Meet Miss Peg Nappy

A number of blog friends have commented that it would be nice to know more about the 'peg nappies' that I enjoy using in flower arrangements for some of my tablescapes.  So here's a brief introduction to 'Peg'...

from top.....

to bottom.

"Nappy" is an old term for a small bowl. A berry bowl would be an example of a "nappy." Now imagine a peg attached to the bottom of a berry bowl that would allow it to fit in the opening of a candle holder. That is a "peg nappy."

 Large candelabra often have a center candleholder that sits a touch higher than the surrounding candleholders on the piece. When you see a flower arrangement placed in that center position with candles surrounding it, that flower arrangement is commonly constructed in a peg nappy. The peg on the nappy resembles the bottom of a candle taper. I have found that I don't necessarily have to limit arrangements made in a peg nappy to candlesticks. They will rest nicely in just about anything that is the correct diameter.  Peg nappies are usually clear glass, so they are practically invisible in the arrangement. I fill the nappy with soaked oasis and go for it. Because the nappies are quite shallow, I add water to the flowers just about daily. 

Replacements usually will have a listing for 'peg nappy,' and I often find them on eBay, too. Check them out! Peg nappies are a wonderful tool. I keep about 8 of them to be able to make arrangements for multiple tables. I don't worry about whether or not they are all exactly alike because they really don't show in the arrangement. I often plop the nappy in a container for one event, and then I pick it up and plop it in another container for a totally different tablescape the next day or so. So versatile...makes it possible to get a lot of mileage out of one arrangement.  

Here are some examples of peg nappy arrangements...

If you look closely, you can see the peg nappy, and you can also spy the 'peg' resting inside the throat of the candlestick.

Can you tell...

That I get a lot of mileage out of these particular candlesticks?  They are so versatile!

On the other hand...

the peg nappies also worked well in these reticulated hurricanes...

 as well as in this simple blue & white import vase....

 and a few days later, the same flowers were transferred to these Lenox urns for a teaparty at my precious daughter's house.  Plop, plop, plop...instant centerpiece!

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you have other questions, and I want to know if you decide to give them a try.

I am linking this post to "Centerpiece Wednesdays" at http://www.thestylesisters.blogspot.com
Thanks to The Style Sisters for hosting the party.  Hop on over and see all the great ideas!