Best New Chefs: Part One

Ceiling treatment: Interwoven vines draped with twinkling votives

Tent Decor: Food and Wine Classic 2009

A bright assortment of sunflowers in a zinc container livened up the Spanish wines tent

A wide variety of potted herbs offered a green alternative to cut flowers

A green monochromatic arrangement keeps the look fresh

Vibrant fruits in the background complement a tall white arrangement

Lush, showy flowers set amidst the wine glass tables

Vendor Arrangements: Food and Wine Classic 2009

Red monochromatic in twig enveloped vase

Sunflower topiary

Carnation topiary in vibrant hues of purple

White potted orchid with curly willow and tiny yellow orchids

draped in delicate crystals

Food and Wine Classic 2009

Orchids create a fresh, modern look. Their simplicity is both delicate and striking.

The heat of the bright orange-yellow orchids is expertly balanced by a banana leaf lined vase.

Citrus and tropical fruits make bold centerpieces that are ideal for summer events.

Fuscia and lime green orchids cascade over a lime filled vase.

The vase need not only be a container. Include it in the design to

enhance the overall arrangement.

Deep red roses, yellow-orange orchids, and coal black polished stones are divided into thirds

in the signature Harrington Smith handcrafted barn wood boxes. This Asian inspired design creates an impressive minimalistic look.

Flower Boutique at Amen Wardy

Harrington Smith flowers is making its debut at Amen Wardy in Aspen this weekend, just in time for the Food and Wine Classic. Exquisitely designed bouquets (I can say this, I'm not one of the designers!) greet you upon entering through the giant glass door.

Whether the sleek, modern allure of a monochromatic arrangement,

or a vibrant, dramatic assortment of colors is more your flavor , you are sure to be satisfied.

There is a variety of sizes to choose from, and an array of styles that will always be evolving to bring you the freshest designs, and keep your interest piqued. No stale flowers here!

Flowers bring life to an atmosphere. They can add subtle hints, or highlight key features, fill a room with refreshing fragrance, or make bold statements on their own, demanding attention. They are the most versatile design feature, and a quick and easy way to add depth, and interest to any room.

Visit our new flower boutique at Amen Wardy, and start reaping the benefits of a house full of gorgeous flowers.

Mountain Top Wedding

Cocoa brown pintucks create a rich, warm backdrop for

hot white flowers arranged in an assortment of polished silver. 

Dim warm lights and candlelight set an elegant and romantic mood.

Using monochromatic white flowers keeps the scheme modern, fresh,

and perfect for a late Spring to early Summer wedding.

The darkening blue night sky in the background contrasts 

beautifully with the warm interior, at this reception on top of Aspen Mountain.

photo credit: Alice Koelle

Psychology of Color: White

White has a clarifying effect on our psyches. It is the color of purity, clarity, and new beginnings. Floral design based around white will generally produce a serene environment in which people will enjoy spending time in.

Depending on whether a yellow-based or blue-based white is used, a warm or cool overall scheme will be created.

 Warm natural elements and rusty reds offset the "coolness" of the hot white flowers, and black containers. Dark metal containers ground arrangements giving them a full and weighty appearance. They also take on the temperature of the flowers used; Warm colors make them look warm and vice versa. 

Blue-based whites give this event a "cool" color scheme. The crystal and polished silver elements amplify the cool setting. Contrasting the stark white, a variety of hot pink and red flowers boldly stand out, but they still take on the temperature of their surroundings.

Lighting has the biggest impact on the color temperature of a setting. The cool evening light washes over the white tables giving them a blue hue. Warm lighting will dramatically increase the color temperature of any setting.  Candlelight, if it is a twilight to late night event, is highly effective for warming up a cool palette. 

 However, white can also generate a cold, sterile and harsh atmosphere. If that is not the goal in mind, offset the rigidity by softening the palette with warm, "soft", natural elements, or using whites with a yellow base rather than blue. The yellow-based green and white flowers are arranged in a warm terra cotta container. The relative "coolness" of the light green linens are offset with deep brown bamboo chairs. The yellow midday light also adds to the "warm" environment. 

Spring Wedding: Part 4: The Finale

Striking deep red accents give an edge to the soft golden palette, 

holding the viewers' interest at every vantage point.

The red backdrop makes the yellow flowers "pop" out.

Features such as the cocktail highboys, and the cake are highlighted.

A very elegant and dramatic setting