Clavin Kelly Events: Frugal Fruit

For any event, whether it is a small dinner party or a large wedding, flowers often seem to be the most traditional centerpiece idea. And don't get me wrong, I am obsessed with flowers! I had to physically pull myself away from some gorgeous orange tulips I saw at the market yesterday. I buy way too many fresh flowers, but hey, they make me happy and luckily in New York they are not too terribly expensive at your local bodega. That said if I am trying to save some money or doing something a bit different for a dinner party, I often turn to my grocery store for some inspiration.

For my Thanksgiving this year in between springs of dried wheat in bud vases I had mounds of beautiful Satsuma mandarins piled high in big hurricanes. (More for Chinese New Year than Thanksgiving, I still felt they gave a "bountiful thanks" feel.... and sorry.. no pictures... I was too stressed cooking a 28lb turkey to take them!!) I know I am certainly not the first to think of using fruits (and vegetables) as centerpieces, but I do think it is something to keep in mind, particularly when planning a wedding. In these trying economic times with budgets being slashed right and left, it's time to get creative! I used artichokes and sprigs of rosemary on my own wedding tables and they saved me a ton of money, and got a lot more comments than a collection of flowers.

The citrus bowl below adds a gorgeous splash of color and looks so organic and natural.

The yellow lemons with the ribbons still looks very feminine and also somehow classic, but the color is so sunny. It just sings celebration.

I have always adored this shot from Martha Stewart of the apricot place card. Such a gorgeous touch. A very good idea if you are not completely sold on the full on fruit centerpiece. It's a small way to incorporate it.

Another idea if you still want to work with flowers on the table is to have cheese plates on the table adorned with fresh figs. Cut a few open to show off their gorgeous color. I try to buy fresh figs whenever I find them in the market... to eat or to use as decor.