This month when Natalie and I started brainstorming ideas we automatically thought of putting together an arrangement that would inspire all of you when you are pulling inspiration and deciding on decor for Thanksgiving. It’s a time to play with orange and yellow hues. You can mix in elements you don’t normally do – in our case wheat. We hope that this bring you inspiration and leaves you excited for a beautiful day of thanks!
With fall in full swing, you’ve been using more branches and leaves. Do you have any tips on using them in an arrangement?
Branches are the perfect time to set the Autumn tone in an arrangement. Often heavy branches can fall out of the vase, so I find that I use tricks to get the arrangement from not falling overboard. If you criss cross the branches inside the vase, they will create a grid pattern that is perfect for holding the other stems in place. Always start with your largest stems first.
What blooms should we be looking for this time of year?
This is a transitional time of year. I start to simplify the number of flowers I use in arrangement as there are fewer in season since we have said goodbye to the last of the late summer blooms. We start to see more imports and if you are not opposed to buying flowers that are imported then you’ll widen what is available to you.
What did we use in this arrangement?
This month we used –caramel antike rose, ornamental plum, flannel flower, miscanthus gracillimus, wheat, nandina buds and stunning ranunculus I couldn’t pass up. The hues are breathtaking!
This arrangement would be beautiful for the holidays, since Thanksgiving is around the corner this is great inspiration. Do you have any tips for creating an arrangement for such a special day?
I think that when creating an arrangement for a holiday dinner table, it is important to remember that there are a lot of other elements on the table. Don’t make the arrangement so tall or so large that it gets moved after the food and wine is set on the table. If you are serving from a buffet or plated, it is great to create a table scape that is the length of the table, as it won’t need to be moved. If you are serving family style, it is better to make larger arrangements otherwise the table will start to look messy when the serving platters are placed.
I’m thrilled your hosting a workshop – I’ve learned so much from taking one myself! What will attendees be learning from you?
I am so excited to host this workshop with Meg from Margaret Elizabeth. I will be teaching participants how to easily decorate a holiday table and share a few floral tips. Participants will also make one arrangement to take home, while practicing these tips. It is going to be a lot of fun!
Join us for a flower arranging fete led by Natalie Bowen Designs. Thursday, November 14th 6:30 – 8:30pm Margaret Elizabeth Studio 1735b Union Street, San Francisco
Create a holiday arrangement that you’ll take home with you! Sip cocktails and enjoy 20% off all Margaret Elizabeth jewelry.
Space is limited and tickets are $50.00.
Visit www.margaretelizabeth.com for tickets.
A huge thank you to Natalie for bringing us inspiration for our Thanksgiving tables. I’m hoping to create something in this same color palate. Check back next month for our holiday arrangement!
Flowers by Natalie Bowen Designs // Photos by Caitlin Flemming