Challenges in Party World

I won't go into the full background on this - suffice it to say that:

1. A friend is having an outdoor event soon.

2. She would like flowers at her event.

3. There are no tables available for the event except the itsy-bitsy tables for serving appetizers and the trays will take up the full surface of the table - weird, but due to a situation too complex to mention this is the case and nothing can be done to ammend this.

She had resigned herself to not having flowers. I was so glad that she mentioned how much she wanted them- she really, really wanted some flower decorations.

Never say that you cannot do something, if you truly want it. Yes, the flowers will not appear as table centerpieces. But oh, you can still have flowers! I helped her to figure out several options:

GO DOWN! Use the flowers or petals as a path to guide people to where they are going. Make a labyrinth or pattern on the ground with the flowers or petals. This is not for brides only, folks! It can give a sense of anticipation about the destination!

G
O

DOWN!

GO UP! Go up into the trees! The trick is to really stablize the arrangement so that it will not tip, and to hang it high enough so that tall people won't bump into it. She really liked this idea, and I did too. Image from lowerdec.com. You can go up with an indoor event too if you are cramped for space. This is a solution for many situations. If you need to, GO UP!

GO ON - WALLS! The image from rhs.org.uk/. Mounting things on walls may work for you, depending on any restrictions... if you can drive nails or hooks, try this option. Or use table runners hung vertically and attach flowers like they were corsages - never say no to flowers! GO ON!

GO ON- FOOD! Most culinary herb blossoms are edible including - thyme, basil, sages, lavender, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, cilantro. Most of the allium family (which includes chives, leeks, onions, garlic) have edible blossoms. Check out zucchini flowers or chamomile flowers, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, violets, or roses. Check your local farmers' market for edible flowers. With the widespread use of pesticides by commercial growers, it's important to select edible flowers from a supplier who grows them specifically for consumption. Do not eat flowers obtained from a florist. If you are choosing homegrown flowers to eat, be certain you know your flowers as not all flowers are edible. Some can cause serious stomach problems and some are quite poisonous. One of the most popular uses is candied or crystalized flowers, used to decorate cakes and fine candies. GO ON!

GO ON- PEOPLE! Decorate your guests! This also can be a party favor for people, so the idea is really fun. Leis are a great symbol of honor and love and are considered a precious gift. GO ON!

Never say no to flowers, just use them in unconventional ways to surprise and delight your guests!

Comments

[Joanna Dyckhoff]

You can also easily use shepard hook garden stakes as holders for hanging flowers...there are many tall options that can hang above the tables as a floating centerpiece, or can be short & low to flank an aisle...

See here for examples :)

http://www.balsacircle.com/images/article/aisle_decor_3.jpg
http://www.floralpoetry.com/gallery_pink.html
http://lawn-and-garden.hardwarestore.com/80-517-garden-shepherd-hooks.aspx