As promised in my previous post, more details about the three centerpieces I used as table setting. Floating Candles with Jasmines and Roses. Also Gardenias, but they too belong to the Jasminoides family. In the 'Old World' we've been taught that for a perfect table setting a center piece should never be towering high above the table, thus obstructing eye-contact for a lively conversation with your table companions. As a host, setting a table with a tall centerpiece conveys a message that the flower arrangement is of more importance to you than easy eye contact and lively conversation between table companions. Those tall pieces are fine on a side table, against the wall. Or even better in a hotel or restaurant, in areas where people are not seated down but are standing around, while conversing and nibbling on some hors d'oeuvres.
Here I used three vintage cream color on cream color Wedgwood gardenia bowls with floating candles, gardenias, jasmines and roses. They thus become perfect vases! Check for link below, for availability at Replacements Ltd.
Next post you will get to see the different jasmine varieties and gardenias that I used.
Is any of you using fragrant flowers as table decoration?
Matching candle holders that I've purchased on several trips to Europe, these lace work ceramic holders I found at 'de Bijenkorf' in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, a leading Dutch Department store, like Neiman Marcus in the USA.
In the dark, those candle holders work very well with the lacy cut out design.
An arial view... My hand crocheted placemats I've shown already in the previous post.
Also the yummy recipe from the spicy corn and lentil soup you find in that post as well.
But this overview gives you a good idea about the center pieces with floating candles as well as other candles.
Creating such an atmosphere by daylight is not easy, neither for capturing it all on camera...
Pure romance: lace, candles, fragrant flowers... creating a bit of a thousand and one night atmosphere.
We might bring back to table more of a world-wide blend than the average person, as we've worked and traveled all over the world. Thus integrating the beauty that we've encountered on our journeys.
Maybe it will give you some different ideas too... Just let me know what your opinion is.
The floating candles are also in the shape of a rose.
Very exotic!
The fragrance does take your mind away to exotic places... For us also creating numerous fond memories!
Love the lace work ceramic candle holders... Did also buy some at 'de Bijenkorf' in The Netherlands for gift giving. We use mainly true Dutch Bolsius candles because of their great quality. They are available in the UK but I have no experience with the USA as we purchased ours always on trips home.
Those flowers make a still life...
One floating candle did burn out and its wax has floated onto the green leaf. Those rose candles are not from Bolsius however, they were a sweet gift from a dear friend. She knows how much I do love roses...
Below is a scanned page from an old Victoria Magazine with floating candles...
Fragrant Candles from Annick Goutal - Photograph Luciana Pampalona.
Related links:
Setting a Pretty Table | Learn from Mariette on my website
