Shee, that is too funny. I can relate to the reactions of some family members who are not obsessed with decorating the dining table. Last Christmas when DB & DSIL arrived, they took one look at my table and started calling me "Aunt Sandy", a reference to Sandra Lee, a food channel show host who includes tablescape ideas as part and parcel of her cooking show. I think there was a compliment in the comment as I've since caught a couple of her episodes. Yes, some are a bit over the top even for me, but she seems very handy and gives ideas as well reasonable and practical sources so that viewers can get a similar "look". I've always used my wedding china, over the years have collected 14 placesettings of Lenox holiday china and the happy recipient of Chalfonte "Indian Summer" china pattern, all remaining placesettings together with serving pieces -a gift from my DM. "Indian Summer" was her wedding china. I was amazed at how many pieces were intact as the china is over 50 years old. I really have no memory of seeing the china growing up which may explain why there is so much of it left. Seems as though back in the day one didn't use their china but for very special occasions. Your family is definitely going to be impressed when they see your beautiful hurricanes. I've seen your kitchen space on the decorating forum and I think you will have lot's of "wow" compliments. I do think they will look great lit on your tables for Thanksgiving dinner!

I just opened this thread today and read through everything. This was like a "Judith" lesson on building a vignette! Shee, your centerpiece is lovely. It has reallly transformed over the course of this thread from OK to great. I love the fabric that you first added. It really changed the whole look. Then adding height...The basket brings it together. I, too, like Betty's idea to spray paint it darker - I think it will "ground" it. I especially like the link you found with the white pumpkin on the pedestal with the fall arrangement. I'm going to shamelessly copy that one! You are definietly going to WOW your Thanksgiving guests.

so we "named" our tables after our favorite writers/philosophers. I found wonderful quotes that involved marriage, love or friendship from each of the writers/philosophers, and framed it (with 5x7 frames). People said they really enjoyed going from table to table to read what the other quotes said; it encouraged mingling! Each table had a stack of hardback books and i wrapped them in a thick piece of ribbon that matched the bridesmaids dresses and then wrapped that in a thin piece of rafia and tied it on top. (does that make any sense?). Instead of a table number we used quotes so i went to bed bath and beyond and bought 10 frames (about 10 bucks each) and typed up a quote from the author of the table. For instance there was a JD Salinger table and it said: Salinger Table It's just like a girl to go ahead and do that they wind up saying something amazing and you go falling head over heels in love with them (okay that isn't the exact quote but it was something like that from catcher). So the picture frame with the quote was placed on top of the books so it was higher and easy to read and on either side I had two little candles and I tied rafia around the clear candle holders to match the kind on the books. This idea is an obvious fit for academic/literary types, but could be extra funny with cheap romance novels and pulp fiction, which you can get for pennies at any second hand store. Stack 'em and wrap 'em in ribbons  suddenly trashy fiction becomes an entertaining conversation piece. Stick a wedding-branded bookmark in 'em and they're kitchy favors! Like Muglies, only readable.

I am sorry if anyone offended you. Please continue to ask for help here - people give great advice and have creative ideas! I think it would be cool if you wanted to create some real elegant centerpieces for your wedding - maybe use the flowers that you will use for your bouquets and put them in chrome urns or vases - The chrome would be a nod to the bikes and set off the flowers very nicely. I prefer simple centerpieces over ornate, but you can do what you think will compliment your theme best. I have seen people put round mirrors in the center of each table and have varying heights of flower arrangements - half tall, half short to add visual interest, and had votives and glass pebbles (like the ones they use in flower arrangements sometimes) around the base. I think if you want to stick to the chrome idea, you could find votives that are chrome and put votives in orange and black inside - I would maybe use one color per table, rather than mix the colors it might appear more busy. For your friend, I think that she would want something substantial that won't fall over if the wind picks up. Maybe some fall leave branches in copper or "antiqued" urns or vases. She can tuck flowers in with the branches, or just use the branches by themselves. I love fall leaves, and they will look very elegant. She could even spray paint the leaves and branches with metalic paint - like copper, gold, burnt orange, etc. - it would add a touch of drama and cover up any imprefections in the branches and leaves. I hope this is helpful - I am not the most creative type. I am sure that both weddings will be lovely! Good luck!