Weddingbee Blog

If “tablescaping” is a word, is “centerpiecescaping” one, too? Because that’s what I’ve been doing. Centerpiecescaping. In fact, I recently published an entire series of books, all in the name centerpiecescaping:

Maybe I’d better back up. I started with the various silverplate goodies we’ve been collecting (pitchers, teapots, bowls, etc.) to be used as flower containers, singly or in small groupings. My decorating guru friend pointed out that for a more unified look, these would look best each on its own silver tray - plus, the trays will help reflect the candlelight.

But I still wanted to tie in our typewriter theme a little bit more. I toyed with the idea of adding vintage books…but I only have a few, and in clashing colors. And the prospect of running around town in search of (expensive!) vintage books in pink, grey, and black bindings left me less than titillated.

Well, necessity is the mother of invention! I decided to make my own “vintage” books!

I designed really simple faux book jackets in AppleWorks, using the same two fonts we’ve used throughout the wedding. For the most vintage look, I chose simple, clipart sketches as graphics.

The titles are in-jokes, or specific things we’re “known for” among our friends and family - things that tell the story of our relationship. And for the authors, I just played with different permutations of our first, middle, and last names (the only one where I use both our married names being the one referring to our honeymoon).

Then I printed them in shades of Kinko’s resume paper (again!) to match our colors: ivory, blush pink, antique grey:

…attached them to the hardcover books with double-sided tape, then stacked a few here and there under the flower containers, and on the trays:

The covers are partly obscured by the containers, but that’s actually how I want them. Not as a focal point, but as something that will reward the close observer. Give them a “Hey…wait a second!” moment. I’m also hoping it’ll up the “mingle factor.” As in, Gee, I wonder what THAT table has over there…

We added in a few votives here and there, mix-and-match style, using glass holders and even some of Mr. LB’s crystal cordial glasses. I think it looks the most vintage-y this way - organic, and not too perfect. Finally, we tested the look in candlelight:

The containers will all have a mix of white and pink flowers: peonies, cabbage roses, sweet peas. Plus, the amount of candlelight each has will vary, too, depending on space, etc. I’m kind of leaving it up to our florist to do what works best for each arrangement.

But I’m pretty happy with how the books came out! It was a fun, quick little mini project, and a cool way to tie in the typewriter theme a bit more on the tables. I may even throw a stack of them on a side table, as a little Lovebug library!