ftd Archives - Keeping With The Times

Hello everyone, today I have a something a little different for you—a guest post about popular indoor and outdoor succulents.

I rarely (if never!) accept guest posts, but when *Alexandria from FTD contacted me and asked if I’d care to share her article about succulents … well, I was intrigued.

But first, let me disclose this is not a sponsored post. I just found her article so interesting and informative I wanted to share it with you. I had to share it because I hadn’t really thought about whether a particular succulent might do better indoors rather than outdoors.

And after reading her article, I immediately brought my jade plants back inside. It’s almost time anyway … the nights are getting extremely chilly and although I keep my jades in a protected area under an overhang, I’m starting to worry about frost. I will tell you that they do seem to bulk up during the summer when they’re outdoors and getting stronger sunlight, but I may rethink this approach. I’m always willing to try something new ;)

To check out her article and great advice, click on either image or go to 20 Popular Types of Succulents

*Alexandria enjoys writing on a variety of topics including floral design and wedding inspirations for FTD Fresh. When she’s not writing, she can be found at the beach or hiking.

As November draws closer to December, I’ve been thinking about a few holiday tablescape ideas. It’s never too early to start planning and I hope some of my ideas might inspire you to try something different this year.

I often decorate in neutral tones, and lean toward a rustic country style. However, when I received this stunning bouquet from FTD, it set my to mind spinning, and all I could think of was gold and black, gold and black!

And notice the pumpkins! yes, this style of holiday tablescape will take you from Thanksgiving, through Christmas, and on into the New Year! I think the sky should be the limit when it comes to setting your holiday table, and it doesn’t have to be limited to what you usually do … this is where you can really let loose (in my opinion.)

To achieve a rich looking holiday tablescape, my best advise is to use layers. I like to have the table set when my guests arrive, and I pile it on.

Again, I pile it on!

You may not actually be going to use all the plates, and probably not the accent plate, but who cares? we’re going for the wow factor here. Guests will not be aware whether you used such and such a plate ;) or not! Some day I’m going to pile on even more plates if I can find varying sizes.

Start with a gorgeous charger like this natural beaded charger I’m using here. Add layers of plates and top with one small accent plate to add sparkle and interest.

For a Thanksgiving tablescape you cannot go wrong with the teeny white pumpkins that are everywhere this time of year. Cut out a few leaf shapes out of card stock, spray with gold paint, and use as placecards. Pull a few flowers from the main bouquet and place them in tiny bud jars around the table.

At Christmas, replace the pumpkins with a little willow wreath that you can purchase in any craft store. Or try using a bunch of fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme tied together with gold ribbon.

Instead of tall taper candles which may compete with a large bouquet, opt for small tea lights and place in pretty glasses. I love these simple, gold-striped water glasses, and with the tealight inside … well, again, can we say layers? and sparkle sparkle!

This time of year, gold spray paint can be your friend :)

I couldn’t resist these fun, spiky accents which were originally intended as wall art …

Holiday Tablescape Ideas

Stack several plates on top of each other to create layers, finishing up with one small accent plate on top.
The accent plates don’t have to all match. Check your local thrift shops for anything with a bit of gold. Even mismatched teacup saucers would work, especially since you are going to set some small item on top, such as a tiny pumpkin, or a leaf, or a handmade wreath made of herbs.
Obviously we all don’t have black walls, but we could all very easily use a black tablecloth.
Use table runners in creative ways. When I couldn’t find the exact runner to match my table, I used a scarf! Or, you could purchase bargain bin fabric and tear it into strips.
Use pretty drinking glasses to hold tea lights. It adds to the layer effect and adds extra sparkle.
If your floral arrangement is tall, try setting it a one end of the table, then position place settings across from each other. That way, the bouquet will not be in anyone’s line of vision. Alternately, you could move the bouquet to a side table during dinner (in full view of guests of course ;)

Disclosure: FTD generously offered to provide me with a holiday bouquet for this post, but all photos and opinions are my own, and I am truly very impressed with the quality and service from FTD. I wouldn’t say so if I wasn’t!!