How to Create a Spring Tablescape with Plants

This spring tablescape post was sponsored by Southern Living Plant Collection. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m a huge lover of plants, both inside and out.  I love the color and texture they add to a space, and for that same reason, I love using plants as tablescape and party decor.  Whether you’re planning a party this summer or thinking about creating a special meal on Mother’s Day, let me show you how to create a spring tablescape with plants.  

Plants and flowers are such a great way to add color, texture, height, and interest to a table.  I’ve used grocery store flowers to create a floral table runner in the past and this year I decorated a pretty spring table using full agapanthus plants and cuttings.

Plants are a great way to decorate for any holiday or occasion.  Just choose colors and styles that suit the color scheme.

Southern Living Plant Collection

These gorgeous agapanthus plants are from the Southern Living Plant Collection, a brand I first connected with years ago at a conference.  Their plants are selected specifically for a southern climate … and if you’ve ever battled high heat, weird humidity, and fluctuating temperatures like we do in Dallas, you’ll appreciate that {wink}.

From ground covers to annuals and perennials to bushes and trees, Southern Living has easy care varieties that will add beautiful color and greenery to your landscaping. 

Where to Buy Southern Living Plants

The Southern Living Plant Collection can be purchased at many online outlets or garden centers and stores throughout the nation.

How to Create a Spring Tablescape with Plants

Creating a spring tablescape, or any tablescape, always starts with the basics.

Layer tablecloths.

I often use a variety of different tablecloths, pieces of fabric, quilts and blankets, and even large scarves on the table. 

Don’t be afraid to mix contrasting fabrics.  Lacy heirloom linens look beautiful against rustic burlap, and mixing and matching different styles gives a really unique look.

If you can’t find what you need in your stash, take a look at the back side of your cloths.  Many printed tablecloths have a much more subdued reverse side that also looks great.  And in a pinch, wrapping paper can also add a fun element.

Set up a centerpiece.

Use plants, either all one type, or a variety, to create a lush, colorful centerpiece.

Group plants together in the center of the table, using different items to hold the pots.  Crates, galvanized tins, buckets holding craft supplies, enamelware containers, and baskets all make great containers for a centerpiece.  Look around your house and repurpose items you already have.

On this table, I wanted to use natural color down the entire center of the table but large plants all along the table looked more like a wall than a centerpiece.  Instead, I set full plants in the center of the table and placed cuttings in milk bottles on either side.

I always like to add a little whimsical touch like a small sign or even a small letterboard.  I made this little sign on my cutting machine but a hand-lettered sign is equally cute.  A simple little addition like a sign or fun object is the perfect way to personalize a tablescape.

Layer place settings.

One plate at each place setting looks fine but layering plates adds so much more depth and appeal to the table.

I like to layer chargers, a dinner plate, and a salad plate, at a minimum.  If you don’t have enough dishes for the number of guests, mix and match.  Use pieces from your everyday dishes and mix them with a china set or other dishes.  You can even throw some melamine dishes in there if you’ve got a summer set.  Aim for coordinating rather than matching.

Tuck a cloth or paper napkin in between the plates, especially if you want to break up a monochromatic color scheme.

Tuck a colorful glass and the required silverware next to the plates.

Place a treat at each place.

Use small containers like tiny pots or mason jars and add more cuttings {or even a tiny plant} to each place setting.

My personal thought is, more is better when it comes to a tablescape.  The more texture, color, and variety you can add, the more interesting and appealing the table looks.

If your table looks sparse, sprinkle some flower petals or leaves around …

… or add a creative place card.

Even a piece of ribbon tied onto the stem of a glass will add a sweet touch and fill in empty spaces.

A tablescape should be an expression of your style so don’t hesitate to add favorite items from around your home.

Living plants combined with any table settings or household items are a winning combination!

Want to see the process of setting a tablescape? Check out the video below.

 

What to Do with Plants after the Party

Once the party is over, you’re left with plants that have a lot of life left.  If you’ve got more than you need for your own garden, send a plant home with each guest as the perfect spring party favor.

Or, deliver a spring surprise to a friend.  Add a cute tag and leave a plant on the doorstep.  Who doesn’t love finding a little gift on their porch?

What’s your favorite way to decorate a table for spring?