Holiday Arrangements: They Don't Always Need a Container
by R. Bedsole
Description: Tips for holiday flower and plant arranging.
For years I’ve taught folks how to glue foam into containers before
they begin their arrangement. Now I’m going to tell you that you don’t
need the foam. Heck, you don’t even need the container. It really depends
on the function of the arrangement.
Let’s say you’re having a party. You have to decide banquet or buffet.
Then the menu, then the wine, then the china, flatware, napkins, place
cards, seating arrangements for the guests and a whole list of things
from soup to dessert. But what about the flowers?
I’ve seen dinner parties where the guests struggle for conversation
while peering through the flowers in an oversized centerpiece, only to
have it snapped from the table and placed elsewhere. That is our focus
here.
Have you ever considered “Table Top Terrain?” It’s easy to do and
looks great on the table and gives you a chance to show off your creative
side too.
Autumn is approaching and what better time to use those final garden
vegetables for your entertaining centerpiece. If you have a small
pumpkin, a few squash, maybe a gourd or two and a few maple leaves you’re set.
If not, you can pick up a variety of harvest fruit from your grocer or
use those fabulous fakes. Autumn leaves will soon be in abundance and
they look beautiful indoors as well as outside. Break off a few limbs
and use those vivid colored leaves to spice up the table top. Don’t worry
too much about the lack of water for those leaves, they don’t need it
for a few days and they’ll keep their color too! For Halloween themed
buffets or dinner parties, just carve that pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.
How do you do it? Easy. This can be done buffet style or banquet style.
Be sure to consider the space allowance and the amount of food or the
number of table settings. You don’t want your guests struggling over the
terrain too. Using three or four inexpensive plastic containers (I
love the disposable ones ), but you can use just about any type of
container you have laying around the house. If you use the plastic type put
the lids on them, (it strengthens the container) and place them upside
down on your tablecloth or runner. Get creative with it and play with the
assortment. We’re looking for terrain here, not a flat slate. Build it
up in the middle and low on the ends or low in the middle and high on
the ends. Just play with it until you’re satisfied.
Then, take a piece
of fabric in your theme’s color and cover the plastic containers. Now
take your harvest veggies and sit them on top of the fabric covered,
upside down bowls, make sure to stack them close together to allow !
support for the heavier pieces. Finally take a few of those great
autumn leaves from the yard (making sure they’re clean and free from
pesticides), and tuck them in tightly between the veggies. You can always
use raffia and mini hay bales (available at your local crafting center)
to further elaborate on your theme.
Want to see photos of this project? Take a look at what you can create
with minimal effort by going to www.FloralClasses.com. While you’re
there, take time to sign up for our newsletter and be automatically
entered into our Diamond Ring Giveaway!!!
Please be sure and bookmark our site. You’ll want to be sure to come
back soon and see our new Holiday Series of classesrooms where you’ll be
able to learn to create everything from Wreaths, to Swags, Garlands,
Centerpieces, Mantlepieces, Tie Bows, make great arrangements for the
Hearth and even learn how to properly light your Christmas Tree!!!
Do you have an interesting idea or question about floral design? Please
be sure to email us and we’ll respond right away. If you’ve created
something you’d love to share, please let us know and maybe we’ll post
your project in our upcoming “Showoff” Department!
Happy Designing!!!!!! It’s just too easy!!!!!
American Institute of Floral Arts, AIFA, Inc., http://www.FloralClasses.com
