Stewart’s Simple Centerpiece Hack
In classic Martha Stewart fashion, she let the greenery take center stage of her luncheon. Lining the middle of the table were pots of Chinese money plants (Pilea peperomioides), also called the friendship plant. With glossy coin-shaped leaves and long thin stems, Chinese money plants are naturally eye-catching houseplants, and in this case, centerpieces. To make the table look fuller, Stewart placed the plants in pairs down the length of the table so they wouldn’t require any extra filler flowers, candles, or vases.
To let the Chinese money plants shine, Stewart kept the rest of her table simple. She paired seashell-printed placemats with cream plates, silver flatware, and crisp white napkins for each of the 22 settings. With such a neutral background, the bright green Chinese money plants provided just the right amount of natural color and texture to round out the table.
How to Recreate Stewart’s Table
The next time you’re hosting a dinner party or want to make your table feel special, remember Stewart’s simple centerpiece hack—use your houseplants. Not only does using your houseplants as centerpieces save you money; houseplants won’t wilt like bouquets of cut flowers.
While Stewart used potted Chinese money plants, most houseplants would make for a stunning (and easy!) centerpiece. Try displaying a collection of succulents in different sizes and colors of pots, or for a more tropical and bold look, use a philodendron or small monstera. Rememberthat houseplant centerpiece options are endless, and there are no right or wrong plant choices for the job. The only detail to keep in mind is the plant height. Make sure the plant isn’t taller than 8–10 inches so that guests can still comfortably talk to each other across the table.
To create a similar look to Stewart’s table, pair your houseplant centerpieces with neutral place settings. Keep all dishes, placemats, and napkins neutral so the houseplant pops. If neutrals aren’t your style, try using monochromatic dishes and flatware to create a bolder look while still letting the plants be the focal point.
