Good Morning Darlings!
We have a guest today. I am so happy to welcome Patricia Hall, designer of lovely floral arrangements. Need some inspiration for your holiday table? Let Patricia give you some ideas.
Choosing the Perfect Flower Decoration for Your Dinner Party
Flowers can take a dinner party to an entirely new level of sophistication and luxury. Choosing the perfect flower decoration for a dinner party involves not only selecting an appropriate species and color, but also designing an appropriate presentation for the specific table layout and event type.
Flower Selection
The species of flower selected to adorn a dinner table sets the tone for the entire event. An elegant rose bouquet or a sophisticated tulip arrangement creates an ambience of sophistication. A vase of vibrant sunflowers or an assortment of colorful wildflowers produces a casual and fun dinner vibe. It is imperative that a dinner host knows exactly what atmosphere he is attempting to affect before purchasing flowers. Otherwise, he may select a species that is not right for his particular event.
Once an appropriate flower species has been chosen, it is important to select a flower color that matches the overall decorative color scheme. White flowers are extremely versatile with any color scheme, so they are a perfect choice when in doubt. Individuals should make their best effort to decide on one or two colors before setting out to select the appropriate flowers. Many flower venders arrange their offerings according to color, so this will help dinner hosts to view all of their options in a short period. In addition, if an individual arrives at a flower shop with a set color scheme in mind, they will not be tempted to purchase beautiful flowers that may wind up clashing with the rest of the dinner décor.
One of the major factors that people often forget when they order flowers is that size definitely matters. If an individual purchases tall orchids for a small dining table they may block dinner guests’ view of one another. Conversely, if an individual purchases small bunches of daisies for an extremely large dining table the bouquets will not make much of a visual impact at all. As a general rule, individuals should order flowers that are approximately 5” in height. This ensures that the flower decorations will create a dramatic aesthetic, while at the same time allowing dinner guests to converse without obstruction.
Presentation
Flowers are extremely versatile when it comes to presentation. Stemmed blooms can be displayed upright in a vase, or they can be strewn horizontally along the entire length of a table runner. Additionally, some species can be arranged so they float on the surface of water in a shallow decorative container.
When it is time to order flowers for a dinner party, the host must decide whether to present the flowers as a single centerpiece or to present them in several small arrangements dispersed around the table. In general, centerpieces are full and large. They represent the entire focal point for dinner guests, and as such they are typically grand in nature. If a centerpiece is not used, smaller arrangements tend to be presented in an understated manner, so the overall effect does not appear gaudy or excessive to dinner guests.
Additional props are commonly used to accent flower decorations on a dinner table. Tapered candles or tea lights, berry bunches or slender branches, and ribbons can all add an appealing aesthetic element to flowers displayed on a dinner table. These elements should be used in great moderation, especially when a centerpiece is not being employed. The general aim of the dinner host should be to titillate a dinner guests’ senses, without over-stimulating them. In the end, flower decorations should enhance a dinner party, without stealing any glory from the beautiful presentation of the food items themselves.
Purchasing flowers online allows an individual to select flower decorations from a broad assortment of options, and to have the flowers delivered directly to the event venue itself. This can save a great deal of time for the dinner host that bears responsibility for a great number of other duties related to preparing an event that his guests will remember favorably for a long time to come.
About the Author
Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist and flower delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna. ‘To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers – it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways – unity of all mankind!’
Holiday gift tip. Today’s tip benefits both you and a sweet child. Why not travel to Mexico this Christmas? Eric and I went last year and man oh man, it is fab to be kicking back with our toes in the sand while everyone back home is freezing!
Guests are invited to Pack for a Purpose® when visiting the Fairmont Mayakoba, the AAA Five Diamond resort in Riviera Maya. Extra space left in luggage while packing can be used to bring joy to disadvantaged children in Mexico and fulfill their holiday wishes.
Through the resort’s new “Holiday Wishes” volun-tourism activity, guests visiting the hotel this December are invited to join the hotel’s employees and the non profit organization U’yo’olche A.C. by donating toys or clothes for children in neighboring Mayan communities. For a little effort guest can enlighten the spirits of children that expect presents from the “Three Magic Kings” each year, one of the fondest traditions for kids in Mexico. Gifts donated through this program will be presented to kids on January 6th.
Travelers interested on making a meaningful contribution and extend the holiday cheer to their travel destination, now have an opportunity to do so at the Fairmont Mayakoba. Rates start at $599, and guests can learn more about the hotel’s many Holiday Season Activities.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to The Statler Brothers – Flowers on The Wall