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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 45 Step 1 Create a mood board. A mood board is a space to conceptualize your ideas with images that will help bring each of your fl oral design projects together. Gather images that represent your vision and aesthetic to organize your project's inspiration. When creating a mood board, break it down into sections, including a title page with the over- arching theme of the party, event or tablescape; a page for the specifi c aesthetics you aim to achieve; the color palette; potential fl ower choices; and the table elements. Such organization is an essential part of the creative process. Step 2 Breaking down each of these mood-board sections, begin with the aesthetics because they determine and set the mood and tone for the entire event. You must determine the aesthetics before you can think about colors or buy any product. The aesthetics for this summer- time cottage tablescape are seasonal wildfl owers and greenery, fresh farm harvest, cottage/farmhouse, country living, and an overall rustic theme. Step 3 Once you determine the aesthetics, defi ne a color palette. The palette for this tablescape comprises mauve, pale pink, sky blue, lavender, rustic yellow, brown and white—as well as the "neutral" green hues of the foliages. Selecting the right colors is crucial to achieving the desired experience; they set the ambiance and tone of the table and the event. Step 4 Next, select the elements you wish to incorporate into the tablescape. The main attraction of the tablescape will, of course, be the fl owers, but be sure to include a variety of elements to give the table textural depth and character. For this tablescape, we chose foods that remind us of an all-natural, country summertime: assorted fruits that complement the chosen color palette, honeycomb, homemade bread, and freshly fetched cheese and eggs. Step 5 Finally, dress the table. We chose an ivory tablecloth and a white gauze table runner to create an unmistakable cottage look, and we added country- styled chairs that one might fi nd on the front porch of a farm home. For the tableware, we chose darker plates with a texture unlike the rest of the elements on the table, to infuse a dose of modernity among the country- inspired colors and aesthetic. The napkins and cutlery provide a beautiful contrast, where antique meets a pink summertime bliss. And last, we chose drinkware to seamlessly transition from the plates to the table- scape with colorful transparency. By following each of these steps, you can create beautiful tablescapes for any season, occasion or aesthetic! Step- By- Step Materials BOTANICALS • Rosa spp. 'Koko Loko' (fl oribunda rose) • Rosa spp. 'Distant Drums' (fl oribunda rose) • Rosa spp. 'Honey Dijon' (grandifl ora rose, hybrid tea rose) • Dianthus caryophyllus 'Putumayo' (carnation) • Tulipa spp. (parrot tulip) • Iris x germanica (bearded fl eur-de-lis, German bearded fl eur-de-lis) • Narcissus spp. (daffodil) • Paeonia lactifl ora 'Duchesse de Nemours' (Chinese peony, garden peony) • Celosia argentea var. cristata (coxcomb, crested Celosia) • Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian buttercup) • Ranunculus spp. Butterfl y ™ series (butterfl y buttercup, butterfl y crowfoot, butterfl y Ranunculus) • Freesia spp. • Helleborus orientalis/H. x hybridus (hellebore, Lenten rose) • Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearls' (corn cockle) • Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) • Tweedia caerulea/Oxypetalum caeruleum (blue-fl owered milkweed, blue milkweed, Southern star) • Daucus carota (Queen Anne's lace, wild carrot) • Chamelaucium uncinatum (waxfl ower, Geraldton waxfl ower) • Viburnum plicatum 'Mary Milton' (Japanese snowball) • Spiraea spp. (spirea, bridal wreath, meadowsweet) • Pelargonium spp. foliage (scented geranium) HARD GOODS • The Pillow ® (design mechanic) from Syndicate Sales • OASIS ® Waterproof Tape (1/4" Green) from Oasis Floral Products/ Smithers-Oasis Company • Compote-style urn

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