Check out a short clip from our trip to Paris!

In early February we gave a floral design class at the beautiful Canadian Embassy Residence in Paris for staff responsible with doing the floral arrangements for dinner parties, receptions, etc.

We started out early at the Rungis international flower market near Orly Airport to select flowers and greenery. Rungis is the world’s largest wholesale market for fresh produce. It’s a gourmand’s dream! Fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, cheese and fresh flowers are sold daily in quantities so large an entire train station and highway exit has been built to service the market.

Early morning at Rungis Flower Market

We showed staff how to make lush floral centrepieces for the elegant dining room table, and tall arrangements for the entrance and the grand salon. The house dates back to the 18^th century and is, quite simply, gorgeous! The Canadian Ambassador, His Excellency Marc Lortie and his wife, Patricia, have spent four years there representing Canada admirably. Prime Ministers, Presidents, diplomats, and hundreds of members of the worldwide corporate community and more have been welcomed to the Residence.

Marilyn in the Grand Salon

Class in session!

Table set for Ambassador's luncheon party.

Marilyn and Phyllis

Marilyn and Phyllis flew to Paris Feb. 1st to check out the Parisian flower scene to stay au courant…we saw how some of the finest hotels in the world are decorating their lobbies, and what the top flower shops are doing for bouquets, displays and window dressings. Here’s a few examples of what we enjoyed…..

Here’s a few examples of what we enjoyed…..

Never are we disappointed with the Four Season’s George V.  Under master designer Jeff Leatham’s leadership, his team created displays of luscious spray roses, orchids, cherry blossom branches and calla lilies…all in pink and purple tones. His displays are a feast for the eyes and always worth a look-see if you are in Paris.

Four Season’s George V

At the Hotel du Crillon the standing order for arrangements is roses, roses, roses! Beautiful quality and timelessly elegant, just like the palace hotel itself!

Hotel du Crillon

Overall, pink and white roses were #1 flower on show. At the famous Lachaume florist shop on Rue Royale and René Veyrat on Blvd. Haussmann, roses, ranunculus and orchids were plentiful in beautiful containers on tables, the marble floors, in their windows…such delicious sights on a chilly winter’s day!

Another favourite is the window of Le Bourgeon, 3 Rue du Pyramide, which was filled with exquisite small vases of orchid blooms, gnarly grape branches, radiant Amaryllis blooms in tall crackled turquoise vases…great combination of “chic rustique!”

The big difference in Paris (which we love) is that all the flower shops keep their flowers out on display – not hibernating in big coolers like we see and come to expect inToronto. InParisyou can walk amongst the roses, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, peonies and luscious ranunculus…and it seems they pick you, not the other way around!!

A bientot!

Catherine Lash did a great job discussing weddings for 2012 and introducing Lilium, Cake Opera Co., Rue Pigalle, etc.  The Banquet table is becoming a more popular way of seating guests for a most enjoyable wedding dinner. We added touches of fruits and nuts to the table to make it feel more communal and almost Elizabethan!

CTV’s Marcie Ien had lots of questions for Catherine about planning today’s weddings. And she introduced The Wedding Co. inaugural magazine which is beautiful, and informative.

 The Cake Opera Co.