For years I`ve taught people how to glue foam into containers before they begin their arrangement. Now I`m going to tell you that you don`t need the foam. Heck, you don`t even need the container. It really depends on the function of the arrangement.

Let`s say you`re having a party. You have to decide banquet or buffet. Then the menu, then the wine, then the china, flatware, napkins, place cards, seating arrangements for the guests and a whole list of things from soup to dessert. But what about the centerpiece?

I`ve seen dinner parties where the guests struggle for conversation while peering through the flowers in an oversized centerpiece, only to have it snapped from the table and placed elsewhere. That is our focus here.

Have you ever considered `Table Top Terrain?` It`s easy to do and looks great on the table and gives you a chance to show off your creative side too.

Autumn is approaching and what better time to use those final garden vegetables for your entertaining centerpiece. If you have a small pumpkin, a few squash, maybe a gourd or two and a few maple leaves you`re set. If not, you can pick up a variety of harvest fruit from your grocer or use those fabulous fakes. Autumn leaves will soon be in abundance and they look beautiful indoors as well as outside. Break off a few limbs and use those vivid colored leaves to spice up the table top. Don`t worry too much about the lack of water for those leaves, they don`t need it for a few days and they`ll keep their color too! For Halloween themed buffets or dinner parties, just carve that pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern. Just to be on the safe side, don`t include a candle, but if you do, make sure to NEVER leave a burning candle unattended.

How do you do it? Easy. This can be done buffet style or banquet style. Be sure to consider the space allowance and the amount of food or the number of table settings. You don`t want your guests struggling over the terrain too.

STEP ONE
Using three or four inexpensive plastic containers ( I love the disposable ones ), but you can use just about any type of container you have laying around the house. If you use the plastic type, put the lids on them, (it strengthens the container) and place them upside down on your tablecloth or runner. Get creative with it and play with the assortment. We`re looking for terrain here, not a flat slate. Build it up in the middle and low on the ends or low in the middle and high on the ends. Just play with it until you`re satisfied.

STEP TWO
Take a piece of fabric in your table top`s theme color and cover the plastic containers.

STEP THREE
Now take your harvest veggies and sit them on top of the fabric covered, upside down bowls, make sure to stack them close together to allow support for the heavier pieces. Finally take a few of those great autumn leaves from the yard ( making sure they`re clean and free from pesticides ), and tuck them in tightly between the veggies. You can always use raffia and mini hay bales available at your local crafting center, to further elaborate on your theme.

Please be sure and bookmark our site. You`ll want to be sure to come back soon and see our new Holiday Series of classrooms where you`ll be able to learn to create everything from Wreaths, to Swags, Garlands, Centerpieces, Mantlepieces, Tie Bows, make great arrangements for the Hearth and even learn how to properly light your Christmas Tree!!!

Do you have an interesting idea or question about floral design? Please be sure to email us and we`ll respond right away. If you`ve created something you`d love to share, please let us know and maybe we`ll post your project in our upcoming `Showoffs.`

Happy Designing!!!!!! It`s just too easy!!!!!

Richard Bedsole is the Chief Instructor at the American Institute of Floral Arts, AIFA, Inc. and has worked in the floral industry for over twenty two years in both fresh flowers and artificials. Richard has worked with major importers in product development as well as corporate clients such as, The Swiss O'tel, Arthur Andersen Consulting, Perry Ellis for Delta Airlines and a long list of many other high profile companies.
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Website:FloralClasses.com
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