The Floral Decorator

Kenneth Turner is the floral decorator par excellence, the unsurpassed master, who, with his unique designs, has turned a craft into an art. Here, for the first time, he describes in detail the principles and techniques behind his work. From basic skills to breathtaking grand designs, The Floral Decorator contains step-by-step instructions, over forty projects for self-contained decorations, and sumptuous illustrations of Turner's work, making it invaluable to anyone who until now has only been able to marvel at the master's creations.

Turner begins with explanations of basic procedures essential for any successful decoration, whatever the size. With his inimitable enthusiasm and direct approach, he discusses the importance of color, texture and shape, and shows how to plan a design to complement its surroundings. He then goes on to demonstrate simple techniques such as wiring ingredients for displays and creating moss and wire moulds; he also explores the wide range of containers available and how to prepare them.

Using a host of natural ingredients, from fresh and dried flowers to vegetables and foliage, from herbs and potpourri to shells and driftwood, Turner then creates decorations for all situations and all occasions. Around the home, be it a country cottage or a stylish town house, rooms are brought to life with garlands, table decorations, free-standing displays, mirror wreaths and more. Dinner parties large and small, formal and informal, are transformed into unforgettable events with decorations for table centerpieces, chair backs and even plates. Finally, special occasions such as weddings, anniversary parties and Christmas are celebrated in true Turner style with a breathtaking array of festive pieces, from bridal bouquets to aisle displays, scented garlands to ribboned wreaths.

With helpful tips on every page, lists of ingredients, tools and accessories, and fully illustrated, clearly described projects for decorations in every section, this book will be both an inspiration and an essential practical grade for all amateur decorators and lovers of flowers.

Kenneth Turner is internationally acclaimed as the foremost floral decorator working today. His designs and displays, always innovative and uniquely tailored to their setting, have appeared throughout Europe, the United States and the Near and Far East, gracing family homes and grand hotels, stately castles and country churches. Born and brought up in Ireland, Kenneth Turner has had a profound love of flowers and the world of nature since childhood. He studied horticulture and landscape gardening at Greenmount College in Northern Ireland and at Reading University before setting up his own business in 1972. Twenty years on, his highly successful company, Kenneth Turner International, supplies not just floral decorations but also a wide range of silverware, candles, potpourri and luxury bodycare products to customers the world over.