Date:  April 1, 2026  |   Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |  

Elevate your spring soirée with a tablescape inspired by the garden

As spring firmly takes hold in Arkansas, many gravitate toward their patios, porches, and decks for gatherings. And what better way to enhance the garden-party feel of an outdoor get-together than with a bounty of fresh blooms at the center of it all? “Everyone loves to have fresh flowers on the table, especially for a fun party with friends,” says Chris Norwood, who designed the low, lush arrangement seen here. “Flowers are like the icing on the cake of a tablescape.”

As co-owner of Little Rock’s Norwood-Day Floral Company alongside Christina Day, Chris knows firsthand how flowers can enhance occasions of all types. For an elevated yet casual gathering, he recommends letting the rest of the décor drive the floral selections. Here, Norwood-Day partnered with Meredith Benton of Waverly Wood to source tableware that would be a fitting backdrop for Easter, Mother’s Day, or even a bridal luncheon. “Those Anna Weatherley chargers in green are one of my favorite products because they look good in every season,” Meredith says. “They’re beautiful for spring and will carry you all the way to Christmas.” Handpainted plates from Provvista, an exclusive line for Waverly Wood, echo the floral theme, as do the block-print tablecloth and napkins, which introduce a punchy pink hue. “We were working off all the shades of green, pink, and even mauve found particularly in the napkins,” Chris says. A solid-colored vessel provides breathing space between the flowers and surrounding patterns, while its low profile proves to be unobtrusive for guests conversing. After all, no matter the occasion, time spent with loved ones is the real reason for gathering around the table.

Petal Pleasers
While pink and green play into the palette of the tablescape, a buttercream hue serves as a neutral in the floral arrangement. Chris used butterfly ranunculus, ‘Quicksand’ roses, ‘O’Hara’ roses, and David Austin ‘Ella Auswagsy’ roses as featured flowers and filled in with scabiosa, astrantia, buttercups, spray roses, and even raspberry sprigs.

Playing Dress Up
When collecting tableware, Meredith suggests looking for pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For example, plates from Provvista’s “Lisbon” collection are just as at home in a formal setting as they are with everyday pieces. Likewise, green wine glasses from Beatriz Ball lend the perfect air of playfulness. “That glassware is beautiful and fun, but it’s not too serious,” Meredith says.

Say Cheers
A Majolica pitcher of Bloody Marys invites guests to pour a glass of the spicy tomato cocktail while tying into the bolder pink tones found in the block-print tablecloth. This particular Bloody Mary mix by Bruce Julian Heritage Foods can be found in Norwood-Day’s selection of food and hospitality products, and the garnish stick, glasses, and antique pitcher are from Waverly Wood. A small vase of ‘Sweet Unique’ roses and peach ranunculus accents the drink station.