Horticulture Science Lesson 62 Designing Centerpieces

Interest Approach Discuss with the class the arrangements typically found on tables at formal events, such as proms and weddings. Identify the characteristics of these designs (i.e., height, color, style), leading into a discussion of centerpieces.

Student Learning Objectives Demonstrate how to design centerpieces. Learn how to take a centerpiece order.

Terms accessories candleholder centerpiece

How are centerpieces designed? Centerpieces have been the center attraction on tables since the eighteenth century. –A centerpiece is a floral arrangement designed to be placed on a table or a buffet. –It should be attractive and colorful.

How are centerpieces designed? Traditional centerpieces are low so as not to interfere with conversation at a table. –However, contemporary arrangements, such as topiaries, add a splash of color and design above eye level. A centerpiece on a dining table is viewed from all sides. –A centerpiece on a buffet table at a banquet might be one-sided and coordinated with centerpieces on the dining tables themselves.

How are centerpieces designed? Types of centerpieces include: 1. Bud vases—Bud vases are small arrangements suitable for placing at intervals on long, rectangular tables. –Each typically contains one flower or three flowers. –Bud vases are inexpensive to create. 2. Small vase arrangements—Small vase arrangements are designed in vases in the proportion of 1 to 1 so that they do not obstruct vision. –They are more colorful than bud vases and better emphasize the flowers. –They may be asymmetrical or symmetrical in design, depending on the theme and formality of the occasion.

How are centerpieces designed? 3. Round centerpieces—Round centerpieces are suited to round and square tables. –They may be designed with one type of flower or a mixture of several varieties and colors. –The container that works best is low and rounded. –A round centerpiece looks basically the same when viewed from any point in a room. –The contour of the arrangement may be round or triangular.

How are centerpieces designed? Steps to designing a round centerpiece are: a. Select a low container with a large- diameter opening that will accept a suitable piece of floral foam. b. Position a moistened piece of floral foam in the center of the container, with ½ to 1 inch of the foam above the rim of the container. –Trim the foam edges for easier stem placement and shave off the corners at 45-degree angles. –Secure the foam to the container with waterproof tape, an anchor pin, or pan-melt glue.

How are centerpieces designed? c. Add greens in a circular pattern around the container. –Insert the greens about 1 inch into the floral foam at the same level as the rim. –The greens should angle slightly downward, and when viewed from above they should create a circle. d. Add foliage in a vertical position at the center of the floral foam. –Fill in between the center foliage and foliage that forms the circle with more foliage to create a rounded or triangular contour.

How are centerpieces designed? e. Position the tallest flower to establish the height of the arrangement. –Usually the height should not exceed 12 inches so that people on opposite sides of the table can see each other. f. Take care in placing the flowers. –Repeated placement and withdrawal of the stems damages the floral foam, creates air pockets, and weakens the support for flowers. –Also, once a flower is inserted, don’t pull the flower out a little bit. –An air pocket will be created, and the life of the flower shortened.

How are centerpieces designed? g. Place five or six flowers at the rim of the container. –View the design from above to be sure the flowers form a circle. –The stems of the flowers should radiate from the mechanical focal point of the arrangement located at the center of the floral foam.

How are centerpieces designed? h. Use additional flowers between the tall flowers and the flowers at the base to fill in the contour. –Be sure the stems angle toward the mechanical focal point and that the flower heads face the viewer. –Leave space between the new flowers that are added. –Place some flowers deeper into the arrangement to add depth.

How are centerpieces designed? i. Use filler flowers to fill in gaps or openings in the arrangement. j. Add greens to cover any floral foam that is visible. k. Insert accessories if desired.

How are centerpieces designed? 4. Oval or diamond-shaped centerpieces –These designs are similar to round centerpieces but are more suitable for oval or rectangular tables. –Common containers for this style are rectangular, oval, or circular with low rims. –The contour of this design may be triangular or rounded. a. Select a low container with a large- diameter opening that will accept a suitable piece of floral foam.

How are centerpieces designed? b. Position a moistened piece of floral foam in the center of the container, with ½ to 1 inch of the foam above the rim of the container. –Trim the foam edges for easier stem placement and shave off the corners at 45-degree angles. –Secure the foam to the container with waterproof tape, an anchor pin, or pan-melt glue.

How are centerpieces designed? c. Place two long, matching pieces of greens at each end of the container. –Then, insert the greens about 1 inch into the floral foam at the same level as the rim. –The greens should angle slightly downward, and when viewed from above they should create an oval or a diamond.

How are centerpieces designed? d. Add foliage in a vertical position at the center of the floral foam. –Fill in between the center foliage and foliage at the base with more foliage to create a rounded or triangular contour. e. Position the tallest flower to establish the height of the arrangement. –Usually the height should not exceed 12 inches so that people on opposite sides of the table can see each other.

How are centerpieces designed? f. Take care in placing the flowers. –Repeated placement and withdrawal of the stems damages the floral foam, creates air pockets, and weakens the support for flowers. –Also, once a flower is inserted, don’t pull the flower out a little bit. –An air pocket will be created, and the life of the flower shortened. g. Place longer flowers at each end, inserting the stems just above the rim of the container. –Place another flower on each side. –View the design from above to be sure the flowers form an oval or a diamond. –The stems of the flowers should radiate from the mechanical focal point of the arrangement located at the center of the floral foam.

How are centerpieces designed? h. Use additional flowers between the tall flowers and the flowers at the base to fill in the contour. –Be sure the stems angle toward the mechanical focal point and that the flower heads face the viewer. –Leave space between the new flowers that are added. –Place some flowers deeper into the arrangement to add depth. i. Use filler flowers to fill in gaps or openings in the arrangement. j. Add greens to cover any floral foam that is visible. k. Insert accessories if desired.

How are centerpieces designed? 5. Conical centerpieces Conical centerpieces are cone shaped or three-dimensional isosceles triangles. –These designs date from the Byzantine period. –A centerpiece that looks like a Christmas tree is conical.

How are centerpieces designed? Accessories are items that can be added to a centerpiece to create a certain atmosphere or interest. –These items should be in harmony with the design and properly placed to be effective. 1. Candles are often used and can be stabilized using a candleholder. –This plastic device is round at the top to secure the candle and pronged on the other end to fit into floral foam.

How are centerpieces designed? 2. Candleholders come in a variety of sizes to fit the many sizes of candles. –If using more than one candle, space them at least 1 inch apart. 3. Ribbon, fruit, cones, seasonal items, and other objects might also be used as accessories in a centerpiece.

What information is needed when taking a centerpiece order? To make decisions about the design of a centerpiece for a particular event, gathering necessary information is extremely important. The image of the business relies in part on good communication skills by the person taking orders. –Taking a floral order involves making a sale for the business and should therefore be a promotion of the products and services. In taking an order, it is important to be courteous and to speak clearly. –It is also necessary to be assertive without being overbearing and to guide the conversation.

What information is needed when taking a centerpiece order? To complete an order, a series of questions must be answered, including what, when, where, how, and why. –1. Why is the event being held? Is it a wedding, banquet, graduation? –2. When is the event (date and time) and how much time is needed to set up? –3. Where is the event? –4. What are the style and size of the room? –5. What are the room colors, and what are the colors associated with the event or event sponsor? –6. What is the preferred style of the event (formal, informal, casual, contemporary, or elegant)? –7. How many tables will need centerpieces, and what are the shapes and sizes of the tables? –8. How many additional floral designs will be needed? –9. What is the budget for flowers?

What information is needed when taking a centerpiece order? A florist should visit the site and become familiar with the surroundings before creating the floral work. –Sometimes banquet halls and hotels have mirrors and candles that may be used, but they need to be reserved for the event in advance.

Review/Summary How are centerpieces designed? What information is needed when taking a centerpiece order?