Been enjoying this forum......

but I have been a lurker! LOL

Here's what I have going. I am doing the floral arrangements for our company's annual dinner at one of our local italian restaurants. Each table will seat no more than 10 people. Dinner will be served 'family style". Obviously I need something that folks won't have to crane their necks to see over.

This restaurant has a very 'earthy-rustic' type atmosphere. Strings of garlic hung from the rafters, etc.

I have a general concept but, of course, am open to all suggestions. I think I would like to use real vegtables for the floral containers. Like cabbage or something else. I also have a really good source, at a reasonable price, for minature roses in all colors that might work also.

Would appreciate all thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Something really 'out of the ordinary'.

I have supplied these arrangements over the past 10 years doing something really different each year. Veggies will be a new one for me.

thanks so much!

carole

Hi Carole, ex lurker!
I'm sure everyone will enjoy the challenge and come up with some ideas for your table arrangements, sounds like fun using vegetables for the container.
When is the annual dinner?
I'll certainly have a think and see if I can come up with anything for you!

What shape are the tables?
Are we thinking about one round arrangement or
2 or 3 arrangements along a rectangle table.

miniature roses courgette boat.

Red and yellow stuffed peppers!

Just a couple of ideas I tried out before dinner!

Wonderful! Good job,Terri

Hi Adele, Thanks! are you going to try this theme?

HI, interesting job...would love to see what you come up with. What about using the "strings" from celery as greenery" or the leafy stalks? Seems the perfect use for celery, other than to carry peanut butter!!
Containers..hmm..liked the zuchini and peppers shown. Here in WI, the cabbage smells like it has been in storage for months (which it had) and I left it in the store-going with a lettuce salad; so might want to check odors. Some lovely single head butter lettuce that looks like a flower..but in the gourmet area and a bit pricey if I would be using it for more than just a touch in the salad.
Please post photos.

Hi Marcia, Thanks! It is an interesting one to think about.
Celery strings sounds good, it would look like spaghetti!!
I have used a cabbage before and found that the circular oasis plug in the middle seems to stop the smell. These arrangements would probably be just for the one night.
It will make food preparation more interesting for a while!!
Hope we will have more ideas everyone!

Terri......LOVE your ideas! thank you!

The tables will be rectangles.

Marcia....I picked up a cabbage on friday and some bouquets that were marked down to a dollar at the grocery story. Sorry I did not take any pictures.....they barely made it 4 hours in the house. Phew!!!!!!! You were right on with the smell.

I love to use small terra cotta pots with artichokes. You can alternate regular sized ones with clusters of the baby artichokes. Use an oasis to anchor. The great thing is you can eat them afterwards! I also like the look of spraying them with gold paint.... A pretty ribbon tied around the pot & a few votives around & you are done.

How bout something like long strands of spaghetti noodles for the base and then something resembling the salads the experts have created?

I meant spray painted of course.

This message was edited Mar 24, 2008 5:03 PM

Hi Carole, Thanks, glad you liked those ideas. You said it an was earthy/rustic restaurant, will the tables have tablecloths? plain or with a pattern or is it bare wooden tables? I'm Just trying to picture the surroundings to find an idea that might be suitable!
I'm going shopping for interesting vegetables, back later!

like your ideas terichris and Candee.

Enjoying myself here playing with veggies!

Butternut squash, dried gourd, miniature roses, fern, gyp and pearl pins.

Bravo, that is really attractive. I love the gyp it just always brings things together and the pearls are quite the show. That makes a perfect table centerpiece!

Thankyou Candee. I have a cabbage to do next!

Your brain must just about wear you out Terri so chock full of ideas!

Guess what we had for dinner?

I know it's not using a vegetable as a container carole, I just couldn't resist it!
Tri-colour Pasta, red roses, gyp and breadsticks.

clear vase!

Terri......THAT'S IT !!!!!!!!! Thank you.

Hope you don't mind if I copy you but what could be more perfect for an italian dinner?

carole

Carol, the cabbage and the marked down flowers were for practice? Have you settled with something yet? Just curious.

Terri, cute stuff!

Oops, cross posted. . .got the answer!

Oh, glad you like that one!

I was having so much fun, do I have to stop now?!!
Karma, did you get a cabbage too?

I could not agree more for the Italian that is perfect, pasta and breadsticks and what a presentation.
Personally, I would love to see your cabbages and perhaps Carol can use the idea at some later function, perhaps she will host a St. Patricks day next year with Corned Beef and Cabbage LOL!

Candee

Funny you should say that about the cabbage Candee, my daughter said the same thing,
"It's not very Italian, is it Mum?"

Turns out Carole wanted an arrangement for an Italian restaurant...................
not a vegetable as a container after all!!!

Thanks for the fun and I'm happy you liked the pasta idea, quite cheap for you to make too!! (use their pasta)!!
Good Luck and enjoy the dinner.
Terri

Terri.......

you hit the nail on the head.....I only THOUGHT I knew what I wanted, LOL.

Thanks all for your help and suggestions!

carole

My pleasure!