Blanc blooms…

March 5, 2011

Floral Confessions

Every year I have the pleasure of working with a team of talented women to put on a fête (La Fête) to raise money for the uncompensated care fund for Children’s Hospital. I usually get assigned to do the decor, and I love it! This year we are going with La Fête Blanche, so visions of blanc branches and pure white blooms immediately came to my mind.

There are a number of logistics and things to consider when decorating for a party of this size. But, what I find gives me the most angst is something over which I have very little control…making sure the flowers are at their peak on the day of the party. To do this I try to channel the instincts of mother nature.

My Casablanca lilies are inside in a warm location. Ideally, the majority of the flowers will be in a brilliant {fragrant} bloom stage by tomorrow, but there will still be several pale green buds in contrast.

I have the white muscari {Liliaceae} and cherry branches chilling outside.

I like the size, shape and color of the muscari as they are right now, I love that puffy white base with a bright, verdant tip. If had them in a warm room they would open up too quickly.

Transporting blossoming branches is always a challenge. If the blooms have opened you are very likely to loose many of the petals along the way.

I am keeping them outside so they will remain in a tight bud stage, I can tell they are on the verge of opening. The party is in a warm, sunny penthouse so I’ll set up in the morning and hope that many of the blossoms will open before the party. Thankfully, these branches look lovely even if many of the flowers remain in the bud stage.

Now, in the case of my Snow drops {galanthus nivalis}, I am on the fence. I am hoping the indoor warmth will entice more of the bulbs to reach for the sun and shoot out their blossoms,

{btw, which way do you think looks better ~ with the white stones or without?}

…but many of them are already open and look so pretty today….I think I’ll keep them indoors and just have to hope that they age well.

Local readers {and jet setters} — if you are interested in joining me a La Fête Blanche, at a stunning penthouse downtown tomorrow night {6~9pm, 3/6}, please let me know, I’ll send you details and put your name on the list!

Ah, the rains have finally stopped — must get out and finish spray painting my branches blanc {or is it blanche?}

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The arrangements were stunning! And I loved the snow drops with and without the stones – either way is wonderful! Good Luck with the party! M.

So pretty! I love white flowers and I don't know enough and I am not brave enough to play around with forcing them! That's a gift! I like the white stone for what it's worth!

Wow – I'm sure all the attendees won't realize all the hard work and coordination that goes into organizing such a floral feast but they will appreciate the spectacular result for sure!! I hope you'll take photos so we can see the glamorous event!!

The white stones detract from the snowdrops. Better without.
The lily above loks like 'Casablanca', Stargazers are a strong pink w/ some white.

Hope you post photos of the evening, the arragements of course.
Very good cause.

What gorgeous white blooms! I hope the fete was a fabulous success (and that your were able to find just the white white for you to wear). Such a great cause — I belong to a guild that supports the Phil Smart. Sr. rehab center 🙂
I'd love to see the final results!