Make it a Party with Flowers Flowers Flowers

Anybody who has ever tried to sell their house (or watched HGTV) has heard about curb appeal. That’s what makes the difference between a house that looks inviting “from the curb” or outside verses one that doesn’t look so appealing. What is it about a house with curb appeal that makes you take a second look and think, wow that looks pretty or sharp or cozy or inviting? My guess is that it looks well maintained, with paint that looks like it’s in good shape and a garden that looks like somebody cares about it.

Now, I can hear you saying to yourselves, lots of houses have fine paint and grass that is mowed, there has to be more to it than that. And you’d be right. It’s that extra step, the flowers blooming in a pot by the door or shrubs that form a pattern rather than looking haphazard. It’s going beyond what is required.

What does this have to do with party planning you ask? More than you might think. The same thing that makes one house have more curb appeal is the same thing that makes one party more special than another. It is the attention to detail in the little things.

One easy, inexpensive way to spruce up your party is to surround yourself with flowers. This doesn’t have to be an expensive trip to the florist. Take a look in your yard. Even the lowly geranium can look fantastic in a pretty vase with some greenery. Keep in mind this is not the ONLY way to spruce up your house but it is definitely one way.

This is what you are going to do:

• Round up flowers of whatever kind you have. If you have absolutely nothing in your garden, you might want to visit Costco, Home Depot or Trader Joe’s for an inexpensive bouquet.
• Cut greenery from trees and shrubs and use that as filler so you don’t need so many flowers. There is nothing off limits. If it has a leaf or even a pretty bare branch, cut it off and plan on using it. Don’t forget to try herbs such as mint. Mint stays fresh and smells wonderful.
• Find something to put your arrangement in. You are not limited to a traditional vase. Use a tea cup, a hollowed out cabbage, a small bucket, a drinking glass or a wine glass.
• If you are using something unusual, like a cabbage, get some oasis or florist foam that can be cut to any shape and will hold flowers in place perfectly while keeping them moist. You can buy this at a craft store like JoAnn Fabrics or Michael's.
• You can even lay flowers down on a buffet or table. Do this just before your guests arrive and some will stay fresh looking for hours without water. Or use little tubes to keep them moist. Use a clear bowl and float a single flower in it.
• Get plants from a garden store and put pretty paper around them or put the nursery containers in something pretty. When the party is over, plant them in your garden and your curb appeal will keep on growing.
• Put flowers everywhere. Put them on the table, either in the center or in little containers scattered on the table. Put them in the bathroom and on end tables. Don’t forget your kitchen counter. Even one little bloom in a thimble size vase will brighten up your party and make it look like you really cared.

So, even if you don’t do anything else, flowers will brighten your mood as well as your guests. Who can frown in the presence of all that beauty?

While your own imagination is going wild, send us your ideas to share with everyone. If you need additional ideas, just type in words like planning parties with flowers or unusual flower containers right into the google search bar on the right.