Autumn Equinox Table design
As we celebrated the autumn equinox and the abundance of the season, flower grower Hannah Bryce of Minnow and Wolf and floral designer April Deering from April Rose Flowers share their tips on how to design a seasonable and sustainable tablescape.
Linens…Once you have selected which table to design, decide whether you are adding linens or leaving the surface exposed. A tablecloth can hide a multitude of sins. Here we have used a vintage French linen sheet dyed naturally using red and pink rose petals to create a subtle but dreamy soft tone. For something brighter you can use fresh turmeric or calendula petals to naturally dye the fabric.
Vases….Now it’s time to choose what vases you would like to use. Think about what mood you want to create. For a soft palette try clear glass vases or white ceramics. For a dramatic feel try adding texture and colour with your flower vessels. Don’t be afraid to mix vase heights and shapes to add interest. We like to place the vases slightly off centre to avoid the table looking corporate.
Designing the Table…We are spoiled at this time of year. From British grown dahlias in all their different shapes and colours to edibles such as tomatoes, squash and wild blackberries. When choosing your flowers it’s always rewarding to use locally grown blooms, either from a sustainable flower farm, farmers market or picked from your own garden. You can also forage for branches, conkers, berries and autumn leaves to make the table look extra special.
Using Mechanics… Flower frogs or Kenzan’s are such a great tool to use when displaying flowers in bowls. They help to create drama. The weighted mechanic uses pins to pierce through the base of the stem, holding the flower in place. You can play around with this and add flowers at different angles and heights to make the arrangement come alive!
Edibles… Don’t be afraid to add seasonal produce to the table. We love to add homegrown squash, raspberries, tomatoes on the vine and apples to our designs. Seasonal food makes a great addition and adds life and playfulness to the table design.
Lighting…Candle light finishes off a table perfectly and creates a relaxed ambiance. Try adding a mix of taper candles and tea lights to help show off your table design. We love using tapered beeswax candles for a clear flame and delicious scent.
Tablescape designs and text by Hannah Bryce & April Deering from April Rose Flowers at Minnow and Wolf flower farm in Hampshire
Pictures - Natasha Marshall