Quince. Cherry. Apple. Are you thinking pie or punch? No, think branches and think centerpieces. Branches add a natural and striking design element to your decor and are a very organic way to decorate.

Branches lend a woodsy, natural, and ethereal feel to a variety of event spaces. They can be used for rustic venues as well as spacious ballrooms with old-world charm. Showcased in stark, minimal loft spaces, branches can offer just the right amount of spunk. Picture white and pink blooms and the chocolate brown branch, absolutely stunning and quite sophisticated.

Quince branches are a wonderful addition to fall décor schemes, and cherry blossoms are abundant and beautiful for simple spring weddings that want a classic touch. Magnolia branches bursting from antique-looking urns are an elegant entry piece for receptions. Or apple or dogwood branches would be lovely alternatives. Water bamboo is a great way to bring Eastern elements to a design. They are quite flexible and are lovely in low glass vases filled with stones. Manzanita branches can withstand the most weight, hence they are the logical choice if the branches will be decorated. Dangling votives and “crystals” are a popular way to dress up branches, though they are not necessary. When using branches for centerpieces, consider clusters of candles at the base for up-lighting—this will really enhance the impact of the design.

Take note—many branches can overpower tables. One way to avoid obstructing sight-line is to cut branches and enclose them in glass cylinders of varying heights. This is a stylish way to create a very structured design while also enhancing their artistic elements. Set them in an inch or so of water, and viola—simple and elegant, and oh so glamorous.

Branches are simple and so attractive that they can stand on their own…..

Go out on a limb….

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It is hard to believe that this bold, full-headed bloom obtained the meaning of “bashfulness” in the Victorian era. Nothing about this playful flower is shy! Round, bold, and fragrant peonies grab your eye. They are available in fuchsia, baby pink, and white—a bevy of wonderful options for the sweet and sophisticated. The lush blooms produce a strong, alluring scent, and are just as beautiful in a bouquet as they are in a centerpiece. Spring and summer celebrations rejoice, for these are the bloom’s peak seasons. Try using them in loosely packed, hand-carried flowers for that “just picked from the garden” look, or cut the stems short and place tightly packed in pewter mint julep cups for an instantly chic way to dress up cocktail tables. This flower can be glam as well as casual!

The peony comes in two main types, herbaceous and the tree peony. It is best to stick with the herbaceous type, as they last longer, especially important for outdoor venues in the summer.

A rich past with China makes this flower particularly meaningful for those who want to incorporate an Eastern style. Peonies have long inspired artists. The flower is one of the main motifs of Chinese decorative arts and can be found in such mediums as screen paintings, clothing, and tapestries. Peonies are a beautiful image to place throughout your stationery suite as well. Look for letterpress invites to best capture the magnificent, full lines of this flower.

Luxuriant, lively and utterly romantic.

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Let’s face it — no girl wants to abandon her glass of champagne, depart from her friends at the table, and stand idly on the dance floor while some judgmental DJ or bandleader points out that yes, she is indeed single and yes, she is about a decade older than the others joining her. The bouquet toss is so deeply rooted in tradition that its history goes all the way back to the Victorian ages, when the bride tossed her bouquet to Read more