Time For Your Table Makeover!

Spring is Arriving, People!

Yay!  This is always such a great time of the season for me!  The time when the sun travels across the sky on a different arch and floods all the rooms in the home with much-needed light!  When the sun's glow hits the dining room especially, I get excited--it means Spring is just around the corner.  And, like the groundhog seeing (or not seeing) his shadow, this room tells me when to gear up for the real seasonal change we are all looking forward to.

In Celebration of Spring's arrival, it is crucial to create a centerpiece on the dining room table that promotes this great shift in season.  Our dining room is the central room of the home; therefore, I must set the tone for the season carefully!

As described before, this room is all about light, water, and air.  What better way to bring these elements to life than with the addition of plants and glass?  Do I hear "Terrarium", anyone!?

I've gotta get rid of all this crystal (which was a great post-Winter look)

and shift subtly into my new season:  Early-Spring!

Any time we shift from season to season, find the 'seasons in-between' the seasons

to allow for a more expansive range of stories to tell!  

Yes- we have Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

But we actually experience Winter, Late Winter, Early Spring, Spring...you get the picture...

This gives us so many more reasons to change and move and to refocus our ideas.  Our homes appreciate a good face lift every now and again!

Let's Get Started!

 First, I know I'm using glass as the through-line in this project.

Now I need to find the perfect containers

 in the right numbers for the tablescape.

Here, I have an apothecary jar for the middle
and four humble vases for the sides.

Next, what would this project be without these perfect little plantlets?!

I have made sure to chose plants that will thrive in the bright, indirect lighting of the room.

Now The Fun Begins!!!

Okay, so I've formed a concept...and my containers and plants are chosen.  Now I move into the workspace downstairs to create this refreshing little storyline!

 Because we are planting in glass, it is important to use the highest quality soil 

with lots of organic substance to allow for optimal root growth and airflow.

Remember, there is no drainage in these glass vases- we have to be careful.

 Find some neat stones or pepples to use for a drain basin to allow the excess water a 

plane to settle on (which keeps our soil from becoming water-logged).

 On the left, I show the first layer of stones being added as our water-basin.

And on the right, I begin to layer my vase with soil and stone.

This is the part you can get really creative with!  Use whatever you like for layering!

Note: It is very important to never pack the soil in as you layer.  It must remain fluffy and light.

Dense, tight soil does not allow the forming baby roots to travel and the plant will suffocate.

Time to Add the Plants!

Place the plants in softly.  And don't plant too tightly!

I have also decided to top the design off with a layer of stones

at the crown of the plants.  This is purely aesthetic.  Moss would be lovely too.

Since I am using stone previously, I will finish with stone.

And you're Done!!!

They look Great!

My Only Warning!:

As you get ready to take these to the sink for cleaning and watering, be very aware of how much water we are letting into the soil.  This is where we can set ourselves up for total failure.  I try not to get any water in the container at all while I'm cleaning the vases' surfaces.  And when I'm ready to 'water these in', I add only 1/2 cup of water to the container.  This sounds like nothing when we compare it to the water our other houseplants take in...but because we have no drainage and barely any airflow in the glass, this water is enough to last the plant nearly a month!  

* Do not over-do it; you will have to start all over if the soil ever gets drenched.  I've learnded the hard way many times.  Water-logged soil will never be able to dry in this application.

  Let's put 'em to the Test!!!

 I love placing them equidistant from one another to really add length to the table. 

But grouping them and clustering them with varying sizes would be fun too!

And what's nice is: my white linen table cloth will never have to suffer the consequences

of having live plants on it's surface!  No water will ever stain this table!

 Now Add the Final Flare!

 I love these new plant-filled vases on my table! 

And the piece in the middle (a true terrarium)
adds a special detail that sets the story's pace.

Now I've got a Spring Flavor in the house that tosses Winter on its Ass.

After all, this is the beginning of a very intense and physical season for me- Summer-

So I like to ease into it however I can!

Cheers!