A Wisteria Wish

Ah, wisteria…Its soothing shades and feathery blooms have charmed gardeners for centuries. When the party moves from outside to inside, recreate that alfresco feel flawlessly. Have the ladies for high tea, host a bridal shower, or honor your parents’ anniversary. Freshening wisteria’s royal purples and soft lavenders with green and white accents is stunningly elegant, without a hint of stuffiness. Ground the table with a purple plaid cloth and lavender runner that bring out the flowers’ softer side, layering in darker shades in the place setting, centerpiece, and above. For place settings, a clear glass plate tops pale green plates painted with purple wisteria to make a setting worthy of your grandmother’s best silver.

 Accent Pieces

Create accent pieces with the look of wisteria luxuriating across a pergola by hanging faux wisteria branches to the ceiling above the table or to the light fixture.

Music: Play up the Southern charm with Some Hearts by Carrie Underwood.

Centerpiece

Willowy wisteria is shown to best effect in a tall vase. A painted-on wisteria design matches the dishes and food pedestals and echoes the flowers inside. The vase’s gentle curves mirror the curvaceous cocktail glasses; the colors are equally compatible, pulling the tablescape’s elements together.

Favors

To make the dainty trinket box place card, cover a small cardboard craft box or photo frame with a pretty purple fabric coordinating with the table linens. Cut a circle of purple paper to fit inside a scrapbooking medallion and write the guest’s name in the center. The lace-collar effect adds another grace note, as does varying the fabrics and medallion shapes.

Food and Drinks

The menu is divinely easy. Both appetizer  and dessert—Brie Quesadillas and Apricot Shortcakes—are served on easy-to-make pedestals—flip two pale green wisteria-painted urns upside down and top with matching plates. For a final flourish, bring out the drink of the day—Blueberry Sangria—in stemmed hurricanes showcasing its lovely layers.