How to Make Your Own Lifts and Levels for Tablescapes
Last summer, I was asked to create a dessert table for a wedding reception, and make over three hundred individual desserts. It was a challenging propositon, but I do like challenges. We easily decided which desserts would be included and then, other than color, the table was left to my own creativity.
One thing I was sure of, was that I wanted lifts and levels to create more interest and drama, and spot light certain desserts.
Since I was not attending this wedding and did not want to return the next day to retrieve my tiered dessert and cake stands, I began brainstorming for inexpensive ideas. We had some sheets of cardboard and cardboard boxes... So, I hit upon the idea of creating spools of cardboard, which would be very sturdy; and making them, I could easily create whatever sizes I needed.
First, each sheet of cardboard was marked the desired width and then each strip was cut., against the corrugation, not with it. After using scissors for awhile, my son suggested the use of the battery powered scissors he had given me, which might make things go a little faster. Yes! Great time saver!
Next, in order for the cardboard to form neatly into a spiral, fold the cardboard along each of the grooves. This can be achieved by running the strip over the edge of the counter like curling a ribbon with scissors.
Using cheap white or clear school glue, start gluing the strips in a tight spiral. When it gets awkward to hold it, wrap a couple of rubber bands around your form, set on the counter or table, and push down on the cardboard to form a solid base. Let this dry, then continue adding strips in the same manner, butting up the new strip to the end of the previous one, securing with rubber bands while the glue dries, until the desired size is achieved.
The stands for this particular event were covered with silver wrapping paper and were embellished with a 2" band of mesh rhinestones an inch from the top. While they can be decorated, they are great underneath your tablecloths and fabric pieces, which is how I use them most of the time.
These are inexpensive, sturdy, easily stored, and is it a great loss if left behind? Let me know what you think of the idea! I had never seen it done before and thought it was rather ingenious!
