Events, Inspirations

Dining and Design

When creating a beautiful table setting for spring entertaining, we often turn to one of our favorite fresh floral designers, Kenneth Turner.

Pretty Pink Bouquet by Kenneth Turner

Pretty Pink Bouquet by Kenneth Turner

Having trained with world renowned florists at Pulbrook & Gould in London, Kenneth opened a shop in Mayfair and became famous for creating visual extravaganzas for clients such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Prince of Wales.  He was selected in 2004 to be the exclusive florist for Harrods and continues to give master classes (where Diane was a pupil in 2005.)

Kenneth Turner - The Floral Decorator

Kenneth Turner - The Floral Decorator

Last week, we were asked to design a table setting for an event at Neiman Marcus in Fort Worth, and were inspired by several designs from Kenneth’s book, The Floral Decorator.  One of them in particular caught our eye where fresh flowers were used as a garland around the plate.  According to Kenneth, “Plate decorations reflect an important but often forgotten point about floral decorations; any display should be made for the enjoyment not just of its creator but also of the beholder.”

Tablesetting Inspired by Kenneth Turner

Tablesetting Inspired by Kenneth Turner

Using the heads of faux snowball viburnum and delphinium, Diane replicated the look, adding a centerpiece of deep blue hydrangea to complete the setting.  The result was a glamorous table fit for a queen (or at least the Prince of Wales!)

Diane James at Neiman Marcus - Fort Worth, TX

Diane James at Neiman Marcus - Fort Worth, TX

Photos by Kenneth Turner and yours truly

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7 Comments

  • Reply The Zhush April 12, 2010 at 9:40 pm

    First off, can we talk about how stunningly beautiful Diane James is? Wow! OK, and now the purple flowers!!!! Purple! YUM! Neiman’s must have been thrilled with this setting? Who wouldn’t be?

  • Reply paula April 13, 2010 at 8:47 am

    how beautiful.

  • Reply Kristin DeMesse April 13, 2010 at 11:08 am

    Absolutely stunning!

    • Reply carolyn April 13, 2010 at 12:30 pm

      Sue, Ellie and Kris – Diane is as stunning in person and so are the bouquets!
      ~ The Buzz

  • Reply Barbara at Hampton Hostess April 13, 2010 at 6:11 pm

    What a beautiful table! The colors are so vibrant-they certainly speak spring to me–congratulations!

  • Reply The Neo-Traditionalist April 13, 2010 at 7:56 pm

    Gorgeous! What creative placement—I never would have thought to do such a thing! I wish I could take Kenneth’s master classes, though I fear I’d fail miserably. Your mother ought to start teaching classes Carolyn!! xoxo katie

    • Reply carolyn April 14, 2010 at 6:35 am

      Katie – I’m sure you’d “blossom” in a master class… we all have to start somewhere!
      xxoo Carolyn

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