Jemma Castillo
For an elegant beach-inspired tablescape, we crafted a unique free-standing 3D table number. As part of our Jamaican-themed tablescape centerpiece (see details below), we put together a very simple table number with a casual, “castaway” feel. All it is is the number traced out using tiny seashells, then a frame made of raffia fiber glued around the border. Consider this tropical candlescape centerpiece we assembled using just 3 elements and 3 simple steps—wind raffia fiber around giant glass cylinder vases in varied sizes, place a votive candle or tea light in each vase, then arrange them on top of a tropical print runner. To match the vibrant summer setting, we used gold carved frames as place card holders and guest favors in one! Nothing like a station of chilled fresh fruit juices to keep guests hydrated at a tropical party!
The lush greenery of the tropics is a ready-made source of materials for striking chair decor. So all we did was create bunches of them with bird-of-paradise cuttings, then tie them onto the chair backs with raffia fiber.
To dress up the place settings at a tropical party, we did some clever napkin folding to create “pineapples” out of printed fabric napkins and olive green fabric wraps as “leaves.” While for a truly in-theme party favor, you can give fresh tropical fruits—like golden mangoes trimmed with leaf favor tags! For a hint of whimsy at your tropical party, plan fun place cards like these we made in the shape of pineapples. To display them in style, we used our seashell place card holders that each guest could take home afterwards as a keepsake.
