How to Use Greenery for a Table Decoration With an Organic Modern Look

An emphasis on fresh natural ingredients works well for table decorations as well as cooking. The University of Florida Extension recommends using two or more kinds of greenery in an arrangement for contrast in shapes. In-season foliage or greenery that grows year-round makes effective choices for contemporary centerpieces. For an organic, modern look, select homegrown or organic greenery for a low table arrangement. Accent the centerpiece with natural decorator touches such as a coordinating table runner and natural candles to form a table decoration that appeals to the senses

Pail
Homegrown greenery (maple, evergreen, calla, bamboo, magnolia or papyrus)
Organic green herbs (oregano, thyme, sage, dill, basil and parsley)
Garden shears
Distilled water, room-temperature
1/2 lemon
Sugar
2-inch deep rectangular or oval bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Jute, raffia or other natural material
Glass gems or stones
3 simple, short, taper holders
Unscented organic cream candles

Instructions

- 1
  Soak the stems of the greenery in a pail of water overnight.
- 2
  Hold individual stems next to the bowl to check for the desired length and cut each stem at a 45-degree angle. The angle helps the stems take in water so they last as long as possible.
- 3
  Alternate placing the stems lengthwise in the bowl. Place a stem of greenery with the end of the stem on the left and the tip trailing over the bowl to the right. Place the next stem in the opposite direction. Continue until completely covering the ends of the bowl.
- 4
  Hold the bunches of herbs up to the bowl one at a time and check where to make the cut so that the herbs spill over the sides of the bowl width-wise--in the opposite direction from the other greenery.
- 5
  Divide each bunch in two--except for bunches less than an inch in diameter, leave those intact. Cut the stems of each bunch straight down--cutting all the stems at once--with a sharp knife on a cutting board. Keep your fingers well away from the blade.
- 6
  Tie each herb bunch in the middle with jute, raffia or another natural tying material. Wind the tie around the bunch three times to accent the herb bundle and tie a simple bow of any kind, such as a small bow you'd make to tie a child's shoe. Cut the ends of the ties at a 45-degree angle.
- 7
  Arrange the herb bundles along each side of the bowl with an equal number of bundles on each side. Situate them so their ends trail over the bowl--the finished arrangement has greenery hanging over the bowl in all directions.
- 8
  Pour the glass gems or stones into the bowl slowly. These help to anchor the greenery so it all stays in place when you carry it to the table or if the table gets jostled.
- 9
  Center the table decoration on the table.
- 10
  Place three taper holders in the bowl and push them down firmly into the glass gems or stones--one in the center and one 2 inches from each end.
- 11
  Push the base of a taper into each taper holder.

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