Unit B2-7
Floriculture
Horticulture CD
Problem Area 2
Floral Design
Lesson 7
Designing Centerpieces and Holiday
Arrangements
Student Objectives
1. Identify the types of centerpieces.
2. Learn how to take a centerpiece order.
3. Describe floral arrangements for holidays.
Vocabulary
Candle holder
Conical centerpieces
Cornucopia
Novelty designs
Paddle wire
Plush animal
Raffia
Votive candles
Interest Approach
Look at these examples of
centerpieces which are
found at weddings.
Discuss the
characteristics of these
pieces (height, color,
style, etc.)
What Are Some Types of
Centerpieces?
Centerpieces have been around since the
18th century
They should be attractive and colorful since
they are viewed on all sides
Traditional pieces are low so that
conversation at the table is uninterrupted
Contemporary pieces, such as topiaries, add
a bit of color and design above eye level
Buffet centerpieces may be one-sided and
coordinate with the dining room pieces
Types of Centerpieces:
Bud vases are small arrangements suitable
for placing on long rectangular tables at
intervals
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Have one to three flowers
Inexpensive to create
Small vase arrangements are designed in
vases in proportions of 1 to 1 so that they do
not obstruct vision
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More colorful and emphasize flowers
Can be symmetrical or asymmetrical based on
the theme
Round centerpieces are suited for round or square
tables
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May be made of one type of flower or a mixture of
several varieties and colors
Container should also be round and low
Contour may be round or triangular
Oval centerpieces are similar to round ones but are
more suitable for oval or rectangular tables
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Containers can be rectangular, oval or circular with a
low rim
Contour may be round or triangular
Designing a Round Centerpiece
1. Select a low container
with a large diameter
2. Position a moistened
piece of floral foam in the
center and secure
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Trim the foam
edges
Secure with tape
5. Secondary placements will
fill in space between the
primary placements.
6. Add additional flowers to fill
in the empty gaps.
7. Add filler flowers if desired.
8. Insert accent material if
desired.
3. Add greens in a circular
pattern
4. Primary flower
placements will establish
the height and the width
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Centerpiece Styles Continued
Conical centerpieces are cone-shaped or
three dimensional isosceles triangles
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A centerpiece that looks like a Christmas tree
would be conical
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Accessories can be added to create a certain
atmosphere or interest
Should be in harmony with the design and
properly placed
Candles are often used and can be stabilized
using a candle holder - round at the top to
secure the candle and pronged at the other
end to fit in foam
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Place at least 1” apart if using more than one
Ribbon, fruit, cones, etc. Can also be used
What Information Is Needed When
Taking a Centerpiece Order?
Gathering information is extremely important
in order to make decisions about the design
of a centerpiece for a particular event
The following is a suggested checklist
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1. When is the event, date, time and how much time
is needed to set up?
2. Where is the location and what is the size of the
room?
3. What is the style of the room?
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4. What are the room colors, and what are the
colors associated with the event or event
sponsor?
5. What is the preferred style of the event (formal,
informal, casual , contemporary, elegant)?
6. How many tables will need centerpieces and
what are the shapes and sizes of the tables?
7. How many additional floral designs will be
needed?
8. What is the budget for flowers?
A florist should visit the site and become
familiar with the surroundings prior to creating
the floral work
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Sometimes the banquet hall or hotel will have
mirrors or candles that may be used, but they
have to be reserved in advanced
What Are Some Primary Holiday
Centerpieces?
Flowers play a large part in many holiday
celebrations
A variety of designs might be offered by a
florist; Sample designs are listed below
Valentine’s day:
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A dozen roses with baby’ breath arranged in a
vase
Red carnations and white mums with a plush
animal or chocolates
 A plush animal is a stuffed figurine or animal
St. Patrick’s day:
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Green tinted carnations
Pots of oxalis (shamrocks)
Easter:
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Easter arrangement
Novelty designs, which resemble kittens, or
ice cream, for example are popular
Use pastel or bright colors where appropriate
Easter lilies also popular
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Mother’s day:
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Spring flower arrangements and
corsages
Novelty containers emphasizing the
season are popular
Halloween:
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Arrangements in fall colors, hollowed
out pumpkins or cornucopia are ideal
Thanksgiving:
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Centerpieces are the major
arrangements
Use of analogous colors - red, orange,
yellow
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Thanksgiving piece
Thanksgiving, cont:
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Often a cornucopia (a cone or horn shaped
container of flowers, fruits and vegetables) is
used
Raffia, a fibrous material made from palm trees,
offers natural ribbon to fall arrangements
Christmas:
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Busy season for holiday design work in both
artificial and real flowers
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Christmas cont:
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Wreaths made by wholesaler or florist and
then decorated
Centerpieces often accented with votive
candles (short, stocky candles placed in
holders in the arrangement)
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Steps to Wreath Design
Use a pre-made wire frame
and paddle wire, a piece
of wood with wire wrapped
around it
Prepare small bunches of
greenery and lay them on
the wire frame
Wrap the bundles and the
frame with wire a few times
to secure
Continue adding bunches,
wrapping each one until a
complete circle is made
Courtesy of Delmar Publishing
Summary
What did the traditional centerpieces look like?
Identify at least three types of centerpieces and
describe their design.
Name some accessories that can be added to
centerpieces to accent them.
What are some questions that need to be asked
when placing a centerpiece order?
What kind of design can be used for valentine’s
day?
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Easter? Thanksgiving? Christmas?
How do you create a wreath?