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Arrangements:
They Don`t Always Need A Container
For years I`ve
taught people 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 centerpiece?
STEP ONE
 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. Just
to be on the safe side, don`t include a candle, but if you do,
make sure to NEVER leave a burning candle unattended.
STEP TWO
 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 - Shown in STEP
1) 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 (shown in STEP 2)in your table top`s theme 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, shown in STEP 3) to further elaborate on your theme.
Happy Designing!!!!!!
It`s just too
easy!!!!!
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author: |
Richard Bedsole
is the Chief Instructor at the American Institute of Floral Arts,
AIFA, Inc.
www.FloralClasses.com
Copyright September, 2003, AIFA, Inc. |
ARTICLE POSTED
OCTOBER 05, 2003
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