Centerpiece savvy Centerpieces are increasingly imaginative. In Italy, a ceramic bowl filled with lemons is a beautiful accent. In France, colorful vegetables such as eggplant, artichokes and peppers replace traditional flowers. To add drama, these can be contrasted with delicate flowers, such as poppies or tulips. Ti leaves, ferns and free, gathered leaves Philpotts often finds ideas in the visual merchandising of stores like Neiman Marcus.
Lighting is important.
Candlelight, of course, helps create a magical mood. Loring likes to place candles in unexpected places, such as atop bookcases. Pinkish lighting makes everyone look softer and more beautiful. Philpotts changes all the bulbs in the house to 40-watt pink bulbs before a party. The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co .