My fuzzy girl is four! Thank you for the

My fuzzy girl is four! Thank you for the pics @hazelnutphoto! http://ow.ly/i/45xp8

My fuzzy girl is four! Thank you for the

My fuzzy girl is four! Thank you for the pics @hazelnutphoto!

An Evening (or Two!) at Carondelet

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to create florals for back-to-back events at Carondelet House.  I have been dying to do something there since attending a cocktail party there a few months ago.  The space is gorgeous, with plenty of lounge areas, a central courtyard, back patio, fireplace, exposed brick, fountains and plenty of character.  If you are not familiar with Carondelet, you need to check it out here.

Because it is Summer and we have been a little obsessed with incorporating fruits and vegetables into our arrangements, we decided to use artichokes and sage.  To complement the space, we opted for white, green, orange, and because I love me some pops of color,  fuchsia and dark purple.  We also added hydrangea, roses, dahlias, calla lilies, freesia, Amaranthus and voila!

We were so excited to be invited to the tastemaker dinner on the second evening.  Entertainment provided by Elan Artists, coupled with delicious food and cocktails courtesy of  Tres LA.  What a perfect evening!  Seriously, how does Tres LA make everything look amazing and taste even better?

Thank you Scott Clark Photography   for the pics!

AMAZING display of flowers at Dior

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I am seriously hyperventilating right now! I cannot remember when the last time I was this excited, but I am officially buzzing.  Today was the first day of Haute Couture week in Paris and Raf Simons’ debut show with Dior.  … Continue reading →

Cute photo from last weekend!

Inspiration

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  Happy May Everyone! Flowers are in full bloom and I couldn’t be more excited!  Jennifer, one of our new interns, asked me what I think makes Parties & Petals unique or special.  My immediate thoughts were great service, creativity … Continue reading →

Peony LOVE

So what is there to realize?

Peonies bloom on peony trees.
A cat doesn’t become a chicken.
Tulips are tulips, not roses.
Why can’t we realize this true fact?
That to be me is great.
I don’t have to be anyone but me.
I am blooming as I am in my life, just as a peony blooms on a peony tree.
Further, a beautiful peony flower does not worry about when it will wilt and fall to the ground.
It does not compete with the flower next to it;
rather it blooms with its whole self.

~Sensei Ogui

coral charm peonies

What’s Up at the Studio

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We are up to our ears in bright colors at the Parties & Petals studio today (you know I’m thrilled!), working on flowers for a Client’s 40th birthday party.  I love the combination of purple and yellow flowers in a … Continue reading →

Using Ti Leaves in Flower Arrangements

Ever wonder how florists get Ti leaves to do crazy things?  You know, lining the inside of a vase, looping beneath a bouquet or winding throughout an arrangement? I remember when I started out, I could not figure it out.  I attempted to twist them into crazy configurations and all they did was rip.  I deprived them of water, hoping they would become malleable, but all they did was shrivel.  Then I learned the secret.  Are you ready for it?  Any guesses?

You shave it!

If you are wondering what I am talking about, don’t worry.  I am going to give you step-by-step instructions, as well as post a video (once I figure out how to edit!).  Make sure you have enough elbow room and table space.  Here goes:

1)  Lay the ti leaf flat with spine facing up.

2)  Carefully, using a short, sharp knife or a peeler (my weapon of choice), begin shaving off layers of the spine.  Be sure to apply less pressure near the top, and increase as you approach the stem, as the layers are much thicker closer to the stem.

3)  Check the pliability of the ti leaf to make sure it will do what you need it to do.   You may need to go back a few times on the thicker portions.

If all is good, VOILA!  You are done.  Don’t get frustrated.  It takes a little practice, but once you figure it out, it’s quick and easy!

Have fun!  Send me pics of your creations.  🙂

Tiger Love

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No, not that Tiger!  Real tigers!  Today, as I was watching Madison (the Sheepdog Beast) sleep, I thought of our visit with Tigers at the  Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  I found out about it from another blogger (damselindior.com) … Continue reading →