A FRESH AND FRUITY SPRING TABLE
Simple tips and recipes from a tabletop stylist.
Try these simple tips and recipes from a creative tabletop stylist and lifestyle blogger.
Are you daydreaming of spring?
Envisioning a fresh tablescape and serving yummy desserts full of fruity goodness? We are too, and it’s not too early to start gathering some inspiration and a few recipes.
We asked Janet Collazo, a tabletop stylist and lifestyle blogger, for a few tips on curating a lovely experience for family or friends.
CB: What serves as inspiration for your tablescapes? Do ideas just come to you, or do you start with a specific element?
Janet: Inspiration can come in many forms. I am often inspired by color, flowers, the seasons, holidays, vintage china, napkins—even a unique reproduction piece found at a museum shop is a great starting point. When it comes to entertaining and creating a beautiful table, a routine trip to the supermarket can bring me all the inspiration that I need. It is as simple as taking a walk through the produce aisle and finding a bunch of colorful fruit that I can use as a centerpiece. I often use a grouping of candles along the center of the table. It creates drama, ambience (and who doesn’t look good in candlelight?).
Don’t be afraid to think beyond the fresh flowers. Obviously, certain meals will determine the mood and style of your table. A seafood boil, barbecue and tapas night are always casual and fun meals. Then there are formal gatherings such as a brunch, tea party or New Year’s Eve party that allow us to dream and create a table that is elegant and posh. I also love the idea of mixing old and new. Vintage plates are a perfect way to create a table that has personality and a bit of playfulness.
CB: Do you have any tips for keeping floral arrangements fresh?
Janet: When it comes to making fresh flowers last longer, there are a few tips for getting them to stay fresh longer. Here are the guidelines that I follow:
• Cut the stems. Cutting the stems at an angle allows for better water intake.
• Remove all the leaves that are below the water line. It will prevent bacterial growth.
• Pick a vase and make sure it's clean. Fill it with room temperature water and add the packet of flower food. Make sure to mix it well. Change the water every couple of days.
CB: Can you tell us about how and when you prepare desserts?
Janet: Desserts are one of my favorite things to make. Perhaps because I enjoy eating them too. I also like the fact that they are a part of the meal that can be done ahead of time. Anything that must be baked such as cakes, tarts, cheesecake or custard should be done the day before. It’s one less thing to do and it allows you to concentrate on your tablescape, and ultimately, your guests. I always assemble fruit parfaits the day of, as well as thawing any frozen desserts. These are simple and require little effort. Just be sure to have all the ingredients on hand. And don’t be afraid to use store-bought dough or puff pastry. They are such time-savers.
CB: How did you come to enjoy creating lovely tables?
Janet: Ever since I was a young girl, I recall having a certain liking for a well-set table, but my passion for creating tables started after getting married and getting to see my husband’s older sister set her tables, which were always tastefully done. It just sparked something in me, and there is no doubt that she was a big influence on me. Wanting to create a beautiful dining experience for my husband, I began to create my own tablescapes. And boy, has it become a passion for me! My taste and style have evolved through the years, but one thing remains true, my love for entertaining and having a house full of the people that mean the most to me. Get-togethers are undeniably moments to cherish, now more than ever! As much as I enjoy setting a pretty table for my family and friends, it is their company that makes the occasion memorable for me.
CB: Do you have any other words of wisdom for our readers who might be unsure about creating a tablescape and entertaining?
Janet: A tablescape is meant to elevate the entertaining experience. It’s a simple way to show your guests that you care about them and that the meal you’ve prepared is special. This doesn’t mean that you need to go “over the top” or that you have to spend a ton of money. Some of the prettiest tablescapes I’ve ever seen have included everyday dishes and flowers from the supermarket. I am all about plain white dinnerware. White is classic, elegant and can be dressed up with a colorful napkin. So, keep things simple. Have fun styling your own lovely table and find your own unique style. The most important thing about a get-together is making your guests feel welcomed and comfortable. Once you have those basics down, you are on your way to being a fabulous hostess.