Decorating weddings and special events over the years, I've often helped clients with other aspects of their events besides the decorating. I want to share that information and advice with you. I also want to highlight other event vendors whose work I like and different local venues. I invite you to ask questions as well.


Monday, April 19, 2010

PEONY ENVY

It's Springtime! I love the scent of Wisteria in the air, the bright little heads of Tulips, Daffodils and Pansies popping up, the chirping of birds – the clamor of nervous brides. (Yes, one of the two main wedding seasons of the year is here.) But what I really look forward to at this time of year are the Peonies. They are my most favorite flower - next to Sweet Peas, of course!

Peonies come in an array of Pinks, Coral, Yellow and White. They are showy, yet refined; feminine yet bold. They (like other strong flower presences, Orchids or Dahlias for example) can stand on their own or integrate nicely with other flowers.

They aren't an inexpensive flower. But since they have a larger flower head you can get away with including a few and still make a statement in an arrangement. If your budget is more robust, then by all means put as many luscious peonies together as you can!

I remember one wedding we decorated that was to be of all deep pink peonies. What a joy! I even liked seeing all of them in the flower buckets before they were arranged. It was just a lovely swath of multi-petaled color. Nothing could have been more basic and more purely beautiful.

Other than that Peonies aren't available year round, drawbacks in using them are few. Because of their size, applications Peonies aren't appropriate for are smaller pieces like boutonnières and corsages. Even using unopened buds is not so helpful in these cases. But, this dilemma can be easily solved.

If other flowers are being used in the event, then perhaps another “face” flower - a Rose or Mini Calla Lily - could be a nice alternative. I like to add additional elements like tiny flower buds, sprigs of greens or berries to add interest to these smaller pieces also. Sometimes I will use a cluster of flowers, like spray roses or florets from such as a Delphinium or Lisianthus. Another option, particularly if only Peonies are being used in the event, is an attractive combination of greens - perhaps with pods, grasses or berries incorporated. I then like to tie off the piece with a very thin ribbon that is color coordinated to the event.

Unfortunately Peonies aren't available year round. But when they are I believe it is hard to go wrong in using them in whatever capacity. And Peonies symbolize good health, prosperity and a promising marriage – so a perfect wedding flower!


Monday, April 5, 2010

NOBLE


Recently we discovered a stylish site perfect for smaller events, Noble: An American Cookery www.noblecookery.com. It is located at 2025 Sansom Street in Philadelphia, which is just a stone's throw from Rittenhouse Square – read convenient to good photo sites, assorted houses of worship and hotels.

After experiencing a delicious and well served dinner we were lucky enough to meet the owners, Bruno Pouget and Todd Rodgers. Bruno graciously gave us a tour and told us more about the beautifully designed space. He explained the efforts they went to in using naturally fallen 400-year-old African Rosewood for the first floor bar. He also pointed out the reclaimed Oak timbers used to make the grand staircase, an attractive juxtaposition of rustic wood with modern metal railing.

As we gazed through the three large skylights above the second floor seating area, he told us that situated in between are rooftop herb and vegetable gardens, cultivated for use in their kitchen. Just another well thought out and charming aspect of a restaurant that truly lives up to its name.