To create a tablescape that beautifully complements chef Peter Kelly's sensational seafood supper, host Jeanne Benedict combines a variety of eye-catching elements, from glittering rhinestones to softly shimmering fabric. Materials:
Twinkle satin of the appropriate size and desired colors
Polymer granules (available in nurseries and landscape-supply centers)
Vase
Food coloring of the desired shade
Water
Fresh flowers (roses not recommended)
Unframed sheet mirror (about 1' square)
Clear candle drip-guards
Flat-backed rhinestones or crystals in the desired color and size (4mm stones are featured here)
Hot glue or crystal/bead glue
Beeswax (or hairspray)
Toothpick (for use with beeswax only)
Crystal candlesticks
Taper candles
Clear gel votives
Standard white or ivory restaurant napkins
Crystal beads (optional, for napkin accents) Luminous Tablecloth and Centerpiece - The tablecloth overlay is fashioned from silvery aqua and ocean-blue twinkle satin (also known as Japanese muir organza), cut into wedge-shaped quarters and sewn together to form the round cloth (figure A).
- With the tablecloth in place, Benedict proceeds to "dye" several spoonfuls of dehydrated polymer granules (figure B), which she'll substitute for water in the vase that holds the floral arrangement. (These granules expand to 400 times their original size when immersed in water. Once they've absorbed the maximum amount of water, they take on a gel consistency.)
Note: Since polymer granules were originally developed for agricultural applications, you can generally find them in most nurseries and landscape-supply stores. - After pouring a gallon of water into a large plastic container (the amount her vase holds), Benedict colors the water with 10 drops of blue food coloring (figure C). (Since the color value of the water will be about 10 times more intense than the final color of the expanded granules, Benedict initially creates a deep blue shade to yield a lighter blue for the finished result.)
- Once she's stirred in the drops of food coloring, Benedict adds three tablespoons of the granules to the container (figure D).
Note: Regardless of water quantity, the ratio of three tablespoons of granules to each gallon of water remains the same.) - After four hours, the granules have expanded into beautiful gel "crystals." To ensure even color distribution, Benedict covers the container with plastic wrap and gently shakes it back and forth a few times (figure E).
- Now the expanded granules are ready to be poured into the vase (figure F). Once the vase is filled, Benedict arranges white calla lilies and Casablanca lilies (figure G) in the granules for a stunning effect
Important Note: Roses are not recommended for use with polymer granules. Rhinestone-Trimmed Wax Catchers With the centerpiece arrangement complete, Benedict adds yet another sparkling element to her tablescape: rhinestones. To incorporate these twinkling accents into the table setting, she uses them as trim on clear candle-drip guards (also known as wax catchers and "bobeches") as shown in figure H. - First, she applies just a dot of hot glue to the thin edge of the glass.
- Then, she uses a toothpick with beeswax pressed over one end (figure I) to lift each stone and carefully position it on the hot glue. (A bit of hairspray on your fingertip will also work well for this.)
- Benedict continues the process until the entire edge is trimmed (figure J).
Note: For this project, Benedict uses 4mm, flat-back stones in pale green, aqua blue and basic clear. While the flat back is always essential (to ensure the stones adhere properly to the thin edge of the glass), size and color may vary. Glue type is also an option. Although Benedict uses hot glue here, many art supply stores and craft centers also sell glues specifically designed for crystals, stones and beads. More Sparkling Accents - To add just a bit of final shimmer, Benedict lays a square mirror in the center of the table then places the filled vase on its surface (figure K). Benedict explains that the mirror serves to set off and reflect the crystals as well as the candlelight.
- Next, she adds crystal candlesticks with formal tapers and the sparkling wax catchers (placed to the right and left of the mirror), along with a clear gel votive placed on each corner of the mirror's surface.
- For the actual place settings, Benedict opts for glass plates and silverware accented with a few extra rhinestones (applied with hot glue).
Note: While this suggestion is not recommended for fine silver or good stainless flatware, it's ideal for leftover odds and ends from old silverware sets! - And finally, Benedict shares a fabulous idea for coordinating napkins. Using leftover tablecloth fabric, she sews a double-sided aqua and blue triangle (one color per side) and accents each corner with a teardrop crystal.
Then she creates a simple "cuff" with an ivory napkin, first folding it into a narrow strip, then wrapping it around her hand and tucking the free end inside to secure it. And last but not least, she simply folds the triangle in half and tucks it neatly into the cuff, with the crystal accents on the outside corners (figure L).
RESOURCES :
Decorating Table Linens: Sixty Tablecloths, Place Mats, and Napkins
Model: 0806985984
Author: Chris Rankin
Table Settings: 100 Inspirational Stylings Themes and Layouts
Model: 1859673805
Author: Tessa Evelegh
The Artful Table
Model: 068815204X
Author: Donna Gorman
The New Book of Table Settings: Creative Ideas for the Way We Gather Today
Model: 1579901697
Author: Chris Bryant, et al
The 10-Minute Table Decorator
Author: Eaglemoss (Editor)
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