As crafters, we all have the tendency to get stuck in our comfort zones and to think that certain projects need to be created with certain products, right? I know when I think of a beautiful centerpiece I think of products like candles, flowers and bling. Or at least something along those lines. But today, our newest guest blogger, Sharon Insul, shows us to step out of our comfort zones and try something new! And with the project that she has shared with us today, I’d say mission accomplished.
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A centerpiece you say . . . oh I’ll just put some flowers in a vase. But I say . . . oh no! . . . flowers in a vase . . . that’s it? Hang on people . . . Let me run a few ideas by you, that will ratchet your centerpiece up a notch or two, be simple to create, and cost effective as well . . . Wait, don’t leave yet . . . I’m just getting to the good stuff! . . . Phew! I’m glad you stuck around.
I love baskets . . . baskets that are big, little, new, old, round, life worn, and yes, sometimes even a touch tattered. Whether you are setting a casual table or a formal tablescape, a silent welcome to our home, and table is the ultimate goal.
Ah ha . . . I think I just saw some light bulbs in the audience! YAY!!!
This featured Mother Earth’s basket of abundance is soooo simple to create, and will not end up in the trash. Ninety percent of this featured basket is usable, edible, and ready to be sliced, diced, shredded, and/or added to any variety of next day’s dinner. This particular basket has three different vibrant colors of cauliflower . . . and practically knocked my socks off right there in the produce aisle!!! I recovered from the spectacular cauliflower caper, long enough to catch my breath, and grab a full bunch of fennel that gave me the feeling of discovering a soft flowing wedding veil. Look out shoppers . . . I was on a role, and could not resist a bunch of deep, lush dark green kale, set against the vibrant persimmon, cooling lime, and robust pomegranate. And the next thing to take your breath away . . . is . . . it’s all there for tomorrow and the tomorrows after. Bake it . . . fry it . . . roast it . . . or serve in its natural state.
The flowers that have been sprinkled throughout this arrangement, have been meant to look as though they were gathered in the field. To keep flowers fresh I rely on my tried, and true secret weapon. As shown in photo, these flower/water holders make any arrangement possible, without fear of drooping flowers. Just fill with water, cap it, and push stems through.
There are tons of tasty, fresh, fruits, veggies, and herbs that you can use in your centerpiece. I have created displays using apples, pears, lemons, limes, whole pineapples, and beautiful rich, jewel toned grapes. Think edible, versatile, and healthy. Don’t have a basket, no worries . . . substitute a serving platter, double handled pot, casserole dish, small wooden box. Now it’s your turn to step out-of –your-box !!!
To see more of Sharon’s beautiful work, please visit her at
Tableofferings.com© 2014 by Sharon Insul/Tableofferings.com®