Backyard Barbecue - floral decorating ideas: Consider using Mason jars filled with bunches of daisies (a great summer flower) over checkered tablecloths. Drop a few candles into similar jars if it is an evening event. Or ask Granny's Flower Shop to make colorful arrangements in fun containers such as baskets or bottles. Special Touches: Decorate pies and cakes with matching flowers and greens. Use strands of raffia to tie napkins around silverware, slipping a single stem into each bow. Suggested flowers: Daisies, marigolds, roses, lilies, asters, sunflowers, scabiosa and ornamental grasses.

Perfect Patio/Garden Party- floral decorating ideas: Patio and garden parties can be sophisticated or casual, but the focus is always on the beauty of nature. Clay pots fit any decor and can be used for flowering plants, green plants or even flower arrangements. Topiary designs look great in clay pots and can be created with ivy or flowers. Floating candles and flowers in crystal bowls add a soft glow to the party. Miniature vases showcasing different types of flowers make great table decorations and can given to guests as party favors. Small clusters of roses in low containers with a sprinkling of rose petals on the table among votive candles can create a very elegant mood. Special Touches: Hang twinkle lights or lanterns from trees or place lights among flowering plants. Outline the patio with plants and twinkle lights at the ground level to create a defined space. Floral name cards or a flower on each napkin adds a personal touch. Suggested Flowers/Plants: Roses, peonies, ranunculus, snapdragons, delphiniums, anemones, lily of the valley, lisianthus, heather, hydrangea, tulips, alstroemeria, begonias, geraniums, fuschias, ferns, ivy and impatients.

Hawaiian Luau - - floral decorating ideas: With the vast variety of tropical flowers now available on the market it is quite simple (and lots of fun!) to create your own Hawaiian paradise. Flower leis make a memorable gift for your guests and can usually be special ordered in advance from Granny's Flower Shop. Show off your tropical floral arrangements in weighted pots surrounded by fruit and vegetables or covered with a Hawaiian print fabric. You can even use hollowed pineapples or coconuts as festive floral containers. If you have a pool ask Granny's Flower Shop to create fun floral arrangements that will float. Special Touches: Use tall torches in the ground or small ones placed into potted tropical plants. Make interesting votive candle holders by carving out fruits, vegetables or Protea (a hardy tropical flower available at florists). Decorate platters and trays with flowers or palm fronds, and include the customary flower trim for cocktails. Suggested Flowers: Anthurium, protea, ginger, heliconia, birds of paradise, torch and orchids.

French Country Dinner - floral decorating ideas: Creating the ambiance of a French Country table at your next feast begins by taking a "stroll through the Provence" and into your nearest flower shop. Designs that are fragrant, simple, bountiful and earthy are key elements. Strands of rye grass in white or blue-washed pots tied with a French ribbon are simple and graceful decor for a serving counter or sideboard. Galvanized metal buckets can hold plants or flowers. Special Touches: Cover small pots of fresh herbs with French print fabric and tie with French ribbons for accent pieces. Set them next to a bountiful floral centerpiece with bright colors that match the fabric. Suggested Flowers: Rye grass, delphinium, roses, spray roses, iris, sunflowers, flowering branches, dahlias, french tulips, hydrangea, solidaster, heather, and herbs such as rosemary and lavender.

Mexican Fiesta - floral decorating ideas: Everyone loves a fiesta. The word conjures up images of swirling, vivid colors amidst music and laughter. Flower décor should be bright, bold and fun. Ole! For a lively centerpiece, try mixing colorful gerbera daisies in Mexican "bubble" glass or painted pottery. Make a flower punch float for the Sangria bowl using a mixture of bright blooms. Suspend or display piñatas that have been opened on the top and have flowers arranged inside. Place flower arrangements or plants in sombreros for a table piece. Special Touches: Scatter brightly colored flower petals on the tables around centerpieces or candles. Decorate Margarita glasses with a cocktail pick piercing a small bloom and a lime. Suggested Flowers: Vivid colors can be found in many flower varieties: gerbera daisies, gladiolas, snapdragons, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, various tropical flowers, ranunculus and lilies.

Wine at Nine - floral decorating ideas: A Wine at Nine get together is the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and sophistication through your choice of wines and flowers. Ask Granny's Flower Shop to design flowers in a champagne bucket or in a cluster of wine bottles. Decorate passing trays with flowers. When serving champagne, pierce a flower blossom and several berries with a cocktail pick and lay it across the top of the champagne glass. Place groups of flowers and candles of various heights around the room. Ceramic, marble or fabric-covered wine coolers also make decorative flower vases. (If using terra-cotta, line the inside with a plastic bag to hold the water.) Floating candles and fragrant blooms in a crystal bowl make a simple yet elegant centerpiece. Special Touches: Decorate food serving trays with mini grape wreaths (lying flat) as "holders" for serving bowls or plates. Suggested Flowers: A few interesting conversation starters might include cosmos, roses, lilies, anthuriums, orchids, freesia, lisianthus, callas, ranunculus, tulips, iris and gerbera daisies.