Making the best of your summer dinner parties and celebrations with floral decorative centerpieces will add the right touch to your summer fun. Here are a few creative pieces complements of CountryLiving.com. See the full collection of summer table centerpieces here.

Carnation balls are a fresh take on a humble flower. They add a fun burst of color to your Fourth of July table, and they’re easy to make. Thoroughly saturate a 3-inch sphere of floral foam with cool water, then insert short carnation stems — cut to an inch below the calyx — in a concentric, coiling pattern until the sphere is almost covered. Each of these spheres holds about 50 carnations. Display carnation balls individually, or cluster balls of varying sizes — and color — on a favorite vase or tray to create a distinctive and dramatic centerpiece. Place sphere with its “bald spot” in a saucer of cool water; refresh daily and it will last a week.

Sparkling beaded bracelets encircle an old canning jar, echoing the hues of fresh-from-the-garden purple delphiniums and lavender hydrangea blossoms. Simple eye-catching arrangements like these make a striking statement at any gathering, especially when lined up on a table in lieu of a centerpiece. Guests can even take them home as favors.

Don’t be afraid to use crystal goblets outside. They add elegance to the table and look right at home next to antique flatware and long, tapered candlesticks.

A rainbow of flowers cut at various heights paired with bold paper cups and napkins make for an eye-catching outdoor table.

Add a cheerful touch to the summer table with this patchwork-style runner. Line up enough bandannas to fit the length of a table, leaving some overhang, and stitch together. To back the runner, cut an old cotton tablecloth (any light-colored one will do) to match its width and length. Sew together along the edges or attach with iron-on bonding.

What’s your favorite summer table setting?
 

What does your living space look like? Is it trendy with the latest European style furniture with stainless steel appliances or is it more like a country cottage with lots of wood finished artifacts. 

Much like people, homes have different personalities too.  Your home no doubt probably fits your personality and taste.

You can add floral elements to your home by simply choosing flowers that complement the persoanlity of your home. According to AboutFlowers.com and the Society of American Florists, home decorating personalities tend to fall into five categories.

American Country – characterized by a home that is comfortable, easy and inviting. What type of flowers look the best?  A simple vase of mixed spring flowers (yarrow, wild roses, scabiosa, heather). 

Casual Easy Living – the casual living lifestyle that focus on the simple pleasures of life. The right flowers can include flowering and green plants like cyclamen, kalanchoe, or pothos, or flowers such as sunflowers, daisies, hydrangea, delphinium or tulips.

Classic Traditional – These home styles have elements that include classic furnishings and antiques. What type of flowers look the  best? A mixture of flowers such as roses, gladiola, iris, carnations, lilies or snapdragons with accents such as dried fruit and foliage.  

Modern Contemporary – Characterized by sleek and chic styles, smooth surfaces and form. What might look good?  Flowers that are bold, and exotic like anthuriums, heliconia, callas, orchids that work well to complement the modern contemporary home’s clean, open spaces.

Victorian - A home that creates a feeling of softness and romance. Flowers that compliment this home style  are fragrant flowers like roses, spray roses, peonies, gardenias, freesia in pale peach, lavender, pink, yellow and cream which conjure images of romance and sensuality.

Need to add floral arrangements to your home style. Visit your local florist or visit an online florist.

What style is your home?