Cinco de Mayo Florals - Gerbers & Tortillas
by Ardith Beveridge, Tastemaker in Residence
This recipe is easy - your favorite Gerber daisies and some shrub roses. Use the roses for the tomato, the petals for cheese and the greens for lettuce. Experiment and have some fun. The colorful containers and flowers make all the difference. Bake a flour tortilla or use a fake one.
I was raised in a multicultural environment where everyone shared traditions and celebrations. And now I live, worship, work and play in a unique and very diverse environment. Every celebration and each tradition that brings that celebration to life, ends up around my table with food and flowers.
Cinco De Mayo is a delightful expression of color, music, food and traditional costumes of the Mexican culture. This began as an historic celebration for the people in Mexico.
Life provides so many reasons to celebrate. Traditions are the generational links that bring us together. Cinco De Mayo celebrations happen inside or outside since the weather is usually beautiful. My first thought is how do I decorate. Secondly, what am I cooking? But my first and second thoughts always revolve around decorating the area and the tables.
Your local florist could help you come up with a floor plan for the tables that highlight the focal point of the event. Share with them the items you have at home that are full of color and adapt them for containers, bottles, table ware, tablecloths and napkins. Your florist or maybe a friend can assist you in combining the items you have with beautiful fresh flowers for the center of the tables. Don’t forget the food tables, drink tables and several eating tables, oh yes and the dessert table. The florist will have colorful container suggestions using a beautiful variety of fresh flowers and greens and potted blooming plants.
Place a lovely blossom in the bathroom as a fun surprise for your guests. Use a small colorful vase by each place at the table with a flower for each to take home. Centerpieces with bright ribbons connect the elements together.
Remember this celebration is about the sounds, colors and joys of life. There is no right or wrong way. If it's your first time to bring Cinco De Mayo into your celebration calendar, find a way to include the children in decorating for the event. They will help bring Cinco De Mayo to life.
