Flowers for the Table: Arrangements and Bouquets for All Seasons [Hardcover]

Ariella Chezar (Author), Shaun Sullivan (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2002

Filled with lush seasonal arrangements, Flowers for the Table is the perfect guide to creating a gorgeous centerpiece for any celebration or gathering. What makes floral designer Ariella Chezars work so distinctive is her utterly contemporary approach. In the 24 stunning arrangements included, she demonstrates how to fashion centerpieces out of flowers, branches, fruits, fabrics, and unusual flea market treasures. A brunch tabletop is crowned with delicate white bouquets of clematis, ranunculus, lilies, and anemones. An abundance of roses, amaryllis, and berries festooned with ribbons sets the stage for an intimate dinner party. And the hot pinks, reds, and yellows of winter poppies in silk-swathed vases warm the room for a winter cocktail party. From sleek modern arrangements to more traditional bouquets, theres something for every sensibility. Full-color photographs, an introduction to each season and the flowers and greenery available, a glossary for each section, and countless tips make this the ultimate guide to creating magnificent table arrangements.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

These are not your mother's flower arrangements. Ariella Chezar throws out old rules about greenery and focus points and presents us with a wealth of new gifts to decorate our homes. Her ideas incorporate a few classics like roses and peonies, but also make use of grapes, persimmons, olive branches, and Asian eggplants; what they all have in common is a lush beauty and sense of ripeness that add a feeling of real bounty to the rooms they adorn.

After a short introduction covering general techniques and container recommendations, Flowers for the Table takes you through the seasons. Spring is surprisingly sophisticated, rather than more traditionally pastel, featuring unusual checkered lilies and vibrant ranunculus. Summer brings a stunning "tomato feast," with tomatoes of all sorts twining their vines with tiny red roses. Fall lights up with golden calla lilies and orange peppers, while winter charms with succulents and kumquats. Each section comes to a close with a short glossary of the materials used, helpful if you're unfamiliar with such items as Chinese lanterns or euphorbia.

Containing a mellow mix of stunning photography and straightforward suggestion, Flowers for the Table will give you both inspiration and specific direction whether you're planning a wedding or just looking to dazzle your dinner guests. --Jill Lightner

About the Author

Ariella Chezar is a Bay Area-based floral designer. She has worked as a stylist for weddings, restaurants, and on numerous books, including Tra Vigne Cookbook: Seasons in the California Wine Country (0-8118-1986-8).

Shaun Sullivan's photographs have appeared in magazines such as House Beautiful and several books, including Garden House (0-8118-1910-8) and Garden Home: City (0-8118-3247-3). He lives in the Bay Area.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811829650
• ISBN-13: 978-0811829656
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #416,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!, October 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Flowers for the Table: Arrangements and Bouquets for All Seasons (Hardcover)

Such a beautiful book--I bought this book less for practical instruction and more for inspiration, and I was not disappointed. The arrangements are lush, elegant, classic with a twist. This is truly floral art. There are practical suggestions, and information about each of the flowers used is listed at the end of each section.

I'm not sure how useful this book is for the novice (such as myself) but it offers beauty and inspiration, regardless of skill level.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reading, April 21, 2010

By 

Patsy O. Foster - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Flowers for the Table: Arrangements and Bouquets for All Seasons (Hardcover)

Book has excellent information. I purchased two, one for a friend and one for myself. Both copies are in excellent condition and this book is out-of-print. I was very happy to find it. Great book for flower freaks!