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A Gorgeous Spring Table with Room to Bloom

A Gorgeous Spring Table with Room to Bloom

By Hannah Agran; Photographer: Adam Albright; Producers: Kylee Krizmanic & Kelly Marie Thompson; Crafts: Kim Hutchison

Updated March 01, 2021

Celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day or any weekend brunch with friends or family with a beautifully set table and flowers for days.

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Double the color

This spring table—perfect for Easter, Mother's Day or any weekend brunch—has two color palettes: Pink and yellow thread through the glasses, napkins and flowers. Shades of blue link the vases, eggs and plates. The effect is eclectic but cohesive.

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Recipe for success

The strategy To arrange flowers in a wide vessel, lay a grid of floral tape across the opening, or nestle floral foam or a ball of chicken wire inside.

The height Think low. Make sure flowers don't block eye contact.

The blooms For a contemporary look, combine a few show blooms with a wispy, trailing filler. Our mix: poppy, ranunculus, lisianthus, clematis, Juliet garden rose, Antique Caramel garden rose.

Psst! Compote-style vases are ideal for centerpieces because the narrow stem leaves more real estate for food.

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Modern accents

Keep fine or vintage china from looking stuffy by mixing in modern accents: casually knotted loose-weave napkins and plates or serving dishes with an organic, hand-thrown look.

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Under glass

Build a "nest" on a vintage plate with floral trimmings or sprigs from the yard, then top with a bell cloche. Tip: To avoid condensation on the glass or eggs, place tiny adhesive Glue Dots under the rim of the cloche so air can circulate.

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Eye-catching eggs

For your Easter table, dye fresh eggs in a few vibrant colors. Or decoupage papier-mâché egg forms using strips of cotton fabric and matte Mod Podge.

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Dessert on the go

The cart Clear off your bar cart to offer a rolling, dim sum-style dessert service.

The food Variety is a must, but you don't have to bake multiple recipes. Decorate cupcakes with two flavors of icing, or do one dessert plus dishes of purchased extras-chocolates, colorful candies or petite cookies.

The bev Pass a hot drink with the sweets. We like tea because choosing from an assortment of tea bags doubles the fun of the cart.

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Blooms on a budget

To save money on a floral buffet like this (or any arrangement), splurge on a couple of things, such as a specialty rose or an unusual shade of ranunculus, at the florist. Then hit the always-reliable and affordable floral section at Trader Joe's (or explore in your own garden) to round out the assortment.

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Make and take

Invite everyone to assemble posies at a flower buffet. No need for water tubes: Fabric and twine conceal a wet paper towel in a plastic sandwich baggie. Guests should retrim stems and put flowers in a bud vase at home.

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Get to know: Kelly Marie Thompson

The flower whisperer behind this story. Daughter of an avid gardener. Owner and creative director of Fleur in Chicago-stop by her Logan Square boutique for a workshop or to browse plants, jewelry, ceramics, soaps and more.

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