Ball Jars and Yellow Flowers

A few weekends ago my mother and I threw a "surprise" birthday party for my sister, Emily. I use the quotes because apparently I, in a round-about way, ruined the surprise via Twitter. C'est la vie...

I made some delicious new appetizers (thanks Ina and Giada) - including Roasted Shrimp Cocktail and Sweet Pea Crostini - which were set out around simple spring flowers, Aqua Ball Jars filled with yellow Alstromeria, Daffodils, Gerbera Daisies and some white Freesia.

I love how the aqua jars look with bright green stems and yellow flowers. It's incredibly cheerful. This iPhone pictures doesn't quite capture it...so I'll do this again for sure and share.

Spring Centerpiece - Ranunculus, Alstromeria, Trachelium and ??

The Spring Centerpiece for my dinner with friends was a learning experience! That is the point of this blog though. Right? Here are some teaching points it provided:

• It took A LOT of flowers to get a full look. The Ranunculus could have used another day to open (though they probably look great now).
• I spilled water all over myself while bringing the centerpiece to my friend Sara's house! Next time I will add water AT the destination, and possibly use floral foam when the arrangement will be traveling.
• Cats love flowers...who knew! My dog could not care less.

The Trachelium looks like Broccoli in the pictures! The "??" in the post title refers to the twigs sticking out. Are they baby Pussy Willow? If you know, I'd love to hear from you! It was mixed in with the Ranunculus from Wollam Gardens.

The curious cat is Mr. Henry Kerr - he gave the centerpiece a little nibble and pat, but did no serious damage.

And here it is with our delicious dinner - which was Cod in a Sack with Fennel and Onion, if you were curious.