Palm trees
naturally convey images of romance, adventure, sunnier climates, and an escape from the ordinary. With that kind of imagery, miniature palm trees make perfect table centerpieces for special occasions. You can use real dwarf palm trees grown in bonsai pots, or manufactured representations available in decorating and craft stores. The key to using palm trees successfully in a table decoration is proper scale. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place a large mirror in the center of the table. Choose a mirror that is the proper scale and shape for the dining table or tables. Match a long, narrow table with an oblong-shaped mirror. A round mirror works best on wider or square tables.
2. Add a border of seashells to the mirror. Select seashells that are all of approximately the same size and color value even if the species differ. Do not use broken shells. Line the shells around the perimeter of the mirror in a continuous row.
3. Select three, five, or seven real bonsai palm trees or silk miniature palms, depending on the scale of your centerpiece. Do not overwhelm the table with too many plants. Avoid overly tall specimens that will make conversation across the table difficult.
4. Decorate the pots or baskets if necessary, to hide unattractive pots or disguise differing pot designs. Wrap the pots in a color-coordinated shimmering Mylar foil, cellophane, or gauze fabric.
5. Arrange the plants in the center of the mirror in a close grouping. Fluff the foliage on silk palms to fill any gaps. Rotate live plants to achieve a fuller effect.
6. Sprinkle a "beach" of fine-grained pink, white, or black sand around the plants on the surface of the mirror. Do not cover the entire mirror with sand but use enough to suggest the idea of a beach. Mix glitter with the sand if desired, or Mylar foil confetti die-cut in star or shell shapes.
7. Ring the palm trees with unscented, non-drip candles. Use white or off-white pillar candles. Tiki god candles in bright tropical colors can also be effective for less serious occasions. Proper scale and number of candles is critical. The arrangement of candles must not steal too much attention from the palm trees.
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