How can floral arrangements, guests, tables and conversation all survive symbiotically at a dinner party? What can you do to create the prettiest table that is conducive to conversation and shows off your efforts in the floral department? Consider some of the following ideas.
Keep the floral dining arrangement low on the table and compact so that it doesn’t block your guests’ view of each other or entangle any of the cutlery you went to all that trouble to either wash or polish. You know you have gone too far when guests have to part foliage to make a conversational point. Be sure to dunk your blooms in soapsuds before arranging them to avoid creepie-crawlies from joining your guests or your salad at the table.
Blooms should not compete with the aromas of the food on the table. Choose subtle scents and don’t go overboard by settling for silk or dried arrangements. Use the real thing when company is dining at your table. After all, you wouldn’t serve your guests silk or dried food, would you? (Or would you?)
Use florist foam when creating arrangements. Avoid water if possible because if the container spills with the foam, even those guests who can’t swim as well as your nearby linen will remain dry. If you do opt to use the foam, remember that it works best when given about an hour of submersion to completely saturate beforehand. This procedure will not work with quieting a boisterous guest, but that’s a subject for another blog.
Consider placing a trivet, tile or tray under the floral arrangement so it doesn’t wet the linen and stain the table. A mirrored surface works well and also beautifully reflects the flowers.
Keep your guests talking, happy and eating.
Happy blooms!
Related Reading:
“Flowers In The Home: An Old Thought”
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