Master Grazia’s life skills

Kitten Grayson, floral designer and founder of Kitten Grayson Flowers

Styling a table is a chance to be creative – and you can use what’s in season and what you have already to achieve an elegant look on a budget. Lots of little vases, jam jars and bottles work really well and can be improvised with what you have at home. Try using flowers that are naturally blooming outside, so that whatever you’ve got inside echoes the season.

At the moment, tulips are quite cheap and always look fabulous. I would recommend putting two or three stems each in small bottles and spreading the bunches down the table, rather than doing one big vase in the centre, which can get lost among the wine and candles.

Include some colour. We love to use a ‘hero flower’ each month; at the moment anemones are gorgeous with their bumblebee centres. Cornflowers and aquilegia are also bright, vibrant and available right now. Try one variety in different colours or one or two types that would grow naturally together outside. These can be dotted between tea lights and tall taper candles – a mixed height arrangement down the table gives the room a romantic feel.

Potted plants are very cost-effective. Geraniums look great in terracotta pots and they’ll last all summer if you look after them. Herbs can work in a similar way – a potted rosemary or basil plant can give a wonderful aroma and bring something that’s living and breathing into your kitchen or on to your table.

Look for more decor inspiration from what you find at the market. Bright citrus fruits, aubergines or pomegranates always look great and give a different, fresh vibe. Try a hot orange or purple against a white or pale cloth. Anything with a colourful, natural feel will bring the outside in.