Special Occasions: Thinking Outside The Planter

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25 years shopping thrift stores, estate, garage, rummage, flea markets and tag sales. 10 years in interior design. Current DIY projects have been renovating two turn-of-the century brownstones and commercial/residential property development.
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Special Occasions: Thinking Outside The Planter

June 2nd, 2006 by markdownmom

For Special Occasions such as Weddings, Funerals, and Graduation it is always nice to remember a loved one with a plant, or to use plants in decorating.

Church. For instance, the hibiscus pictured can, when in full bloom, make a lovely addition at the end of a pew or on each side of the alter. These can be bought in season for $14.99 at Sam’s Club in yellow, peach, and a deep salmon pink. May and early June brides have the luxury of beautiful lilac flowers which come in white, blue, and various shades of pink and purple. Oftentimes they are readily available in the community and free for the asking. They have an additional plus of their lovely fragrance.

Decorating Reception Tables. A plant for a wedding reception head table or graduation buffet is a nice inexpensive and, yet, refreshing decorating idea that can be recycled. In selecting plants, make sure that the plant will not obscure the view of the people seated at the table. This is especially true for a dias or head table and an important allowance for photos. For guest seating, add a streamer down the center of the table either in the school colors if it is a graduation party ,or the bridal colors for a wedding reception, or to the bunting. Place the plant in the middle of the table decorated with a matching color bow and/or center a candle in the plant in the same color if the plant is low and needs height and a focal point, such as an ivy.

Flowers for Funerals are expensive and many times since the flowers will only be used for a couple of days, florists will pick their older blooms for arrangements. An azalea, a cyclamen, a tulip, or an exotic peach bearded iris can provide a lasting memory for the relatives of the loved one. You can save a great deal by buying these plants and making the delivery instead of a florist. Cub Foods and many other markets have plants year around for an average cost of $20. Plus you can obtain free of charge a small card and envelope with a holder. And for another few dollars you can add a bow and sash to wrap the plant base [since most plants will already be wrapped in leakproof paper], and a wooden pick [which can be obtained at a craft store] to secure the bow to the plant creating a professional look. Even a hibicus or a sansevieria or ivy grouping would be a lovely, unusual rememberance.