For a table setting that perfectly complements chef David Burke's Savory Steak au Poivre dinner, host Jeanne Benedict combines a variety of beautiful elements for an elegant Victorian effect, highlighted with shimmering copper accents. Painted Rose Stencil on Organza Materials: Organza fabric cut to the desired size for tablecloth
Copper-colored stencil paint
Cosmetic sponge wedge
Decorative fringe or braid (enough to extend around the entire edge of the fabric)
Fabric adhesive
Plastic sheet (to protect work surface)
Opaque red tablecloth (optional)
- Before getting started, Benedict covers her work surface with the plastic sheet. (She advises against using paper, since it tends to stick to the paint.) Then she smoothes the organza over the plastic and sets to work.
The stencil used here features a fairly large rose pattern. Benedict explains that larger designs generally work best for this technique, since they're easier to work with, require less time and usually produce a more dramatic effect. - After positioning her stencil, Benedict pours a small amount of fabric paint into a shallow disposable dish and applies it over the stencil design using a cosmetic sponge wedge (figure A). These sponges are sold in most craft centers and drugstores and work well for this project since they don't absorb excess paint. (A sudden drop or splash of paint from an overloaded brush can ruin your work!) For a less formal look, simply dab the paint over the stencil instead of covering it entirely.
Note: Benedict explains that the stencil must be held firmly in place when the paint is applied; otherwise, it will slide on the slippery fabric. - After filling in the stencil, Benedict gently removes it to reveal the pattern. To cover the entire tablecloth, she applies about 15 stencils in random areas all over the fabric. (A one-ounce bottle of paint usually yields about five stencil applications of this size.)
Important Tip: Wipe any excess paint off the stencil side that touches the fabric before repositioning it on the organza. Also, allow the paint to dry completely before removing the fabric from the plastic sheet. - To keep the edges of the fabric from fraying, Benedict uses fabric glue to attach decorative fringe (figure B) around the border. Finally, she places the sheer stenciled overlay on an opaque red tablecloth (already on the table) and moves on to the centerpiece.
Suspended Roses Centerpiece Materials: Glass bowl, fixture or container with lip (a ceiling light cover is used here)
14-gauge copper wire
3 small metal hooks
3 pieces of small-link chain cut to the same length (6-10 inches)
Metal stand with hook for hanging container
Water
Flowers or floating candles
Food coloring (optional)
- To hang the light cover on the stand, Benedict wraps 14-gauge copper wire around the lip of the fixture, twisting the ends securely together where they meet to hold the wire in place. Next, she slips three small hooks around the wire band at even intervals, attaches a length of chain to each hook and hangs the top ends of the chains on the hook at the top of the stand (figure C).
Here, Benedict use the hooks and chain that were originally sold as part of the birdfeeder. Similar chain -- as well as small matching hooks -- can be purchased at most hardware stores. Note: Before attaching a container to a stand of any sort, be sure the stand is properly balanced and sufficiently sturdy to support the weight without tipping over! - Now it's time for red roses. After filling half the container with water, Benedict cuts her roses fairly short so the blooms will rest just above the lip of the container (figure D).
Though roses look great with this centerpiece, a number of other options will work equally well. Various types of flowers may be substituted for roses, and floating candles can replace flowers altogether. Tip: When cutting roses, always make a diagonal cut to expose the maximum amount of the stem's inner structure to water. Once a stem is cut, use a small hammer or rubber mallet to smash about an inch of the cut end, which slightly loosens the cell structure. This makes it easier for the rose to drink and will extend its bloom life. For added drama, Benedict suggests adding a bit of red food coloring to the water (especially stunning when the water is illuminated by candlelight). If a different color scheme is chosen for of the table setting, select an appropriate shade of food coloring to replace the red. Final Touches of Shimmer Materials: Pair of formal candlesticks fitted with red tapers
Two gold charger plates
Two dark-red napkins
Two copper satin napkin sleeves (fabric squares)
14-gauge copper wire (for napkin rings and placecard holders)
Red and amber glass beads or faux gems
Pair of placecards - To begin adding the finishing touches, Benedict places a formal candlestick with a red taper on each side of the centerpiece. Next, she adds gold chargers (paired with gold-accented white china), and some elegant copper satin napkin sleeves -- satin squares folded around dark red napkins (figure E).
For a two-color effect, Benedict folds the dark red napkins into basic rectangles (figure F), wraps a copper satin square around each and folds back the top corners to reveal the red napkins inside (figure G). - For napkin rings, Benedict uses more of the twisted copper wire to fashion rings with a simple scroll closure, which she accents with amber and red faux gems. (The gems are attached near the end scrolls with hot glue.)
- To complete the place settings, Benedict creates freeform placecard holders from the remaining copper wire and fits each with a decorative card (figure H) .
A final suggestion: Since this table setting features an emphasis on opulence, Benedict recommends finishing the table with your best goblets and flatware. (Fine crystal and gold-plated utensils look especially beautiful with the copper accents).
RESOURCES :
Decorating Table Linens: Sixty Tablecloths, Place Mats, and Napkins
Model: 0806985984
Author: Chris Rankin
Table Chic: Ideas and Themes for Creative Tables
Model: 1571456511
Author: Kelly Hoppen
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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