PUTTING TOGETHER THE EASTER TABLE

Easter is upon us! In planning your Easter table, fresh flowers, pretty china and colorful mats and a tablecloth make the occasion festive.

The Easter bunny is on the run! You can catch him at John Derian.

Plaza Florists on Lexington Avenue in the 60's has been one of my longtime favorite sources. Connie Plaissay opened the the shop in 1995, as a city oasis. The transporting space carries hundreds of hand selected blooms that fill the air with a gorgeous green aroma. Walking by their stunningly beautiful windows, they showcase high style yet soft arrangements, blooming branches, tropical rarities and unique vignettes with natural materials. From a rustic container of long stemmed tulips to a monochromatic melange of seasonal blooms, they can do it all. Their tell tale green ribbon and Plaza tag announce the arrival of a breathtaking flora package.

Hydrangeas in a purple and green arrangement.

Creams and greens.

Pale yellows are soft and sweet.

When thinking about the Easter table for brunch, try adding some china with blooms:

French designer Alberto Pinto recently launched Jardins D'Orchidees hand painted Limoges porcelain, available at Michael C. Fina.

Meissen's Persian Rose porcelain in fabulous red and turquoise. They are the creme de la creme.

If you have not yet added bamboo flatware to your repertoire, I highly recommend it. It works from season to season, acts as a neutral and matches everything. This set has more of an aged look and comes from Horchow.

If you are inspired by the classic Easter jelly bean brights, these Dransfield & Ross Moorish shaped mats work well.

These D. Porthault cocktail napkins are great to have on hand when 5 pm comes around. They add a bright punch to the bar and canapes are tastier when using these. Get all one pattern or mix them up. They get softer with age, and I am ready to snag my mom's after coveting them for forever!

D. Porthault's Dahlia pattern is embroidered on a white linen. The bold blooms seem to blow in the wind, suspended.

D. Porthault has been bringing flowers into the home for generations. The Lilas in blue hand embroidered linen mats and napkins have a realistic look.

The Fougeres pattern of ferns has a delicate air and sweet charm.

For something more casual D and R's Holiday Tropical cotton napkin. It reminds me of a vivid 1960's Scandinavian Josef Frank print.

I will be setting the table with these classic and last-forever Kim Seybert silk organza napkins. They are cut on the bias so they have this adorable lettuce edging. With so many lush colors to choose from, you can get a set for each china pattern's color palette.

Deal Alert! World Market does it again-- these floral Sakira mats with a striped border are a steal. The way to get the look for less.

Sakira Spring Floral napkins will become your everyday faves. Also from WM.

The Tree of Life placemats also from World Market combines an age old motif, reminiscent of a classic Brunschwig and Fils chintz's.

Buy some bunches and begin arranging!

Since you want the flowers to be the star players, a white vase is a good idea as it will not overwhelm. Handmade and unique pottery pieces from Connecticut- based artist Frances Palmer add an artisan element. Her Dahlia vase with small flowers in relief applied to a fluted body has just enough detail.

Tulips are a real harbinger of spring-- the more the better!