slhl TABLE SCAPE
Fresh Focus
“It's something
Spring into the fairest of the seasons with a magical, woodland-inspired tabletop
magical; a place where you can let your imagination go.” —
Ardell Burchard
By Melanie Barnes Photography by Jennifer Silverberg
Imagine a space deep in the woods just as winter is fading and spring is beginning to sprout. Bare branches blend with fresh greenery, and flowers dot the landscape in a rainbow of color surrounding an organic looking tabletop. For Ardell Burchard, owner of Fresh Art, LLC, it’s one of those “random, wonderful days when the weather is perfect,” that signals the beginning of a new season. With natural materials such as moss, pine cones, ivy and mushrooms, Ardell imagines a table outside in a quiet, serene space near the beginning of spring. She blends a palette of green and brown to recreate her fantasy; a natural, woodland-inspired tablescape. “My inspiration came from a place where woodland fairies might live,” she says. “It’s something magical; a place where you can let your imagination go.” Instead of using a typical tablecloth, Ardell covers the surface with different varieties of moss. She then tucks in deer antlers and mushrooms, and plumosus and leatherleaf ferns are used to create height and soften edges. Ardell adds a single fern to each of the creamcolored, linen-upholstered wooden chairs, making each seat feel as natural an extension of the outdoors as the tabletop.
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In the center, she surrounds a beautiful daffodil arrangement with delicate green ferns and hala leaves. Four white candles frame the centerpiece, their glow flickering against crystal water glasses. Silver utensils adorned with walnut handles complement white plates paired with green linens. Ardell recommends serving fresh arugula salad with flavored truffle oil. She also suggests serving green fruits, such as pears and green apples. For a party favor, she suggests chocolate candies packaged in a brown egg carton, tied with a green ribbon. As spring begins to bloom and each day outshines the next, Ardell has created a magical, organic escape: the perfect place to enjoy a lovely dinner in the evening light with family and friends. See www. stlouishomesmag.com for resources.
MARCH 2012 STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM
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2/10/12 11:37:13 AM