Art and Smarts of Flowers, The

Use materials from your garden as the basis for a lovely table setting.

Many of us see the art of an arrangement as intimidating. But spend time with Jim Johnson of Texas A&M University, and the world of floral design becomes a combination of simple beauty and logic.

Jim put together this holiday table, blending wintry garden elements with purchased flowers. We asked him to explain what he did and why.

First, what does a centerpiece add to an occasion?

"The table is a place for entertaining and a place for conversation. The arrangement and its materials can become part of the conversation-maybe even an icebreaker," Jim says. Continue the centerpiece style at each place setting; on candleholders; and with fabrics, such as napkins, runner, or tablecloth. "When people sit down at the table, they are up close to the design and can appreciate the details," he adds.

Why did you choose the tray as your container?

"This tray repeats the lines of the dining table. Repetition-whether it's line, form, color, or texture-creates a feeling of rhythm. And rhythm is really what pulls a design together," Jim explains.

Beyond the container's shape, color and texture also come into play. "The table and tray are shades of brown and share a red undertone. That makes the roses feel at home," he says. The garden branches outline the tray, continuing the pattern and creating a contrast in textures.

What does the ball of roses do?

"Covering spheres with flowers is a trendy idea at the moment, but it creates a visual image of great strength," Jim says. "Playing against the energetic lines of the branches as well as the delicate textures of the lichen, it gives the design a feeling of stability." Gathering blooms in one place gives the eye a place to land and appreciate the beauty of each flower. -ELLEN RUOFF RILEY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Dec 2007
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