TABLE DECORATION There is a lot of room for creativity in a table arrangement. The table is a great stage to tell a story through the use of candles, statuary, musical instruments … any objects that have meaning for you. You can convey a theme for the occasion using memorabilia or traditional decorations. The buffet table lends itself to an elaborate still life of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Create a centerpiece still life where you can’t tell where the decorations end and the food begins. Centerpieces The placement of centerpieces fall into three main categories: 1.
The arrangement is placed in the center of a table with guests seated all around. [pic] [pic] 2. The arrangement is placed at the ends or at one side of a table [pic] [pic] [pic] 3. The arrangement is seen from three sides and is designed for buffet tables where no one is seated, but where food and beverages are served. [pic] [pic] In the first category, the arrangement is created to be viewed from all sides. It is fairly low, below chin level, so diners can see each other. Focal flowers are placed throughout the design and a few line flowers extend above eye level for contrast.
Candles should be either very short or very tall so they don’t block conversation or isolate guests. In the second category, where the floral arrangements are spaced at the two ends of a long table or where one bouquet occupies the center of one side of a table, the size of the arrangements can be much larger. They occupy space normally occupied by one seated guest. Since there are no individual place settings at a buffet, the floral composition should be in scale with the size of the table and the amount of food being served.
A very large buffet table may use a large arrangement place in the center towards the back with two smaller ones echoing the colors and style of the main design at either ends. SHAPING UR FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS PROPORTIONS All good flower arrangements have ‘pleasing proportions’ which means it looks comfortable within the size, shape and style of container. If you are showing a single perfect bloom in a bud vase then you can disregard all but the first rule. These are the basic rules for good flower arranging: 1. Low arrangements should be a little wider than their container.
Tall arrangements should be 1 1/2 to 2 times taller than their container. 2. If your arrangement has a theme choose or make a container big enough to hold your arrangement. 3. Put enough oasis in the base to fill it up level with the top of the container. Cut off any that goes above the lip of the container. 4. Imagine an invisible outline of the shape you want to create and chose which side will be the front of your arrangement. 5. Choose your tallest and widest flowers and arrange them in your container first within the outline of your chosen shape. 6.
Fill in around the base and lower part of the arrangement with more large blooms. 7. Working up and outward user smaller blooms or filler to fill in the arrangement. 8. Use the smallest blooms, foliage and filler to hide stems, oasis and the edge of container. [pic] POOR BECOMES GOOD PROPORTIONS [pic] POOR BECOMES GOOD PROPORTIONS BALANCE There are 2 kinds of balance; asymmetrical where the 2 sides don’t match but appear to have equal weight or strength to our eyes and symmetrical where the 2 sides are nearly identical. [pic] If your arrangement looks like it’s about to tip over then, visually, it isn’t properly balanced.
Good balance can be achieved following a few simple rules: 1. The bottom half of the arrangement should be BIG enough to support the weight of the top. 2. The left side should have the same amount of interest as the right side. 3. Leave a little more s p a c e around anything you want to stand out. 4. Keep it simple. Don’t overd esign your arrangement: too many types of flowers will look messy. [pic] Remember how well-balanced plants look in the garden all by themselves? They could be an inspiration for your arrangements. Flower arranging and Art books have lots of information about balance, proportion and scale.
They can give you lots of great ideas, too. The Roots of Japanese Flower Arrangement By Ann Kameoka and H. E. Davey Flower Arrangements and Photos by Ann Kameoka ado is one of the most ancient Japanese art forms. It is often calledikebana, literally “living flowers,” and it is the classical art of floral arrangement that originated in Japan. (We favor the term “kado” in this online article, to emphasize that Japanese floral art is actually a Way of studying the essence of life itself and, as such, it is more than simply the skill of arranging living flowers. The fact that Japanese flower arrangement can, and should, function as a Way pointing toward realization is the primary focal point of this article. Many people may wonder how kado differs from Western floral art. Even more may question why you would even want to spend years studying the Japanese art of arranging flowers, when you could just grab a fist full of daisies and stuff ’em in a vase. Issues of culture and art aside, the primary difference between Western flower arrangement and kado is the Do (“Way”) concept itself.
This is not to say that Western-style floral art can’t be practiced as a Do, or “Way of life. ” Indeed, any activity can become meditation and function as a Way. (In this sense, it isn’t so much what you do, but how you do it that’s meaningful. ) Still, kado has a long history as a Way, which is important and which will be covered in this article. Even more vital is the simple fact that from the moment it received the designation “kado,” Japanese flower arrangement has directly aimed at comprehension of the Way (of the Universe). And while some critics may say ado has missed this target as often as it has hit it, this clear-cut statement of purpose, as well as the purpose itself, is what separates kado from the Western version of arranging flowers. In short, Western flower arranging does not have a history as a Way, and such a subject is infrequently a topic of discussion in the West. (Yet it is a topic of fascination for many people outside of Japan; and in fact, quite a few Japanese and American teachers of various Do forms have surmised that it is often more common for Westerners to be devoted to the Do concept than it is for their Asian counterparts. Kado is said to have been initially born in China, where it became popular in connection with the decoration of Buddhist temples. When Buddhism came to Japan many centuries ago, flower arrangement came with it. Over time it evolved to become a Japanese spiritual path. In this sense, it is similar to other Japanese arts such as budo (the martial Way) and shodo (the Way of calligraphy) which have also evolved to become methods of personal growth. Today, however, it is no longer the exclusive specialty of the priesthood, and it is enjoyed by vast numbers of people throughout the world. Ikebana Approach
More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis toward shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. The artist’s intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece’s color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implied meaning of the arrangement.
Another aspect present in ikebana is its employment of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interspersed among stalks and leaves. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man and in others sun, moon, and earth. The container is a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their construction. [edit]Spiritual aspects
The spiritual aspect of ikebana is considered very important to its practitioners. Silence is a must during practices of ikebana. It is a time to appreciate things in nature that people often overlook because of their busy lives. One becomes more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in nature, but also in general. Ikebana can inspire one to identify with beauty in all art forms. This is also the time when one feels closeness to nature which provides relaxation for the mind, body, and soul. “Every flower is a soul blossoming in Nature” pic]It is well said “Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul. ” Flowers are widely used for interior decoration; it gives aesthetic appeal to the ambiance. Flower arrangement is an art and it is widely used in hotel, offices, and hospitals on everyday basis. Flower arrangement may be defined as the art of organizing and grouping together plant materials to achieve harmony of form, color, and texture. They add cheer, beauty, life and happiness to the ambiance. In hotels flowers are used extensively.
There are different arrangements of flower placed on different places. Large spectacular arrangement are kept in the lobby, restaurant and small arrangement are kept in rooms, suites. The extent to which flowers are used in hotel interior depends on the degree of luxury provided. The housekeeper is responsible for all flower arrangement and their placement in most hotels. [pic]Circular shape: Arranging flower in circular design adds a pleasing element. It is satisfying to the viewer’s eye. The circular or round shape is loved by nature since majority of flowers lies in this shape.
In fact, its also easier to arrange flowers in circular fashion. This type of arrangement is laid on conference tables or on buffet tables. They can be presented to high class executives or politicians on different occasion. [pic]Triangular shape: It is a most common arrangement of flowers used in Personal and Professional functions. Firstly, height and width is fixed with flowers and then focal point is established. It is made in the triangle shape and looks very attractive. They are placed on the buffet table or in the side station. In ceremonies we can find this kind of arrangements.
Crescent shape: The crescent is asymmetrical and formal. It requires lot of skill and experience. This type of arrangement is very eye catching. It is kept in the lobby of the hotel. It is used as a focal point to catch the attention of the guest. [pic] [pic] Fan shape : It is a low arrangement and it does not interfere with conversation across the table. It is a fan or a horizontal in shape generally placed in the restaurant either in buffet or on dining table. Hotel rooms also have this kind of arrangement [pic] Hogarth or ‘S’ shape: This is very graceful style of arrangement.
It is easier to make when curved branches are used. Once ‘S’ shape is made, flowers are filled at the center. [pic] Ikebana: means ‘making flowers live’ in Japanese. People in Japan use flowers to symbolize season. They represent ideal harmony between earthy and eternal life. In each arrangement there is an imaginary triangle tallest line represent heaven, towards the heaven is man and the lowest line looking up to both is earth. This is been practiced for past 100 years. The formal type of flower arrangement is called Seika style.
Floating type of arrangement is called Ukibana and basket type of arrangement is called Morimano. ere abundant flowers are amassed together and colors are mixed to form arrangements. Planning an arrangement is important keeping in mind the right size, shape, colors and type of flowers used and appropriate containers to hold the flowers. Long-lasting flowers such as Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Gladioli, Tube Roses and Orchids are ideal for a weekly once arrangement. Before buying or cutting flowers, work out the size and shape of the display. Make sure that the arrangement harmonizes with its surroundings.
Many types of containers can be used : Jugs, Pots, Flower Vases, Teapots, Rustic Baskets, Bottles, Big Sea Shells, Mugs, Old Watering Cans, Terracotta Pots etc. , Different types of arrangements created in this style are : 1. Pedestal Arrangements : These are arrangements which raises above the ground or a table. Here Wet Foam is used to anchor the flowers. To strengthen the foam, wrap it with a chicken wire, carefully pressing the mesh into shape. A variety of shapes and designs can be created with flowing, downward-sweeping lines, which is known as “movement”. Gladioli, Roses and Carnations can be used.
This type of arrangements is for special family occasions like a wedding or celebration party and it involves more work, but is always worthwhile. 2. Wall Arrangements : Vases in cone, horn or shell-shaped, flat on one side with generously flowing flowers and foliage hung on a blank wall will immediately make a bright wall art. A wall basket can also be used as a container. 3. Rings and Wall Wreath Arrangement : Here Foam Rings can be used to anchor flowers and foliage or the Wreath base can be of twisted branches and decorated with Fruits and dry material. Button roses, Apple, Pine Cones, Sweet peas, Larkspur, Hydrangeas can be used.
A Wreath with Wheat and bright flowers surrounding a terracotta candle bowl will illuminate dark evenings. 4. Flower Spheres : They make colorful hanging arrangements. Both fresh flowers and dried flowers can be used. 5. Small Arrangements : Delicate arrangements can be created using delicate Ferns and tiny flowers in small containers. The containers can be Perfume bottles, tiny wine glasses, miniature boxes etc. , 6. Large Arrangements : A large arrangement would be appropriate in a spacious hall or in a dining area. Large containers in different shapes can be used.
Gerberas, Madonna Lily, Gladioli, Alstroemeria, Tube Roses, Roses, Long and short stalked Foliage in different combinations can be used to fill the container. Welcome to Babybouquets. Babybouquets prides itself on delivering unique, eye-catching gifts for families of new babies. Professionally designed and individually created with love, each gift is made with baby’s clothing and accessories, wrapped and presented as bouquets of flowers and other distinctive baby gifts. Perfect for the new parents – long lasting, beautiful and ultimately useful, each bouquet or gift can be unwrapped and worn or used by the baby in their first few months.
