simple head of cabbage—make one yourself or use this project as inspiration for your own natural décor.
Supplies:
Purple cabbage
Sharp paring knife
Shallow bowl
Instructions:
1. Wash cabbage well.
2. Peel off any layers that look tired or worn.
3. Slice a piece off the bottom so that the cabbage sits flat in a bowl of water.
Variation: You can also make a vase for flowers such as sweet pea: Simply cut a square hole in the top of the cabbage, tuck a piece of floral foam inside, and pour water on top to saturate. Then stick flowers inside (cut stems at a sharp angle so they pierce the foam).
Easy Outdoor Entertaining
When it comes to outdoor enjoyment, a laid-back attitude is paramount. Experiment with creating an eclectic
aesthetic using mismatched china, silverware and serving dishes. Najafi offers a few tips for making a varied outdoor mix feel cohesive:
? Pair solids with patterns: Keep one color consistent for cohesion.
? Go for a variety of shapes: Square and oval trivets can break up the roundness of dinner plates and bowls.
? Vary textures: Think shiny glass on a rough wood table, or polished silver on nubby napkins.
? Connect with the earth: Make low-key decorations with items from nature. Tuck fragrant herbs into napkin rings, put sculptural branches in a vase or slide large leaves under clear dinner plates.