Place Settings
A beautiful table sets the stage for a great brunch. Let's start with the place settings. Wicker chargers and white wavy melamine plates are good basics to have on hand. Melamine plates are handy because they won't break, so they're perfect for indoor or outdoor events. Gold flatware is a warm and welcoming accompaniment.
Bar Cart
Whether you prefer mocktails or cocktails, this bar cart will have you looking like the hostess with the mostest.
In sticking with our Festive Citrus theme, we use bunches of fresh seeded eucalyptus and tied them in a swag with fishing line. Orange slices are scattered throughout bringing a pop of color against the green leaves.
On the top of the cart, peach juice, strawberry lemonade and orange juice are side-by-side on a bright tangerine melamine tray. Ramekins with the coordinating fruit make the perfect garnish. For those that prefer their juice with a splash of bubbles, prosecco and champagne flutes can be found below.
Flowers
Make a beautiful statement with a floral garland on your table. In keeping with the Festive Citrus theme, we used flowers in bright orange, pink and yellow. To get the best variety, select flowers that are in season in your region.
The base of our garland is artificial eucalyptus. We layered in slices of lemon and orange and then used fresh summer flowers, such as fuchsia crepe myrtle stems, bright yellow marigolds and hot pink vincas.
Try to keep your vases low, so that guests can easily see and converse with one another. If you want to make a big first impression, leave it on the table until guests sit down and then move it to another room.
To ensure your guests enjoy their food, avoid using pungent blooms in your dining table bouquet.
Linens
Linens can bring a basic white table to life. We tried several different ways to style the same table. In the left image, we ran pink and white table runners across the table and then tucked pink linen napkins between the charger and the dinner plate.
In the second image, we used a light linen tablecloth as the base and then ran a white leaf-embossed tablecloth the length of the table and added fresh flowers in vases.
A Personal Touch
Make your guests feel special by adding a personal touch to the table. By using name cards, it sets the stage and takes the guessing out of who should sit where. Simple name cards work well, but we decided to incorporate the Festive Citrus theme.
These are both fun and easy ways to decorate. In the first image, we used a whole lemon and tied some baker's twine around it. Then we used a paint pen to write the guest's name on a large green leaf.
In the second image, we cut the top off and scooped out some of the orange. Then we filled it with crepe myrtle, marigolds, coleus and pink fincas. Add the name tag on top.