How to Throw a Flower Arranging Party with images from The Bridal Theory feature of the very first Mayesh Design Star Workshop

How to Throw a Flower Arranging Party with images from The Bridal Theory feature of the very first Mayesh Design Star Workshop

After everything transpired last year causing gatherings to cancel and people to create whole new ways of connecting, I am excited things are kind-of getting back to normal even if 'normal' isn't really a thing anymore.  And if there's one thing the pandemic taught me it's that connection is important. 

We are all looking for ways to connect and If it's up to me there'd be a flower arranging party every day! It's a perfectly easy way to shake up a good time. I thought it'd be fun to share The Bridal Theory post featuring Jeremy Chou's dreamy imagery of the first Mayesh Design Star Flower Workshop in Los Angeles-- along with tips on How to Host a Flower Arranging Party of your own. 

Yours truly, 

CGH


How to Throw a Flower Arranging Party

Your event can be hosted in your yard, kitchen, community hall, park, restaurant or a stunning photography studio. Hey! You can even do it virtually. Floral arranging can be intimidating but it doesn't have to be if you liberate yourself to relax and experiment.

 

Aren't we glad there's no need to be an expert to try something new and fun?

Here’s a list of supplies to prep for your party:

  • Invitations- you may pick up flowers at the  florist or grocery,  or clip from outside. You may provide blooms and containers, or ask guests to bring specific flowers, greenery and a vase. But my favorite option: ship vessels right to their door, like the  containers in our CHOF at Home Collection that make arranging easy! 
  • Supplies- borrow or buy supplies for the event-- Florist tape or foam, or chicken wire, twine, buckets and scissors (one per guest). You don't even have to be fancy, affordable yet pretty trash cans like the ones featured below work beautifully.
  • Prep- print inspiration photos, simple directions or watch a DIY (see our floral arranging tutorial videos!), put down craft paper or drop cloth, and remember drinks, snacks and a take home gift.  

My Flower Arranging Party Suggestions:

Containers- you can use anything from an upcycled pickle jar, galvanized  bucket or vessel shipped from our CHOF at Home Collection. Keep it simple with one small container like the Bogart Benoit White Compote. And don’t  say we didn't warn you, when you see the designs using that planter below you'll see just how it takes designs up a notch!

Supplies- You can use floral foam since it's easy to use and keeps flowers in place. But, it’s pricey. A cheaper, more sustainable option is chicken wire sourced at a floral, craft or building supply store. Remember to have scissors (one per guest)!

Party- Whether homemade or store bought, consider offering a few treats. When I have a big workshop we look for wine or gourmet sponsors. Or, enlist the help of your friends who love baking! 

Floral Arranging Guidelines:

1. Start with the foliage! Add yo greens first. Pull off leaves that will be below the waterline.

2. Start with one focal flower then vary size, color and texture of the blooms and foliage. 

3. If you don’t have floral clippers, kitchen scissors are fine.  Give each stem a fresh cut to encourage drinking more water.

4. Have fun! Play around with height, color, size and enjoy designing a one of a kind living art piece!

Now, take a look below to see all the magic and get swept away with the beauty of the images and the dreams of your own private workshop. 

I hope you’re inspired to try something new. 

Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful!

 

 

MAYESH’S DESIGN STAR WORKSHOP

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Christy Hulsey of Colonial House of Flowers decided to go out on a limb and enter Mayesh’s annual Design Star challenge – and by no surprise, she won! In addition to the how-to YouTube videos that go along with the title of Mayesh Design Star – Mayesh wanted to provide an opportunity for a more personal experience and decided to take Christy on the road for an eight city Mayesh Design Star Workshop tour. The photos below tell the story of Mayesh’s inaugural workshop, which was held in Los Angeles, where it all started. The students had access to some of the best Japanese, Dutch and local product in the industry for their arrangements, and the end product just couldn’t have been more dreamy.

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When designing the workshop, we knew we wanted to keep the space light and airy, so the flowers and the students’ arrangements could be the stars.

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This time of year, there are so many events that involve gifting flowers for your love – Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Wedding’s, Easter, etc.. we knew we wanted to keep it fresh/ unexpected, with a spring vibe. Pale lavender and pink hellebore, trailing jasmine, dots of chocolate cosmos, blush/ burgundy/ and pink ranunculus, white and pink lisianthus, and roses in almost every shade you could imagine were all at the attendees’ fingertips.

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Upon entering the studio, students were greeted with mimosas and yummy breakfast nibbles. To get to know each other a little better, we kicked off the workshop by having everyone share their “flower” story, and how they came to be at the workshop. Christy then instructed the students on how to create their Oasis / chicken wire structure to insert into their vessel. Once the vessels were prepped and ready to go, Christy shared how to utilize : branches, where to place vines a.k.a. “dancers”, what to do with large “real estate” blooms, how she utilizes her Design Master color tools, where to put unexpected pops of foraged blooms, and many other invaluable techniques that she has picked up over the course of her career.

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After the students were finished, they headed over to the photography station where they had their arrangement photographed on a fully styled table to use in their professional portfolio. Their white Accent Decor vessel had the perfect amount of texture and shape, keeping the arrangement feminine and interesting. Then, Jeremy Chou and Tristan Needham both gave a tutorial on photography and styling – how to always put your best foot forward with your images, and what tools have been most helpful to them in elevating their brands.

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While Jeremy photographed arrangements, the students were given a few tips and tricks on utilizing Mayesh’s beautiful garland as either a swag, or a bride and groom chair backer.

 

At the end of the day, the students were treated to private selection of Cameron Hughes wine, and a beautifully styled gift box by Salt and Pepper Co., with items from : Sugar Paper, HomArt, Cameron Hughes, Tocca, Sugarfina, Poppin, and Accent Decor.

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Vendor Love
Floral Designer + Instructor / Christy Griner Hulsey of Colonial House of Flowers  with Amanda Griner Currier 
Venue / FD Photo Studio Downtown L.A.   |   Tabletop Rentals / The Ark Event Rentals 
Furniture Rentals / Circa Vintage Rentals    |   Design + Styling / Tristan Needham Design 
Videography / Talewind Visuals    |   Gift Box Designer / Salt and Pepper Co. 
 
Sponsors :
 
Wine Sponsor / Cameron Hughes   |   Candle Sponsor / Creative Candles
Vessels + Compotes + Decor Sponsor / Accent Decor   |   Floral Spray / Design Master 
 
Gift Box Sponsors : 
 
Note Card / Sugar Paper L.A.   |   Wine / Cameron Hughes    |   Bud Vase / Accent Decor 
 
Gift Box Vendors :
 
Scissors / HomArt    |   Pen / Poppin   |   Candle / Tocca    |  Candies / Sugarfina 
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