from the september issue of tastebud magazine. i was a geography major in college and have always loved globes and maps. the theme for this issue was 'think global, eat local.' so, i used globes as centerpieces and lined the table with a large world map. you can stack the globes on old atlas' or travel books. use corkboard squares as placemats and create a place card by cutting a flag shape from an old map and attach to a toothpick or pin to stick into the cork.
spin the globe and point - create a menu from wherever you land with locally sourced food.

wedding number one this weekend had bright fall flowers in shades of orange, red and pink-mahogany sunflowers, dahlias, roses and spray roses, chocolate cosmos, ranuculus, cockscomb and smokebush. the reception was at the webster house-lovely traditional venue-i love the cozy rooms and great food!

wedding number two was completely different from the first. the girls wore mint dresses from jcrew and flowers were in shades of white, apple green and light blue-hydrangeas, lilies, roses, ranuculus, cymbidium and dendrobium orchids. the reception was held at the kemper museum of contemporary art-another favorite-lots of clean lines and open spaces. you don't need a lot of decor here with all of the great modern art.

it's a girl!

a very pink arrangement for a friend who just had a baby girl (following three boys-so very exciting!)

hydrangea, ranuculus, dahlias, david austen "juliet" roses and scented geranium leaves.
and a princess crown note from all of her k-state sisters.

a bouquet of blue hydrangea, yellow and white roses, stephanotis, dahlias and delphinium from a summer wedding.
simple centerpiece of blue hydrangea in a square glass vase.

ORANGE!

that was this sweet bride's favorite color and nickname since childhood. she had a very fun and vibrant orange bouquet of cymbidium and mochara orchids, tulips, roses and spray roses.

bridesmaids bouquets were white hydrangea, scabiosa and roses with bear grass loops.

the reception was at the president hotel in downtown kansas city. a perfect venue for the orange, green and white flowers.

tall arrangements had white dendrobium orchids, snapdragons, hydrangea, green spider mums, orange dahlias, roses, crocosmia, fatsia and aspidistra leaves and coontie fern leaves.

low pedestal arrangments and trios of square vases finished out the other centerpieces.
no good photos from the church of the garland of mixed greenery, white hydrangea, orchids, roses and snapdragons. the garland draped over the altar and was a great alternative to the standard large arrangements up front. it was used later at the reception to line the front of the tuscan style head table. hopefully becca from wirken photography will have some great pictures. i'm always excited when i know she is photographing the wedding!

now for the stressful part-a big storm blew through kc on friday and we lost power! refrigeration was gone, we had to put ice bags in the coolers to try to keep them cool and i had to finish bouquets by candle and flashlight! thankfully all worked out, but not without a lot of tears, prayers and emergency calls to the power company!

july article for tastebud magazine is now available online. find directions for the paper windmills here.

loved this reception! giant carnation balls in shades of pinks and orange placed on top of tall and short clear round vases. she had paper lanterns hanging and all of the invitations, bags for the candy bar and table cards had a coordinating "dot" theme. her sister is the talented designer behind paper mill designs who did all of the paper.

this bride has her own creative pursuit as a clothing designer. fun fun!!!

reception venue: californos

eremurus, pink hydrangea, mochara orchids, euphorbia, asclepia and peonies.

cascade bridal bouquet of gradient shades of pink orchids: dendrobiums, mochara and cymbidiums with a collar of peonies. beautiful!

fun centerpiece for the kids table.

pedestal bowl filled with peonies, hydrangea, viburnum, esperance roses, spray roses, tulips, ranuculus, scented geranium.

peonies and roses.

trio centerpiece: tulips, hydrangea, peonies and roses.

venue: hallbrook country club.

peonies are blooming!!! it's hard to say this because i love all flowers, but these may be my favorite.

easy entertaining: family style is the subject of may's article in tastebud magazine.

check it out online or pick up a copy at local hen house markets, whole foods or several coffee shops around kansas city.

some samples i did for an upcoming bride. all white flowers which include hydrangea, ranuculus, tulips and roses with texture from berzillia berries, queen anne's lace, scented geranium leaves and curly willow.

a little bit of much needed sunshine-y yellow: tulips and ranuculus tied with bear grass.

also, a scented geranium plant-one of my favorites for cutting to add a ruffle-y texture to arrangements and bouquets.

article for the march issue of tastebud magazine.

the issue is focused on yummy cheese. the idea for this article was easy entertaining with cheese, fruit and wine. cheesecloth drapes the table or buffet with layers of plates, cake stands and domes used to display the offerings. different cheeses can be identified with clothespins holding cardstock with the names. wine glasses are corralled in a wooden cheese box. a wine bottle holds a branch with fabric flowers attached. for this diy project cut flower shapes from fabric, add a button or second fabric for the center. you can attach these by sewing or using hot glue. check the tastebud website for another project, creating a wire and bead cheese knife.

february article for tastebud magazine. check out all of the great ideas for serving your sweetie breakfast in bed.