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If you're tired of blowing your entire party budget on floral bouquets that wilt after a few days, go green. Plants can add a ton of atmosphere to your home when you're setting the mood for a gathering -- from tropical palm fronds to architectural potted trees. Use them to create a unique centerpiece, decorate a mantel, formalize a foyer, divide space, or even camouflage an unsightly view from your dining room window. Whip up a striking look with a single plant or group several together of varying heights.
We love kentia palms and banana trees for a tropical vibe...topiaries crafted from myrtle or rosemary for an English garden feel...papyrus or tall, wispy grasses for a minimalist, Asian-inspired look... and succulents like agave or aloe for a modern feel.
Here are some tips on how to use plants to add pop to any party atmosphere and how to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to spending your hard-earned green on a little greenery.
Bigger Isn't Always Better. There's no reason to overwhelm a table with an arrangement that's too tall -- often you just end up blocking your guests' view. No one wants to spend dinner peeking around a towering centerpiece, so in this case, think about going low.
Less Is More. A single plant creatively displayed may be all you need to dress a coffee or dinner table. Try everything from a cactus to a flowering calla lily, amaryllis, or simple dish of ornamental grass to get the look you want.
Presentation Is Key. Choose a stylish container, whether your look is contemporary, classic, or vintage. Stores such as Pottery Barn offer a wide range at all price points.... Polished concrete, metals with rich patinas, and Italian-inspired ceramic urns can make a real statement even when filled with the simplest of plants. Fillers like colored aquarium gravel, polished stones, or cut glass are also playful ways to add interest.
Fabulous Fakes. On the dinner table, live plants are best, but in other areas of your home, like living rooms or powder rooms, consider the possibility of (gasp!) fakes. These days, there are plenty of good-looking fake plants from companies like NDI.com that won't put your black thumb to the test. And while they may sometimes cost a bit, they last forever, so you end up saving a lot over time.
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