Centerpieces
Here's a news flash: The beauty is in the flowers and the containers. Asian ceramics, porcelain cachepots, colored glass, etched crystal or your own McCoy pottery collection will hold your favorite flowers in high esteem and style. Here are a few tricks to help make your centerpieces center stage:
- Don't make your table too busy! If your table is filled with three different sized spoons and goblets, and a huge centerpiece, there may not be room for your guests.
- Make the arrangements low or high enough that the guests can see you on the dance floor and still talk to one another.
- Create a dramatic effect by using a topiary created from branches and wrought iron with clusters of flowers at the top or bottom of the base.
- For a simpler look, still life fruit bowls studded with stephanotis blooms make beautiful centerpieces. Try twining small pieces of fragrant flowering vine in and around each place setting for added texture and softness.
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H O T T I P |
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We know we're talking flowers here, but the bottom line is if the food is great, make the food your focus. There is no flower that can compete with a perfect Beef Wellington -- especially when you're famished from having too much fun! |
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First, make sure you find out how much space will be needed for catering before you consider the decorations. If you opt for flower arrangements, the blooms don't have to match, and, in fact, shouldn't match your centerpieces. Mix it up a little, and go for more vibrant color or a variation on your theme.
Consider using two smaller arrangements. Place a riser under one of them to make it seem taller, to give your table depth and interest.
You don't need a great big clunker right in the middle of the table. Try weaving garlands around your platters, tucking in streams of grape clusters or colorful fruits. For a fall wedding, we love pears, pomegranates and miniature orange pumpkins. Citrus fruits on the vine are best for spring and summer.
On a budget? We love the look and smell of fresh herbs or potted flowers -- a rustic box filled with narcissus bulbs and moss looks very contemporary.
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