Tuesday, August 17, 2010

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!
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Entertaining Women
Entertaining Women

Hello, I'm Cherry Kay I was 40 before I realized that I am an artist. I love to paint, work in clay, rubber stamping, design tablescapes, entertain, and share ideas. I'm an interior designer wanna-be...no credentials, but lots of experience.

22 comments:

  1. These are beautiful! Thanks for the education...Christine

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  2. Oh i love this post! And i really love all the floral arrangements, they are lovely! OK so now I must go find these little Peg Nappies! Wouldn't that be a cute name for a pet:)
    Terry

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  3. enjoyed the lesson- beautiful arrangements

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  4. Very cool. I had never heard of peg nappy before reading your prior posts. They are a great addition to any table collection. They also spark my imagination for things I could do with shallow glass bowls! Great post with wonderful details.

    - The Tablescaper

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  5. I have three beautiful Villeroy and Boch crystal candlesticks that just cry for this use. Off to ebay to have a look! Thank you for sharing this lovely little tip.

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  6. Beautiful! I never heard of them!

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  7. I just have to find some of these. I can think of tons of ways to use them. I would have loved to have known about these last year for my daughter's wedding. I guess this tidbit will have to wait for daughter number 2. Thanks so much for the wonderful tip and keep up the great posts. I love them.

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  8. Denise, thank you for stopping by my latest post. Hope that you'll take a stroll through my other offerings. I'd love to see how you eventually use the peg nappies...they'd be a wonderful tool for a wedding...you're absolutely correct! Cherry Kay

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  9. I've never heard of these -- thanks for enlightening me on something new.

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  10. YOU know I have frogs, but I still have not bought any peg nappies. Guess I'll have to get busy, unless I just borrow yours! Once a teacher,always a teacher, right? Great tutorial, and beautiful arrangements. We have fun taking grocery store flowers and doing really fun things with them, huh!!

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  11. I just learned something new...love that! I'm not that crafty, but I do love working with flowers...how did I not know this already? I'm really glad you shared the information...my husband may not be thrilled I have something else to search for!

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  12. I am so thankful for this post. It's wonderfully educating. I will be looking for these. Thanks for dropping in and leaving your sweet comment. Thanks for being a bright spot in my day!

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  13. I never knew such a thing existed! I can think of a hundred uses for them. When my niece got married, we whacked off the holders from the oasis bouquet forms so that we could make arrangements for her bridesmaid's luncheon.

    Those peg nappies would have been perfect for that!!

    I am going on a peg nappy hunt. Yes, I am!

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  14. Now neat! I've never heard of them before, but now it seems like something I just have to find:@) Very pretty arrangements!

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  15. Wow, who'd a thought those are hiding in there! I've never heard of them either. Thanks for letting us in on your trick! Your tables are gorgeous!
    Sheila

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  16. I am a first time visitor and I have enjoyed reading through several of your posts. You have just taught me about peg nappies. I think I'll pop over to ebay to have a look.
    Lovely blog. Thanks so much.

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  17. Peg Nappy? I have never heard of that before but I love it! Thank you for sharing this incredible idea! All of the centerpieces you have done are gorgeous! Thanks for linking up to Centerpiece Wednesday and sharing your creativity!

    Karin :)

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  18. How fascinating...thanks for this beautiful and informative lesson on another accessory for gracious entertaining!
    Hhanks for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comment

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  19. Now I know what I was looking at in an estate sale today. I'm going back tomorrow, hoping they are still there so I can purchase them!

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  20. Isn't that clever? I love your Tablescaping and the peg nappy. I have never heard of that. I guess I need to get out more..Just lovely

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  21. Well Miss Peg Nappy, You educated me! I have seen these so many times before but never knew what they were. As having been in the floral business when I was a teen I didn't even know! Now I do. That is how you solve the bulky floral arrangement being higher so people can converse.
    You educate people one at a time! thank you!
    Julie~
    aka Holey Gwackamoley! on Etsy

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  22. How have I not known about these before? Thank you so much!

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