Centre Attraction BACK

Roses top antique candelabras for an elegant vintage theme. By Designing Trendz.

Flowers, stones and twigs, oh my! It is amazing how floral designers can take a bit of Mother Nature and, in no time, have a veritable masterpiece blooming in the middle of event tables.

Whether your decor budget is large or small, money is well spent on centrepieces and floral accents to help both anchor an event's look and fill in colour and details. Have your event theme and colour scheme in mind when sitting down with the florist, and be aware of sight lines and what flowers are in season.

Here's a look at what's in vogue:

NOTABLE FLORAL THEMES:

Glam Petals: Think Big Band-era elegance or Tinsletown glitz with pearls, crystals, rhinestones, feathers and ribbons adding sparkle and texture to centrepieces that spotlight rich jewel tones of teal blue, aubergine, deep red and silver. Feature Florals: Go exotic with Orchid, Protea, Anthurium, Celosia, Heliconia and Amaryllis.

Vintage Beauty: Romance and nostalgia are the undercurrents for a visit to days gone by with pretty layerings of lace and ribbons throughout traditional florals. Centrepieces in vintage shades of indigo, chocolate, navy and ivory work off glass containers and lampshade candelabras. Feature Florals: Roses, Cala Lily or Hydrangea.

'70s to Earth: Evoke '70s-retro's crunchy granola goodness with a visit to all things natural. Pick up nature's shades of green, burnt orange and dark copper in flowing arrangements heavy on foliage and earthy elements for texture. Potted plants in painted terra cotta or natural-coloured urns work here, too. Feature Florals: Varied greens, wild flowers, herbs, fruit, nuts and berries.

Lighting changes reflect off white blooms for different looks throughout an event. By San Remo Florist.

TRENDS:

Fusion Arrangements: Unusual designs in eclectic containers mix in even more unique elements such as exotic fruits, oversized leaves and big pods with a few flowers–perfect for brightening winter events.

Breakaway Trend: Several small arrangements that guests can take away replace the traditional single centrepiece. Different configurations of flowers and vases on tables create interest while unified colour provides continuity.

Centre Spot: Play up the look of centerpieces by highlighting them with their own pin light spots.

Whiteout: All-white flower arrangements in glass containers take on a rainbow of hues throughout an evening as they absorb colour changes in lighting effects.

Suspended Beauty: Think tall and transparent with six-foot containers filled with flowers artfully suspended throughout the column of water and topped with a canopy of branches as the finishing touch.

Glass Class: Clear glass containers are still tops for textural filler such as stones, shells, tropical leaves or other materials that work into the main arrangement.

On The Edge: Centrepieces depart from their traditional roundness for the edgy feel of more angular designs accented with sisal, wire, organic handmade papers and decorative beads.