Party Planner
party Flower care
Select Flower Varieties That Get Your Point Across
Matching Flower Napkin Rings/Guest Favors
Alternatively, ask your florist about purchasing some waterpicks to keep
your cut flowers fresh within your napkin folds, (thus avoiding the embarrassment
of wilting blossoms) when using flower varieties that do not fair so well
out of water for any length of time. These are a useful inexpensive tool
that, when washed carefully, can be re-used.
Oriental Theme
For a more elegant feel and using a slightly different theme, try using
chopstick rests as a floral display prop for small orchids such as Dendrobiums
or Mini Cymbidiums. (These flowers can be purchased by the stem with each
stem producing several blooms, so a single stem or two could quite easily
be sufficient to decorate your whole table). Insert each bloom into a
waterpick to enhance and prolong the Freshness of the blooms throughout
the day or evening, at the end of which, your guests would be more than
happy to take their place setting decoration home with them.
Edible Flowers
When decorating your table with your favourite flowers don’t forget
that there are now “Edible Flowers” available on the market,
so while you dazzle your guests with the perfect centerpiece you can also
impress them by decorating their plates with a floral extravaganza that
will not detract from their meal. These are available in several forms
but a sprinkling of the dried variety would work really well here and
would make an excellent alternative to the usual dusting of each plate
with icing sugar!
Chocolate Leaves
Although not by any means a new idea, this addition to any serving platter
is always a hit. So when purchasing your roses for that elegant posy remember
to put to one side all the healthy rose leaves to make your chocolate
leaf garnishes. Wash the leaves and allow to dry but do not allow to dry
out. If necessary, Store in a sandwich bag in a cool area until needed.
Then melt the chocolate by standard method and spread onto the back of
each leaf and allow to cool and set in the fridge. Once set, remove each
leaf by peeling each one away carefully, starting with the stem end. Decorate
your favourite desert platter with the finished product. Try adding flavouring
or adding colouring to white chocolate for the right finishing touch.
Other leaves can be used for variation on shape and size, using the same
method. Also, try spraying some of the leaves with vegetable oil to give
them a lustrous shine or gold spray paint, and intermingle with the chocolate
leaves for more variety
Water Fountains
Use of small water fountains as table decorations is very popular nowadays.
Pick this effect up a notch by floating a few of your favourite blooms
in the pool or be creative and decorate the whole thing! This is great
for a burst of colour and your flowers will stay fresh. Just remember
to change the water periodically.
Flower Cake
Another idea for a spectacular feature for your big party would be to
make a cake using only flowers. Soak two floral oasis blocks, cut into
2 large semi circles and then secure to your favourite dish or shallow
bowl. Starting at the top of the cake, make your design using the flowers
and colours of your choice remembering to cut the stems to about 2”
short and push well into the oasis to secure. When the top is complete
continue your design as you would for a cake around the sides until the
oasis is completely covered. Spray Chrysanthemums, Daisies and Mini Carnations
or standard carnations are all good choices for this design. This idea
can be used for any theme such as a “Spider” for Halloween”
perhaps. Just make a smaller circle and cover with large Fuji Mums, then
use greenery for the legs and a black pipe cleaner to make the eyes. Creepy
but effective!
Make guests a Christmas tree decoration for each place setting at Christmas
by folding a green paper napkin into a tree shape and insert a Fuji mum
at the top to represent a star.
Make a frosted fruit centrepiece with fresh fruit using egg white and
icing sugar and for added flair, frost your chosen flowers and make your
table arrangements, one for either side of the fruit bowl. Or ask your
florist to make you a couple of table arrangements, (using darker vivid
colours for better effect) and then frost them just prior to preparing
the table. Frost some of the leaves from the flowers or greenery and use
to garnish the plates as each course is served.
Arrange flowers heads in crystal bowls filled with cracked ice gel. Depending
on the theme for the party add some sparkles or confetti to the gel during
the mixing or add some food colouring to set off your favourite blooms.
Make a flowerpot shaped napkin by folding a large cloth napkin then place
several blooms such as tulips or daisies to represent the flowers In the
pot, inside the top of the pot. Lay flat in the centre of the table or
place one beside each table setting.
Use small bundles of babies breath (gypsophila) arranged into small Posies,
tied up with a coloured paper doily and then fastened with a little ribbon
to hand out to guests at Christenings and weddings, bridal and baby showers
etc.
Additional Ideas For Party Themes:
- Japanese Garden Party
- Harlequin (Black & White)
- Masquerede Ball or Mardi Gras
- Beach Party Treasure Island Style
|
