Today's post is from expert florist Tim Farrell of Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, PA, http://www.farrellsflorist.com/.
Oscar parties seem to be all the rage this time of year. Many of our clients are having their own night of glamour and dreams as they gather to watch the winners of the Academy Awards each year. In keeping with the true Hollywood feeling of opulence and luxury, flowers are becoming more and more important at these parties.
The most popular themes we are seeing are those requesting all white flowers. Some are even more specific: looking for Art Deco-inspired designs. To achieve this, we are coordinating sleek ceramic and metal containers with flowers such as callas, peonies and tuberose.
Other options include combinations of hybrid white lilies in varieties like Siberia or Casa Blanca. There are also some beautiful orchid sprays that also fit in nicely. White Phaleanopsis sprays are breathtaking by themselves in a vase.
More economical orchids include members of the dendrobium family … smaller flowers on stems usually about 12” to 18” in length. My personal favorite at the moment is a variety known as “Liberty”. It is a white bloom with chartreuse-green markings and is very stunning. One more simple but elegant look is that in which bunches of long slender French Tulips are casually placed in a tall vase and allowed to gracefully “fall as they may.”
Quite often, red becomes the dominant color for flowers at Oscar parties. Those choosing to go the red carpet route follow through with blooms in shades ranging from raspberry through burgundy. Red tulips, carnations, roses and alstromeria are the obvious choices.
But why not consider a few less predictable choices and impress your guests with flowers like amaryllis, ranunculus, anemones and gerbers. There are also some tropical flowers in vibrant reds that are quite eye catching. Try pairing red ginger with scarlet-colored anthuriums or ruby-colored heliconia.
One last tip: Why not have a single flower to present to each guest attending the party? Who wouldn’t feel like a star carrying a beautiful rose during the party?
Whatever your theme, make sure flowers play a starring role. Who knows ... you might even be nominated for “Best Host or Hostess.”
