Colorful Tabletop

As the weather warms and farm stands begin to carry an assortment of locally grown flowers, avoid the urge to be too "matchy-mathcy." Select a wide variety of flowers to create a fresh spring tabletop that reflects the beauty of your region.
Photos: Style Me Pretty

Mismatched Candlesticks

Who says table accents have to perfectly match in order to create a sense of design coherency? An assortment of found candlesticks (scour garage sales, flea markets and the like for inexpensive finds) look chic when paired with elegant tapers in a neutral hue. 

Photo: Martha Stewart

Chalkboard Jelly Jars

With a bit of chalkboard paint, a collection of jelly (or other food) jars and some creativity, quirky, summer-ready vases are just a few steps away. Simply clean the jars with warm, soapy water and leave them out overnight to dry. Apply the chalkboard paint in a label-like square or create a banner that wraps around each jar. Once the paint is fully dry, decorate the jars with cheerful greetings or with guests’ names.

Photos: Once Wed

DIY: A Warm Centerpiece

Create a warm and intimate tabletop for your next party by forgoing flowers and instead creating this quick (and heart-healthy) centerpiece: gather a collection of (preferably recycled glass) votive holders. Place a soy-based or other petroleum-free votive into each holder (earth-tones will work best here) and then pour lentils into each holder to surround the candle. Organize a neat row of votives down the center of your table or arrange in a cluster (as pictured below).  

Photo: Rachel Ray

Holiday Stock-Up

During the holiday season, nearly every retailer boasts great deals on small gifts and entertaining items. This is a perfect time to stock up on products to use at all of your events during the coming New Year. Take the time this holiday season to look for bargains on recycled glassware, paper goods and unique gift items that can be used as party favors or décor. Here are a few items from my personal wish list:

Recycled Cardboard Coasters
These durable, water-resistant coasters, which are made from old cardboard, are crafted into a unique, playful honeycomb design. (www.bambeco.com, $22 for a set of four)

Recycled Glass Round Bowl
These recycled bowls would be perfect for serving salads or other starters or for displaying floating flowers or candles. (www.westelm.com, sale price $6.99/each)

Vintage Doorknob Wine Stopper
A vintage glass doorknob sits atop a sturdy chrome and rubber stopper. Leave one of these unique stoppers on each table at your next party to prevent spills in style. (www.etsy.com, $24.95/each)

Recycled Glass Goblets
Most goblets are so delicate that many hostesses are afraid to use them except for very special events. These solid, 100% recycled glass goblets are statuesque and sturdy, making them perfect for an elegant dinner party or a backyard barbeque. Each goblet holds 14 ounces. (www.bambeco.com, $36.00 for a set of two)

Soy-Blend Filled Recycled Glass Votives
Simple, yet elegant, these candles are made from a blend of soybean, cottonseed and beeswax oils. (www.potterybarn.com, $16.00 for a set of four)

Soda Bottle Glasses
These individually flame-cut glasses are crafted from recycled Boylan’s soda bottles. Quirky and unexpected, they are the perfect tabletop addition for a child’s birthday party or other playful event. (www.etsy.com, $15.00 for a set of two)

Cobalt Frosted Goblets
Created from discarded wine bottles, these richly colored goblets will stand out on any table. (www.bambeco.com, sale price $62.00 for a set of four)