September
is a transitional time here in the Valley.
If you stick to the rule about “no white after Labor Day,” you’re ready
to put away the things of summer and usher in the things of fall. However, it does not feel quite like
pumpkins-and-fall-leaves time just yet.
But I am ready to change out the summer tablescape for something I would
like to call “pre-fall.”
“Eat
your greens; they’re good for you” – we’ve heard that advice forever. Greens are
good; they can be used on the table for more than just eating, too. I feel there are several greens that are more
season-neutral and can help fill in the gap when sand and shells are on their
way out and acorns and gourds are yet to come.
Palm
fronds are large and can make a simple and bold statement simultaneously when
wrapped inside of a few tall glass cylinder vases. They can be incorporated into a dining table
centerpiece or used like pillars on a sofa table. Moss, which comes in several varieties like
reindeer, Spanish, sheet, and sphagnum, can line vases, cake stands, and trays
and be a stylish base for a variety of decorations. Light green hydrangeas and peony buds make
versatile foliage that can mound over short vases and be attractive arrangements
in a grouping or as a single piece.
Boxwood
is a trending greenery style that is found in preserved decorative pieces and
wreaths that can accent shelving décor, tables, and entry doors. Grasses come in a slew of varieties, both
natural and faux, and can be potted and used as a scattered centerpiece or
individual accent pieces of décor. A
green that does double duty – both for eating and decorating - is green
apples. Fill bowls or glass cylinder
vases to set out on the kitchen island or counter or on a buffet or foyer
table. Artichokes and pears are other
filler options for the same simple decoration.
So
oranges, reds, yellows, and browns – the shades of fall – are too cool-weather
for our area just yet. But greens are
good to go at any time. They can take
you from post-Labor Day to pumpkin weather without breaking a sweat.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star September 9th.
