Tips for throwing a Fantasy Picnic
Just because you are outdoors doesn't mean you cannot add a little elegance. Mark Held suggests the following simple items:
About Mark Held:
Mark Held is known for creating the floral décor for some of Los Angeles' most prestigious events. For the past fifteen years, MARK'S GARDEN® has been the exclusive florist of the Academy Awards® Governors Ball. In 2003, Held designed the floral centerpieces for the three opening night galas of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. On behalf the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Los Angeles, Held was selected to create the floral décor for the opening night receptions of the Andy Warhol and the Lucian Freud Exhibits. He just published his first book, Fabulous Parties, co-written by partner Richard David and Hollywood caterer Peggy Dark of The Kitchen. The book is a dazzling collection of gourmet recipes and floral designs offering readers advice on how to create their own stylish celebrations.
Considered by many to be the "florist of the stars," he created the decor for the high-profile weddings of Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley; Heidi Klum and Seal; Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale; Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whibley; Adam Sandler and Jackie Titone and most recently Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz. With many couples tying the knot in front of television cameras, Held was selected to create the spectacular décor for the fairytale wedding of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter on ABC. A favorite of Oprah Winfrey's, MARK'S GARDEN® created the floral décor for her 50th Birthday Party in Los Angeles in addition to designing the lavish arrangements for Oprah's televised Fantasy Wedding special. He was named a "Wedding Trendsetter for 2006" by Modern Bride magazine. His regular clientele includes an extensive list of Hollywood celebrities, top fashion designers, business leaders and political notables.
Held is a popular guest on television shows and is a much sought after speaker giving lectures on the art of floral design and elegant entertaining.
Website: www.marksgarden.net
Buy the book on Amazon: "Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant Entertaining"
About "Fabulous Parties: Food and Flowers for Elegant Entertaining:"
Creating the perfect ambiance for any party is the key to its success - whether you are hosting a simple affair with a few friends or something more formal. Packed with advice and inspiration from three of Los Angeles' most popular party providers, Fabulous Parties reveals their professional secrets and inspires you to create your own stylish celebration for any occasion.
Drawing on many years of experience as floral designers and caterers to Los Angeles's A-listers, Mark Held and Richard David of MARK'S GARDEN and Peggy Dark of THE KITCHEN have adapted the principles of putting together a large, lavish event to a more intimate scale suited to home or small venue entertaining.
The harmonious relationship between food and flowers is clearly demonstrated in specially commissioned photographs which showcase twenty themed events, inspired by those created for their celebrity clients. All of the events included have a theme, décor, and menu. Choose from a Rustic Italian Party, a colorful Caribbean Dinner, a Chic Cocktail Party, a lavish New Year's Eve Celebration, a fun Mexican Fiesta, an elegant Wine Tasting or a glamorous Pink Ladies Luncheon, plus many more inspired yet achievable ideas. Mouth-watering menus accompany each party idea and include suggestions for a delicious aperitif, along with recipes for appetizers, entrées and desserts. The stylish floral designs shown in each setting include ideas for table centerpieces and other floral table treatments plus innovative ways of decorating rooms and outdoor spaces. Practical instruction on how to achieve professional results at home is given in a Floral Tips chapter.
Be inspired by Fabulous Parties and make your party the event of the season, to be enjoyed by your friends and family and talked about for years to come.
