THE CENTERPIECE

There are endless ways to decorate a table, but centerpieces are a mainstay when it comes to creating a visually-appealing focal point and the “wow factor” of the scape. Seasonal and event themes, as well as color-specific décor all lend to creating showstoppers for the table that will be conversation starters and points of beauty in person and in photos.

As it is now winter and the end-of-year holidays are behind us, it’s an ideal time to reconsider what larger tables in the home will feature. In terms of seasonal decor, think wood, metallics, and a neutral palette, perhaps with pops of subtle color. Here, a few options are offered that can be found regionally to spruce up tables during these colder months that typically have us indoors, enjoying the home’s ambiance.

Fresh Flowers

Flowers are in style, always. No matter the season, fresh floral arrangements are a stunning accent for the table. With countless flower types, arrangements, and colors available, there is something for everyone when it comes to finding a gorgeous adornment for the table. Here, a fresh floral bouquet of muted shades and miscellaneous greenery is arranged in a metal bowl with pedestal and set against a palette of greens and yellows for a simple, elegant lunch.

Tabletop Fireplace

This contemporary mini-fireplace is a definite standout and a unique way to accent the table. It uses clean burning, liquid Bio-ethanol fuel (Smart Fuel), is ventless, requires no chimney, gas line, or construction, and can be used anywhere. Move the fireplace to any flat surface, indoors or outdoors, as desired. There is a real

flame that dances and produces heat, there is no mess (odorless, smokeless, toxin-free with no soot or ash), and

the high-design, modern look features high gloss black paint. These are also no maintenance and do not require cleaning because of the “green” fuel being used and one liter of fuel ($18) burns for up to five hours (sold separately). ($225) Sold exclusively by Allure, 821 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN (alluredetroitlakes.com)

Candles

Although the candle market still includes thousands of heavily-scented, synthetic options, clean-burning ones that are safer, including for pets, are now popular. Handpoured, soy-based, fragrance-free, scented with pure essential oils, and wooden wick candles are now common in stores and

online, offering a fresh take on a classic go-to for decorating. With various sizes and colors available, mixing and matching multiple candles in a non-scented option makes for a fabulous centerpiece. Use varied heights and play with different, yet coordinating, styles. From vintage to modern, candles add decoration and mood to any room and especially for dining, steer clear of scents as they will overwhelm the senses and conflict with food taste and smell. When choosing scented candles, check online for oils

that are safe for pets, as several, including peppermint and eucalyptus, can be toxic to our furry friends. When choosing holders, make sure that the candles fit properly into them and will not tip out easily; with votives, make sure that if wax will melt and run over

the edges that the candles are set on a tray or some type of plate to protect linens and furniture.

Teak Wood Planter

Rustic, timeless, and perfect for homes of all styles, the wooden boat centerpiece, available in large and extra-large, features a one-of-a-kind piece of teak that is gorgeous on its own or filled with foliage or seasonal and decorative touches. For winter, sprigs of pine or metallic accents add beauty, or let the natural appeal of the piece take center stage. Each planter is unique, with slight variations in size, shape, and color. Mounted on a sleek, clean line, metal stand, the wooden boat is

a piece that will evolve with a home’s decor and celebrations with ease. (Large (Overall: H 6-12” W: 50-60” D: 7-12”, Internal: H: 2-5” W: 40-50” D: 4-8”): $338, Extra-Large (Overall: H 7-16” W: 4555” D: 12-21”; Internal: H 4-8” W: 40-50” D:: 5-11”): $500) Available at Allure, 821 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN (alluredetroitlakes.com)

Natural Accents

Decorative twig spheres in a wooden bowl or tray are a beautiful display of texture. Although a more rustic option, this look, when set on a sleek or painted metal tray, can blend into more contemporary spaces as well. Most hobby and design outlets will feature this type of sphere or similar items; they are an inexpensive way to blend several shades and sizes, as well as textures,

together in one spot on a table. L&H

Plants

Greenery brings life into a living space and the table is an ideal spot to add a touch of nature. From small to large-scale, adding a plant (or a few, coordinated in size and theme) is a simple way to dress up a table with an accent that is easily moved to another spot in the home when it’s time for a change. Lacking a green thumb? Today’s faux plants are made to look incredibly realistic and still bring color and texture to the table. Choose planters that are wellmade and that will blend into the home’s

style, taking precautions to protect the table if using live plants that will require watering.