Unit B2-7

Floriculture

Horticulture CD

Problem Area 2

Floral Design

Lesson 7

Designing Centerpieces and Holiday Arrangements

Student Objectives

1. Identify the types of centerpieces.

2. Learn how to take a centerpiece order.

3. Describe floral arrangements for holidays.

Vocabulary

Candle holder

Conical centerpieces

Cornucopia

Novelty designs

Paddle wire

Plush animal

Raffia

Votive candles

Interest Approach

Look at these examples of centerpieces which are

found at weddings. Discuss the

characteristics of these pieces (height, color,

style, etc.)

What Are Some Types of Centerpieces?

Centerpieces have been around since the 18th century

They should be attractive and colorful since they are viewed on all sides

Traditional pieces are low so that conversation at the table is uninterrupted

Contemporary pieces, such as topiaries, add a bit of color and design above eye level

Buffet centerpieces may be one-sided and coordinate with the dining room pieces

Types of Centerpieces:Bud vases are small arrangements suitable for placing on long rectangular tables at intervals Have one to three flowers Inexpensive to create

Small vase arrangements are designed in vases in proportions of 1 to 1 so that they do not obstruct vision More colorful and emphasize flowers Can be symmetrical or asymmetrical based on

the theme

Round centerpieces are suited for round or square tables May be made of one type of flower or a mixture of

several varieties and colors Container should also be round and low Contour may be round or triangular

Oval centerpieces are similar to round ones but are more suitable for oval or rectangular tables Containers can be rectangular, oval or circular with a

low rim Contour may be round or triangular

Designing a Round Centerpiece1. Select a low container with a large diameter

2. Position a moistened piece of floral foam in the center and secure Trim the foam edges Secure with tape

3. Add greens in a circular pattern

4. Primary flower placements will establish the height and the width

5. Secondary placements will fill in space between the primary placements.

6. Add additional flowers to fill in the empty gaps.

7. Add filler flowers if desired.

8. Insert accent material if desired.

Courtesy of Delmar Publishing

Centerpiece Styles Continued

Conical centerpieces are cone-shaped or three dimensional isosceles triangles A centerpiece that looks like a Christmas tree

would be conical

Courtesy of Delmar Publishing

Accessories can be added to create a certain atmosphere or interest

Should be in harmony with the design and properly placed

Candles are often used and can be stabilized using a candle holder - round at the top to secure the candle and pronged at the other end to fit in foam Place at least 1” apart if using more than one

Ribbon, fruit, cones, etc. Can also be used

What Information Is Needed When Taking a Centerpiece Order?

Gathering information is extremely important in order to make decisions about the design of a centerpiece for a particular event

The following is a suggested checklist 1. When is the event, date, time and how much time

is needed to set up? 2. Where is the location and what is the size of the

room? 3. What is the style of the room?

4. What are the room colors, and what are the colors associated with the event or event sponsor?

5. What is the preferred style of the event (formal, informal, casual , contemporary, elegant)?

6. How many tables will need centerpieces and what are the shapes and sizes of the tables?

7. How many additional floral designs will be needed?

8. What is the budget for flowers?

A florist should visit the site and become familiar with the surroundings prior to creating the floral work Sometimes the banquet hall or hotel will have

mirrors or candles that may be used, but they have to be reserved in advanced

What Are Some Primary Holiday Centerpieces?

Flowers play a large part in many holiday celebrationsA variety of designs might be offered by a florist; Sample designs are listed belowValentine’s day: A dozen roses with baby’ breath arranged in a

vase Red carnations and white mums with a plush

animal or chocolates A plush animal is a stuffed figurine or animal

St. Patrick’s day: Green tinted carnations Pots of oxalis (shamrocks)

Easter: Novelty designs, which resemble kittens, or

ice cream, for example are popular Use pastel or bright colors where appropriate Easter lilies also popular

Courtesy of Delmar Publishing

Easter arrangement

Mother’s day: Spring flower arrangements and

corsages Novelty containers emphasizing the

season are popular

Halloween: Arrangements in fall colors, hollowed

out pumpkins or cornucopia are ideal

Thanksgiving: Centerpieces are the major

arrangements Use of analogous colors - red, orange,

yellowCourtesy of Delmar Publishing

Thanksgiving, cont: Often a cornucopia (a cone or horn shaped

container of flowers, fruits and vegetables) is used

Raffia, a fibrous material made from palm trees, offers natural ribbon to fall arrangements

Christmas: Busy season for holiday design work in both

artificial and real flowers

Thanksgiving piece

Courtesy of Delmar Publishing

Christmas cont: Wreaths made by wholesaler or florist and

then decorated Centerpieces often accented with votive

candles (short, stocky candles placed in holders in the arrangement)

Courtesy of Delmar Publishing

Steps to Wreath DesignUse a pre-made wire frame and paddle wire, a piece of wood with wire wrapped around itPrepare small bunches of greenery and lay them on the wire frameWrap the bundles and the frame with wire a few times to secureContinue adding bunches, wrapping each one until a complete circle is made

Courtesy of Delmar Publishing

SummaryWhat did the traditional centerpieces look like?

Identify at least three types of centerpieces and describe their design.

Name some accessories that can be added to centerpieces to accent them.

What are some questions that need to be asked when placing a centerpiece order?

What kind of design can be used for valentine’s day? Easter? Thanksgiving? Christmas?

How do you create a wreath?