Tips for creating a fabulous seasonal floral arrangement

Once the Christmas tree is flocked and the mistletoe is strategically hung, how else can a host use flowers when opening up his home to holiday guests? Floral designers Patricia Middleton of Volcano Orchids and Yoshie “Aya” Anzai of Floterior offer a few tips on creating a festive floral arrangement that goes beyond the traditional poinsettia.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

In a season of red and green, it can be easy to fall into a color rut. Anzai says that for her, color is very interesting and that now is the time to experiment.

“During the Christmas season, for example, the reds add more warmth to the already warm and happy holiday season atmosphere. But for parties, pieces are created for attention,” she asserts. “This creates a gathering point and also serves as a conversation piece.

“Each and every color is really dependent on its particular surroundings. Colors change with the time of day, what is next to it, the weather, the lighting, what you are wearing. Florals add warmth to your surroundings, and thus add comfort.”

“The arrangement becomes personalized when the artist creates with attention to form, color and detail,” adds Middleton, suggesting that this can be achieved through the addition of a signature flower to make your floral design a standout.

For the traditionalist, blooms in red and white such as roses, carnations, poms and lillies always are a hit. Those seeking more drama may want to pick hydrangeas, cymbidiums, lisianthus, hypericum or calla lilies for their bouquets.

Think Outside The Garden

Both floral designers say that incorporating items other than flowers will add an unexpected punch to any floral display. Middleton suggests items with lots of “bling,” such as feathers, branches, lush and luxurious ribbons, jewels in rich hues, votives, beaded ornamental balls or fruits, and anything that shimmers and shines. Anzai lists cut stones, beads and glass that will reflect light and add sparkle.

Deck The Halls Accordingly

In addition to being a floral decorator, Anzai is a certified interior space designer. She says that because you want your floral arrangement to stand out, it should be the central location of the party. This means your home should have plenty of good lighting (natural or artificial) as well as complimentary home décor.

“It is Christmas – there should be no restriction as to what you can or want to do,” she says.

As for Middleton, she prefers to work in reverse – rather decorate the space to highlight the the flowers, design a floral scheme to highlight your home’s spatial area and furnishings.

Plan ahead

As with all other holiday todos, it is best to contact a florist early in the season to be certain you get the look and attention you crave. Depending upon the size, number and type of both flowers and designs, Middleton says that a three-week notice is acceptable, but a month would be preferred. Anzai agrees, and warns not to rely on last-minute ordering, as florists tend to see requests accumulate the nearer to Christmas the date gets.

Once you have your flowers arranged and in your home, you can expect your arrangement to last from one to two weeks. Again, this depends on the varieties of flowers used in the design, as each species has its own vase-life, as well as on the care you give it. To prolong your floral display’s life, Middleton and Anzai suggest using flower-food solutions, supplying ample and fresh water, and keeping the arrangement away from heat sources.

For more information, contact Middleton and Anzai below:

Volcano Orchids
2829 Awaawaloa St., Unit C
Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone: 833-1948
E-mail: contact@volcanorchids.com
www.volcanorchids.com

Floterior
1133 Bethel St.
Honolulu, HI 93813
Phone: 544-0011
www.floterior.com.