Party Planner

Details Make the Difference

When people attend dinner parties, of course they are there to share in the celebration and to be with friends. But let's face it, they are also there to be dazzled. Why else would we put ourselves through so much trouble to plan every detail so thoroughly? Here are a few more simple and inexpensive ideas to add that extra special touch:

Matching Flower Napkin Rings/Guest Favors
Ask your florist to create a floral napkin ring for each guest, or order a few extra flowers that match the centerpiece and simple tuck one into each folded napkin or napkin ring. Be sure to keep flowers in water until right before guests arrive and then cut the stem back to about 3 inches. Ask your florist about what kinds of flowers work best for this type of treatment.

Floral Place Cards for Each Guest
Make a place card for each guest using small vases with one flower cut very short in each one. The card can be glued or taped to the front of the vase, or nestled into the blossom itself. If a vase is not used, simple place a flower blossom on the table facing each guest and using a little glue, attach the card to face the seat.

Dressed Up Candles
Place votive candles on flower petals or a leaf. Add ribbons with flowers to candlesticks. Float flowers or fragrant flower blooms in crystal bowls. Candles decorated with flowers enhance both the centrepiece and the mood while visually "lengthening" the decorations.

Buffet Flowers
Ask your florist to make a tall design and a couple of smaller ones on different levels. This will allow everyone to see the flowers up close and make good use of the stem length.

Decorate a Cake With Flowers
Ask your florist to decorate a cake for you or order the flowers and follow these steps: Wash the flowers to be used thoroughly and allow them to dry. Cut the stems to about 1 inch. Dip the ends into melted paraffin and allow to dry. When decorating the cake, insert the stems directly into the cake. Foliage or flat flowers such as pansies can be placed flat onto the cake. Try adding lace or ribbon for great effects. Florists can offer the best advice about what flowers to use.

Posies in the Punch
Make a punch float by placing washed fruit or edible flowers into a tube cake pan. Fill with water to about 3 inches. Freeze it and pop it into the punch bowl flower side up as guests arrive. Make sure that you take out the float and put in another one as the ice melts and the flowers are ready to be exposed.

Garnishing Trays and Platters
Presentations is everything. Here are a few great ideas for garnishing your serving platters: Line the tray or the edges of it with decorative lettuce leaves or kale. Use flowers as accents in the centre or on a corner of the tray. This is a great way to disguise serving platters that don't match.