Ever wondered how to properly arrange flowers for your dinner table? Mark Grehan, owner of The Garden in Powerscourt Townhouse, has kindly shared his top tips when it comes to using flowers as a centre piece or as a simple addition to your dinner party decor. Mark creates truly unique and beautiful arrangements for events and weddings and collaborated with our FEAST team for the very first edition back in Spring last year. I am huge fan of his work which is always beautifully displayed in his Dublin shop. Time to hand you over to the very capable hands of Mr. Grehan to learn more about the perfect dinner party arrangement… Over to you Mark!
1. Less Is More…
When having a dinner party, light lunch or a supper, table decoration is a must and no table setting is complete without the addition of flowers. Let the food speak for itself and so the saying ‘less is more’ really applies here. A good idea is to let the flowers compliment the food rather than having them take over. I recommend using smaller vessels on the table and creating the wow factor with flowers in other places in the home, like the hallway, where you welcome your guests.
2. Keep It Seasonal…
My main idea or thought process on using flowers at a dinner party or event is to keep it seasonal. Flowers and food are similar in that way. Sticking to what is in season will ensure the best, freshest, brightest blooms. Whether it’s holly sprigs at christmas, lilacs and tulips during late spring, or lavender in the summer. Following this simple rule will truly set your arrangements apart.
Image: Doreen Kilfeather
3. Be Inspired By The Menu…
Picking ingredients from your menu is a great way of incorporating interesting elements to your arrangements. Why not fill vintage vessels with a selection of fresh herbs or use fresh fruit amongst your blooms. A splash of colour from a lemon, or strawberry plants lined up on a picnic table, is a great way of adding stylish flair to your dinner table decor.
4. Use Common Scents…
Avoid using heavily or strong scented flowers at a dinner table. An overpowering fragrance can take away from the food and confuse the palette which is the last thing you want to happen. Bare in mind, many people suffer from allergies so be mindful of the type of flowers you choose for you table decor.
5. Make Use Of Kitchenalia…
Your choice of vessel is really important. The containers and vases you choose should reflect your space. Whether it’s a 5 star banquet or a simple summer BBQ, always remember you want your flowers to complement the food. Keep it simple and elegant. Things like mason jars or jam jars always look beautiful.You often will have some of these lying around your house. You can dress these up with some gardeners twine or soft ribbon and your guests will love them. You could always give them away as a little gift at the end of the evening.
6. Flowers In Full Bloom…
Purchase your flowers a few days before so that they are open and in full bloom showing off the petals and colour in all their glory. If any petals do fall off you can always scatter them along the centre of your table.
