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.
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