Select long lasting Flower Varieties That Get Your Point Across;
Matching Flower Napkin Rings/Guest Favors
Ask your florist about purchasing some water-picks 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 water-pick 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 whileyou 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 food colouring to
white chocolate for the right finishing touch. A variety of 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 and an appealing look.
Water Fountains
Using 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, Gerbera 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!
Christmas Decoration
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.
Frosted Fruit Centerpiece
Make a frosted fruit centerpiece 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.
Flower Bowls & Pots
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.
Floral Party Favor
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)
- Masquerade Ball or Mardi Gras
- Beach Party Treasure Island Style
