| 
Springtime Garden Party
Setting the Table
.focus())
PICK A PETAL. Whether you are a gardener or not, you can appreciate the new growth and colorful blooms that this time of year promises. Shake off winter sleepiness by visiting the local florist for an advance on spring.
To set the stage for an intimate gathering such as this, first choose the blooms to showcase. They will dictate the color scheme, the projects, and even the food selections.
We chose the pretty, delicate violet as the showcase flower, making it the party gift for guests. We also selected white hydrangeas to make the full centerpiece. Dainty white Stephanotis and yellow Forsythia pair up in the tussie-mussies.
.focus())
SET THE STAGE. With a garden theme, it's easy to think up scene setters -- the "extras" that don't take center stage but complete the production. Watering cans in pastel shades linger on the buffet table. Cleaned-up garden tools dressed in ribbons sit on the table and the buffet, helping establish atmosphere. Mismatched chairs are flea-market and garage-sale finds with the appropriate rustic feel and pale, timeworn hues.
STACK THE PLATES. Pastel plates fit the color scheme, but plain white ones also work. Choose dinnerware without a pattern so it won't compete with the flowers pressed between the glass dessert plates on top.
