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.

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.)

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.”

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!)

Photos by Kenneth Turner and yours truly