As we step into Spring and with Easter, Mother’s Day and all of the warm weekends on the horizon, interior-savvy shoppers will be seeking inspiration to decorate and celebrate for memorable occasions ahead.
And University District is here to help!
For all things in-bloom, we sat down with Tania Nekhaeva, owner of Petals ‘N Blooms, as well as Chloe Leung and Julie Punter, interior design experts with U/D builder partners Brookfield Residential and Homes by Avi, for their top table dressing tips to help you achieve a memorable dining setting for all your spring-friendly festivities.
From ways to add height and texture to eclectic decorative displays, gorgeous floral arrangements and some do-it-yourself centrepiece projects, every “bunny” will be impressed at the sight of your table with these inviting ideas. They may just outshine your entree!
Springtime means lots of walks, playing fetch, and exploring with our four-legged friends. We thawed out a collection of special ways to show the pup in your life some extra love. Check out our suggestions here! We love to watch them frolic!
Let’s face it – breaking the rules is fun. When it comes to your table, it’s actually, maybe a little bit brilliant.
Ditch the matching sets and create that wow-factor by mixing complementary colours and patterns, fashioning a whimsical, one-of-a-kind tablescape for all to enjoy.
Add visual intrigue and variety by combining and pairing different dinner plates, side plates and bowls! This not only brings interest to your table, it allows you to showcase a breadth of different ceramic styles.
Think outside the box: When it comes to creating eye-catching centrepieces, don’t settle for standard twigs, flowers or eggs in a vase. Instead, mix and match! Incorporate a fruit element to make your decorative centrepiece come to life. From sliced oranges to limes, layer them along the sides of your glass vase to create a breathtaking design element. Top it off with a fresh bouquet to add an even more welcoming aesthetic. We guarantee this pairing will delight all of your guests!
Chase away the winter blues with simple, elegant and wondrous botanical displays that capture the essence of the season in all of its glory. From roses and tulips to lilies and hydrangeas, bring sophistication to your table setting by using your favourite florals in new and fresh ways to make a super stylish statement.
Show off the prettiest spring flowers by filling the length of your table with florals that spell out your favourite phrase – Love, Spring, Family. This eye-catching approach is bound to have everyone swooning! Consider potted plants and pussy willow and branches as an equally spring-friendly alternative! Even consider using spring foliage to decorate your dessert to let it truly be the star of the show.
Think outside the box: Allergic to flowers? Dress your table with seasonal produce like pears, lemons and apples. They make for a fantastic alternative décor! Simply trail the fruit and/or vegetables across your dining table for a pared-down take on the season.
Want to learn how to make your own floral arrangement? Petals ‘N Blooms hosts floral workshops every April. Visit their website to sign up!
Put together the quintessential spring-inspired dining experience with your personal take on table linens. From exotic textiles, burlap and lace to repurposed swaths of fabrics and patterned designs, table linens provide an opportunity to express one’s taste and charm.
Get that vintage vibe look using lace materials and monogrammed linens. Opt for a cool, modern take by using a French blue tablecloth to highlight the cool undertones of classic silver. Neutral linens in oatmeal, tan and white are the perfect backdrop for interchanging, bold accessories and tableware. The options are endless!
Remember, getting different patterns and colours to play well together is kind of like rocking a bright lip – let one thing shine and keep everything else simple.
Think outside the box: If you love the outdoors, why not showcase your personality with wood accents? They’re on trend! From walnut stained flower boxes to wood chargers, add that extra touch of nature to your tablescape.
Did you know University District is next door to some of the best home interior shopping spots in NW Calgary? From Twisted Goods in Market Mall to Real Deals just down the street, get inspired with their guide here.
As the saying goes, “simplicity is the glory of expression.” What better way to impress your guests and exercise your self-expression than through a clean, crisp and artfully executed table setting?
Consider using fresh greenery and monochromatic candles with copper detailing. Or, have a few good pieces stand alone and shine including some family heirlooms. They make for great conversation starters and add intrigue and visual appeal to any dining setting.
Remember, keep accessories to a minimum both in quantity and design and steer clear of complicated and extravagant décor pieces that will clutter your table.
Think outside the box: A beautiful branch with no leaves makes a lovely minimalistic centrepiece. Make sure it’s the right size and mix in some natural white or ivory candles to give your dining setting a bit of that boho vibe that’s on trend this year. For a seasonal touch and burst of freshness, compliment your table decor with some apples and sprigs of rosemary.
Whether you’re hoping to transform your dining room into a welcoming, easy-to-use space, or need some tidying solutions before Easter guests arrive, these tips and tricks from the pros with Space Reclaimers can save you the time, money and stress that come with living in a den of disorder. There’s no better time than Spring to get organized!
Like any great design, layering elements is the key to an attractive table setting. When it comes to stacking up style, use assorted vase sizes and shapes, with the tallest piece being your focal point. The varying heights and textures add visual interest and depth and dimension to your arrangement.
For the artsy folks out there, put colourful hand-painted eggs in a lower wide bowl and mix in some taller textured vases giving your centrepiece a sense of elegance and maturity. Bring the feeling of nature indoors by layering a burlap runner in the center of your table, complemented with some bright floral napkins. Or fill apothecary jars with mini floral displays, layered with a simple white table runner and varying sizes of candles.
Think outside the box: Layer the unlikely combination of cabbage and flowers and impress your guests with a fun, springy arrangement. All it takes is five items! Get the step-by-step instructions via Southern Living here.
There’s no better way to set the scene for spring than with a festive tablescape. Whether it’s an average weeknight dinner with friends or a festive holiday feast, these stunning ideas for spring centrepieces will surprise and delight your guests all season long.
Step one
Choose a wide-mouth glass vase for your centrepiece and select one flower type such as tulips or hyacinths, where bulbs and roots are exposed. Ideally, stick to one colour of flower for your centrepiece.
Step two
Add approximately 1 inch of water to your base.
Step three
Add the flowers and ensure the roots and bulbs are spread nicely in the water. It’s the perfect way to show off flowers with unique, windy bulbs and roots!
Step one
Spray your mason jar(s) in a Spring pastel or metallic colour.
Step two
Tie a burlap ribbon around the neck of the mason jar.
Step three
Purchase neutral florals or by them fresh and place them in the mason jar vase. If buying fresh, remember to cut the stems and add some water to your mason jar for longer lasting displays.
Tip: For a statement centrepiece, make 5-8 mason jar arrangements and line them up in the center of your table. Best part, after your lunch or dinner party, these décor pieces can be used throughout your home. Place one next to your bedside table, on an end table, next to your sofa or use it to add a pop of colour in a bathroom!
When the first warm days of the year finally arrive and fresh blooms begin to blossom, there’s no better time to break out vases and crisp table linens and create a special place to share a meal with loved ones. We hope you will add a bit of spring to your decorating step with these fun and creative combinations of style and approaches to bringing personality to your dining setting!
Do you have a Spring-inspired table décor tip or even a DIY centerpiece to share? We’re always on the lookout for inspiring ideas and suggestions. Share yours with us and the community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
Join the Discussion