Post on 17-Dec-2015
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?