My Country, My Inspiration, My Orchid

Inspiration can be a mysterious and fleeting thing with no clear source, and at other times the inspiration is crystal clear. After a recent trip to my hometown in Panama, I experienced the latter form of inspiration.

I was invited by Las Amigas de Malambo for a project that is near and dear to my heart, which is the Malambo Orphanage. I had the privilege of being honored with the keys to the city and was treated with great love. Amongst the many wonderful celebrations, I attended one of the most glamorous parties in the magical home in the sky, of the infamous architect Nacho Mallol, his lovely wife Sandra and their beautiful family. They hosted a party that was entertainment Panamanian style and was a thoroughly enjoyable event that would rival even the most lavish Hollywood parties.

Another highlight of my trip and the source of my latest inspiration was a visit to one of the largest orchid farms in the world, Hacienda Loma Linda, owned by Juan Arias and Juan Arias Jr. Experiencing this farm is like a visual feast for the eyes with a wide array of orchids blossoming in various hues and proportions. Immediately I was reminded of the splendor of my country and of the connection to nature that I always feel when I visit Panama.

To pay homage to my source of inspiration I created my own version of an orchid composed of wild moss, colorful leaves, and exotic candles. The beauty of this arrangement for a table is that at the end of an event each guest can take an orchid home with them. So not only is the orchid a decoration but it also serves as a wonderful gift; and that's the gift of inspiration that keeps on giving.

Holiday Decor Tricks for small spaces

One of the best ways to spruce up a small space for the holidays when entertaining
Is to use the variations of the same shade of color. As you can see in the photos we choose green for our inspiration. This event was held is a small tent behind my clients brownstone in NYC. As you all know that means there is not tons of space but the use of homogeneous colors helps trick the eye to make it look larger.

In the images above you can see how we made our own ornaments by using a bunch of tiny bulbs. I love the layered look of this, we attached these to custom made metal trees that we also hung rain drop crystals from and adorned with ribbon & orchids. All of the elements in the decor were all in the same green family.

even our LED lights and wine glasses were a shade of green!

Another great trick is to mix the live trees with the handmade ones, this gives depth to the room.

Eco-Chic Weddings

Today, I would love to share some green tips with you. More and more, brides are looking for ways to make their weddings eco-friendly. So, with the help of my team, my vendors, and some of my brides, we put together this list:

INVITES
- Use recycled, non-bleached paper for everything from your invites to your programs.
- Send Save-the-Date postcards- not only are they cute and personal, but it saves an envelope (and postage). Do the same for your response cards...
- Set up a wedding website rather than sending printed directions. This can also be a great resource for you, and your guests.
- Forgo tissue and inner envelopes- good for your budget, and the environment!

LOCATION
- If you plan your wedding for spring or fall, you are already ahead of the game. Having your wedding during a cooler month can cut your air conditioning costs in half.

- Have your ceremony and reception at the same site so your guests do not have to drive from place to place.
- Choose a botanical garden or greenhouse as your venue. Not only are you surrounded by lush natural beauty, but the site fee goes to support the garden.

DECOR
- Use potted plants throughout the ceremony and reception. After your wedding, they can be re-planted near your home as a wonderful reminder of that special day!
- Use local, in-season flowers! This not only cuts down on carbon emission from trucking and shipping, but also saves on energy and water used in greenhouses.
- Use fruit in your centerpieces and to decorate your tables. It is a great way to punch up the color of your decor, and you can donate it to a food bank after the event.
- Donate your flowers so people can continue to enjoy them after your event. If you are in New York or LA, check out Flower Power- http://flowerpowerfoundation.org/.

FOOD
- Like your flowers, try to focus your menu on seasonal local ingredients.
- Work with a caterer who uses organic produce and is committed to sustainable agriculture.
- By serving local wines, you incorporate your setting, and also cut down on carbon costs.
- Most food banks do not except perishable food, but organizations like Second Harvest (http://www.secondharvest.org/how_to_help/donate_food/) will collect the food from the reception and use it to feed the hungry.

FAVORS
- Give away bulbs or wildflower seeds and encourage guests to plant them.
- Make a donation to a charity in the name of each guest rather than giving them something material.
- Include sustainable, eco-friendly products- like bamboo housewares, hemp and soy products, and organic linens- in your registry.

For more great tips and advice, check out Portovert Magazine. http://portovert.com/