Connor Siedow Photography
There is a quiet beauty in the changing of seasons in the Midwest—springtime in particular. The snow melts. The sun warms. And then, stems emerge from the earth, signaling new life.
Spring is a joyous time of year that inspires celebration. We beckon friends and family out of hibernation with an abundance of brunches, lunches, and other parties. It’s only fitting, then, to further cultivate the atmosphere of these gatherings with atmosphere of these gatherings with flowers, the season’s natural stars.
How these plants are presented in the home—especially during get-togethers—is increasingly intentional, according to Andrea Corbin, founder of Flower Bar in Minneapolis. “Garden-inspired arrangements, locally sourced blooms, and designs that celebrate movement and natural form are in,” she says. She recommends starting with florals that are in season: ranunculus, lisianthus, waxflower, garden roses, and trailing greenery, for example, bring freshness and serenity indoors. Think of them as “an extension of your home rather than an afterthought.”
How you adorn your home with fresh blooms is different for everyday living, versus when entertaining a crowd. Parties are where “you can introduce drama, elongated tablescapes, layered arrangements, or sculptural focal pieces,” says Corbin. “Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a larger celebration, event florals should create atmosphere and a sense of occasion, elevating the moment.” To help you craft an environment that makes the most of in-season flowers and remains on trend, we tapped the expert minds of Corbin; Lily Risken-Hermann, florist and co-owner of Ergo Floral in St. Paul; and Naomi Strom, owner of Lake Harriet Florist.
[Related: How to Host Brunch Like a Pro]
1. Vary Your Vessels
The vessel is a defining design element, Corbin says. Clear glass is timeless. Ceramic or stone vessels add warmth. Vintage or unexpected containers such as compotes, bowls, or even small pitchers add personality and charm. “Adding a color, a curved shape, or a pattern can create a unique design that speaks to your creative vision,” adds Risken-Hermann.
2. Monochrome Adds Magic
Lake Harriet Florist
Bright and vibrant colors are in, says Strom, noting that an emerging trend is going all in on one hue. Corbin agrees, adding that multiple shades of one color also creates a clean, elevated, but still seasonal look.
3. Think About Your Tablescapes
During meals, be mindful of centerpiece heights. Risken-Hermann recommends smaller, ikebana-style arrangements grouped and dotted down the table. “It allows you to place food on the table mixed with candles and be able to create a more flexible tablescape,” she says. To add visual interest, try varying heights, as long as there are opportunities to see through your tablescape, Corbin says. “Catching the presence of blooms in conversation can add whimsy to the moment.”
4. Time the Bloom
Strom notes that the state of your blooms for everyday living versus a party is an important detail. “For a party, we only want to use blooms that are fully open for maximum impact.” For everyday living, you’ll want to select flowers in different states of openness.
Dylan Nelson
5. Add Intriguing Objects to Arrangements
Risken-Hermann says you can up the drama of arrangements with non-floral objects like fruit, or even paper, fabric, or wire. “I’m talking wired grapes to create funky curves and sprawling interest, dates en mass, or pomegranates stacked and grouped to create weight and color pops to delicate floral designs.”
6. Don’t Forget Dessert
Adding a few florals to your desserts brings the unexpected and whimsy to the party, Corbin says. She adds that warmer, earth-inspired tones are on trend this year, such as peach, apricot, and soft terracotta—perfect for layering atop a white buttercream cake.
7. Go Beyond the Vase
There are many creative floral applications for gatherings. Corbin says to go beyond refined table centerpieces, she creates dramatic installations in entryways, along staircases, on mantles, and within dining spaces, noting that each design is thoughtfully created to complement the home’s architecture and the client’s aesthetic.
Connor Siedow
8. Be Mindful of Pets and Pollen
You may be surprised to find your favorite springtime blooms are highly toxic to cats and dogs, Strom says. Stay away from flowers such as lilies, tulips, hyacinth, and daffodils if you have pets at home. Also, inquire if your guests have any pollen or fragrance sensitivities.
Read this next: How to Make Your Pool the Place to Be This Summer
|
|
|
