Hearken back to the golden age of Queen Elizabeth at the turn of the seventeenth century for decor that is elaborate yet grounded in the natural world. The Elizabethan era was a peaceful and opulent time in England's history during which the upper classes and the royal court indulged in diversions--such as Shakespeare plays--and amusements--such as elaborate banquets--as never before. An Elizabethan centerpiece can bring elements of this golden age of plenty to your table on such Elizabethan occasions as Candlemas (February 2), All Fool's Day, May Day, Midsummer (June 21) or Michaelmas (September 29), or any other holiday you choose.
Gather
Gather together some Elizabethan-style supplies for your centerpiece. For a winter table, cut a few cedar branches, holly, ivy or other evergreen. For spring into summer, greenery such as ferns, ivy, myrtle or fragrant juniper with berries works well. No matter the season, pick or purchase blossoms such as violets, wild roses or miniature rosebuds to add the rich colors so important to the Elizabethan look. Keep in mind the vision of Elizabethan opulence and excess. Have several peacock feathers on hand, wire-edged ribbon in coordinating colors, a bunch of baby's breath and perhaps a central feature such as a miniature gilt lute, harp, jeweled crown replica or gilt bird cage.
Create
Cover a centerpiece base with your gathered greenery. Use a pleasing mix of materials to create a flowing fountain of greens. Insert sprigs of baby's breath to suggest a dusting of snow or echo the lacy look of a Queen Elizabeth ruff. Your greenery base should suggest organized abandon, like the well-laden tables at an Elizabethan feast. Your central feature item--lute, harp, crown, birdcage--should be placed to its best advantage amidst the greens.
Embellish
Position your peacock feathers where you can make the most of their height and color accents. You may want to place them singly, lying against the greenery for a dramatic contrast. Or you may choose to place them vertically behind your central feature as a backdrop. In Elizabethan times, a stuffed peacock was often used as a banquet centerpiece but was seldom eaten; your peacock feathers should be key to your Elizabethan theme. Further accent your centerpiece by placing the fresh blossoms you have collected here and there, or create a "posie" by loosely gathering your blooms with a billowing ribbon tied around the stems and place as if carelessly tossed among the greens.
Embellish your centerpiece with wire-edged ribbon in jewel tones to echo the peacock and fresh flower hues. If you have chosen to incorporate the birdcage in your Elizabethan centerpiece, add a pair of live lovebirds or turtledoves to highlight the flavor of classic Elizabethan excess.
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