Tablescapes Archives - Modern Pineapple

It seems so much longer to me, but Valentine’s Day was just the Saturday before last. I’ve been enjoying the abundance of flowers around our flat and working my magic to make them last as long as possible. Here are the secrets I’ve picked up over the years:

Always cut flowers at a slant about 1″ from the bottom. The slant helps the stems absorb more water.
Change the water every other day. It helps stave off bacteria. With every other water change, I also cut the flowers again at a slant.
Remove any leaves that are submerged or touching the water {they rot quickly}.
With each water change, I put in a few drops of vodka {really!} and a teaspoon of sugar. Again with keeping off bacteria, and the sugar feeds the plants.

Once the blooms are really on their last legs, I pull them out of the vase and put them in a floral arrangement on the table. By this point, the flowers have truly blossomed and are often very wide {especially roses}. I use a combination of bud vases and my husband’s old fashioned glasses to display anywhere from 1-3 blooms. Mixing it with tea lights lengthens it and makes a simple yet dramatic arrangement.

For an extra flair, tuck a bloom into the napkin with the stem hidden underneath the fabric folds. I love bringing nature to the table, and having individualized elements at each place setting. Whether it’s for a big group, the two of us or even just me, it’s so fun to play around with flowers. It elevates the experience {even if it’s just a weekday breakfast} and makes me feel like each moment is special.

Chargers / Plates / Silverware / Champagne / Wine / Tablecloth / Napkins

I’ve spent the better part of the last three months wrapped in the coziest knits and doing my best to escape the freezing temps {but it’s been absolutely nothing like the East Coast — Boston, I am in awe}.

Slowly, though, we know the days are starting to get a little longer, the nights slightly shorter, and the air a little warmer. I’m giddy with excitement at the thought of spring coming around the corner.

I’m eager to start moving outdoors — picnics in the park, long walks after dinner — and moving the spring blooms into our dining room to grace the table. I want to feel the freshness of the new season after being cooped up all winter and energized for al fresco entertaining. Here’s a little bit of what I’m dreaming of in the months to come.

Those beautiful cherry blossoms! So elegant and one of my favorite symbols of spring. Our street blooms with them in April and it reminds me of Washington DC every year.