Floralscape

Beautiful blooms suspended in ice, gelatin, or glass add a unique twist for in-home entertaining

Nature Study

Never mind floral prints on linen. Here, the flowers have become the tablecloth, displayed en masse and cascading from under a raised glass top. The end result is nothing less than breathtaking.

Take a modern approach with mix-and-match tableware such as vintage with minimalist and in contrasting colours. Extend the sense of drama with flowers that spill out from underneath the glass display top.

Floral Table Cloth

• Measure your table and have a piece of clear glass cut to fit the entire length of it or just a section. • Place the glass on top of two sturdy strips of wood (approximately 1” x 1.5” and the length dependent on that of your glass) and secure with clear-drying wood glue. The aim is to create an easily removable raised glass top underneath which to display your flowers. • Arrange your flowers on your dining room

table and place the raised glass frame over them. • Use as a centrepiece display or, if your glass top runs the length of your table, place your settings on top of it.

Jelly Ring

• Line a new or antique jelly mould with cling film. • Place edible flowers and, if you like, fresh berries in

the base of the mould. • Mix pineapple or raspberry jelly powder (enough to fit the size of your mould) according to the packet instructions but using only around 100ml of boiling water. Substitute chilled lemonade, Champagne, or sparkling wine instead of the additional cold water called for in the directions. • Chill your mould and all other liquid ingredients for a few hours before preparing your jelly—this will ensure it sets fast and will retain the fizz factor.

Flower Dome

• Create a decorative ice dome following the same

method as the ice cubes. • Scatter edible flowers along the bottom of a freezer

friendly bowl. • Fill ¼ll the way with distilled or still mineral water. • Freeze until solid then quickly top up with water and place back in the freezer. You can add a few more flowers at this stage. • Freeze overnight for a minimum of 12 hours. • Remove from the freezer. • Let the bowl stand for about 10 to 15 minutes. Invert

over a tea towel and slip the shape out of the bowl. • Place your dome back in the freezer until you’re

ready to use it.

Flower Ice

• Fill an ice tray a quarter of the way, preferably with noncarbonated mineral or distilled filtered water (this will prevent any cloudiness and bubbles that might result from using tap water). • Add flowers or petals facing down and freeze. • Once fully frozen, add water, and freeze again. • Using hot water when making the first step of your ice cubes will cause certain flowers such as violas, calendula, and borage to release their natural dyes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all edible flowers can be consumed whole. Store-bought flowers have been properly prepared but if you are picking from your garden make sure they haven’t been treated with chemicals and, as a general rule, remove the pistils and stamens before making your ice cubes.

What better way to perk up drinks than by freezing edible petals in ice cubes with the vibrant colours of rose petals, marigolds, and pansies?