Tivoli Gardens is a fresh and lively new pattern by Mikasa, featuring cascading blossoms in clear, vibrant shades of purple, blue, and turquoise with touches of grey, yellow and orange. Scrumptious.
It just begged for an outdoor setting with a centrepiece of sufficient stature to showcase its beauty.
The purples and greens really jumped out at me, and I was lucky enough to find some pale purple stock and green Bells of Ireland at Trader Joe’s for the “bones” of the arrangement.
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- Wire floral mesh
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- It cuts easily with pliers or wire clippers
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- shape it into a frame to fit into the container
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- press it into place
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- and voila – a frame to keep tall flowers upright
I wanted to keep the upright stems in a vertical position, but not looking too stiff, a la funeral arrangement. Floral foam does the trick nicely, but I hate adding lumps of soggy foam to landfill once the arrangement has passed its best before date. Floral mesh is reusable, and easy to press into position.
I filled in the arrangement with Ladies Mantle, Russian sage and deep purple Japanese Irises from the garden. It all came together quite quickly. The containers are the Willow Branch planters from Save-on-Crafts.
I had intended to go with green water glasses, but when I got the plates and napkins in place, the turquoise flowers seemed to beckon. So I added my turquoise Venetian glasses to the mix. The cutlery is the Hammered flatware set from World Market. Not only is it pretty, I love its smooth feel in the hand, and it has a very nice heft to it.
The two flower arrangements looked good joined together, but I preferred them separated on the table to give a little visual space.
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- The dinner plate has a plain white centre
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- The salad plate has a clear space up toward one end
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- They join together beautifully
I used a combination of my turquoise needle-etched Venetian water glasses and turquoise ribbed Venetian glass wine glasses and compotes, all from Elise Abrams Antiques.
The placemats are the Tava square chargers from Pottery Barn and the linens are from Williams Sonoma, purchased last year and now discontinued.
Enjoy the long weekend, everyone! Happy Canada Day and Happy Independence Day to all!
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
The table is lovely but oh, those centerpiece arrangements are the star. Very nicely done. and so perfect for your outdoor setting. Just beautiful. What a lot to haul outside but so worth all the trips.
Hi Lorri,
Yes, the hauling is part of it, that’s for sure. Added to the fun is trying to keep our very active tortoiseshell cat Moxie from darting outside while the door is open!
Have a great 4th of July. Thanks for visiting.
HK
I love it all! It feels like a fresh breath of spring. Thank you for the details of where we can find the different items and how to make the lovely centerpiece.
Thanks, Carol. I always want to know how things are done, and appreciate it when others share that information, so figured I’d pass on the favour. Have a wonderful weekend!
Helen
Beautiful mix of the old and the new! You definitely have a spring garden blooming on your table. What a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors.
Thanks, Sandra! I’m so happy summer is finally here! Enjoy the long weekend. Happy 4th!
Helen
It’s lovely Helen. I have Russian sage growing in my garden at the moment, flanked with yellow lilies. Your table arrangement reminds me of my garden.
I love the deep purple and yellow combination. I bet your garden looks wonderful right now!
Gorgeous flower arrangements and your glassware is stunning. Beautiful. Dianne
Thanks Dianne! It’s an unusual pattern for Mikasa, I think. Quite a bit more delicate than their usual wares.