Garden party 2: The centerpieces

This is a continuation of my series of posts about the garden party after the harvest. Since the garden has lots of color, I decided to keep the centerpieces understated. I decided to go with small potted plants to make arrangements instead of traditional flowers. I brought African violets, maiden heir fern, and other greenery to complete the arrangements. The containers for these arrangements are nothing but simple dark wooden planters. Since these are living plants, these arrangements can last lot longer than flowers. If I am planning to entertain a different group of people in couple of  weeks, my arrangements are ready for the party. Best way to stretch your dollar. 

Some times single plant can make a bold statement if you present it well. Maiden hair fern in an ornate container can look beautiful in  a proper setting. I used this planter on the dessert table. You will see in future posts. 

The following arrangement is for the kitchen table, to carry the same theme.
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A single African violet in a beautiful container

Rex begonia is one of my favorite.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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Miniature flower arrangements

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know how much I like to make flower arrangements for the house. Even though I have plenty of flowers to cut and arrange from garden, due to time constraints, I am not always able to make big arrangements. But no matter what, I have to have flowers around the house. These are the times that I make miniature arrangements using one or two flowers.

 One beautiful, vibrant dahlia will make a big statement.

David Austin Roses

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For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.
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Living arrangements

A couple of days ago, I was at Home Depot shopping for poinsettias for the house. At the time, I came across miniature flowering plants. Instead of poinsettias, I come home with multiple potted plants to make living arrangements around the house. These arrangements can last all through the holidays and beyond. For the upcoming spring, I will plant all these plants in the patio. This is the best way to stretch my dollar, don't you think?

This arrangement is made with bronze-colored  syngoniums, pink flowering azaleas, African violet, Hesperozygis 'Supermint Midnight Mojito' and a miniature orchid.

Here is an another one, made with anthuriums, fern lemons, two African violets, candy corn, and a miniature orchid.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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Autumn garden: Spanish flag vine

A couple of months ago as we were visiting a friend's garden, I noticed some vibrant flowers on a vine. I got few seeds from the friend's garden and planted them in the pot. At the time I didn't even know the name. The seeds I got not only germinated but are robustly growing and flowering, which makes me think that it may be an invasive plant. For now, I am not going to worry about that; I will enjoy this beautiful, flowering vine. The bright yellow and orange flowers make me smile every time I walk by them. After doing some research, I found out that this vine is called a Spanish flag vine. When it is in full bloom, the colors of these flowers look like the whole plant is on fire.

Some of these flowers ended up on the kitchen table.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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Nick and Natasha's wedding

After last week's beautiful Sangeet, last Saturday was Nick and Natasha's wedding. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Beautiful bride

Most beautiful bride and groom

In addition to appetizers and drinks that were circulating, there was a station that served bite-sized fruit, tidbits and nuts for guests to enjoy.

As opposed to traditional flowers, the centerpieces were done with a woodland theme. Dainty ferns and lots of wild flowers were arranged with plenty of moss around. Each and every centerpiece was unique and insanely beautiful.

Place cards were designed by the artistic bride and drawn by the very talented groom. I love every single one of them.

Here I am with a few of my friends

Exotic flora and ferns were arranged in individual simple glass vases at the cocktail area

Enjoying the reception with my daughter

All ready for an evening of fun and festivities

The event site was nestled between the Pacific ocean and the Santa Barbara mountains.  
When I reached the table, the menu card was on top of each setting. Underneath that there was a napkin. When you remove the napkin, you see a maiden heir fern on top of a very contemporary white plate. I love little touches like that and attention to detail.  Very elegantly done.

 Here is one example of the arrangement: Unique foliage and dainty white floral sprays, all accented with one lady slipper orchid. Wow! Just beautiful! Candles all along the table lit up the space as the sun fades

Another arrangement with more unique flowers and moss. I couldn't even name many of the flowers used here.

The entire evening felt magical

Congratulation, Natasha and Nick! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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On the table: Exotic fruit arrangemenet

Often, I like to display fruit from my orchard in a basket on my kitchen table. This way, I am enticing my family to grab a healthy snack when they are walking around the house. 

Bananas, pomegranates, yellow dates, dragon fruit and strawberry guavas. All are accented with couple of gloriosa lilies.

Yellow dates are from the Asian market

Strawberry guava has an intense guava flavor in every bite. This fruit became my go-to snack while gardening. Love this deep reddish purple bite-sized fruit!

My favorite gloriosa lilies are the perfect accent with the tropical fruit. Both the gloriosa lily vine and strawberry guava tree are newcomers in the garden, but outstanding performers.

 If you have never tried dragon fruit, it tastes similar to a kiwi. 

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes),please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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