In The Royal Manner (6 page)
ROSES
These favourite flowers can be particularly unpredictable. Always choose roses with firm, tight centres and buds. You may find that their heads droop; this is due to air being trapped beneath the head of the rose. It can be corrected by pushing a pin through the stem at the base of the flower head. Recut the stems and plunge in boiling water for ten to fifteen seconds. Another remedy is lay the entire stem including the flower head in a tub of cold water for two hours.
To make this stunning arrangement see page 58—59.
Winter's hard, cold grip thaws into a burst of new life and colour. Spring flowers bloom, animals awake from hibernation and life begins afresh.
Kensington Palace Gardens are carpeted with bluebells, crocuses and snowdrops, providing a spectacular backdrop to the red-brick facade of the oldest of Royal residences in London, the Princess's home for over fifteen years. The Princess – whom I always affectionately called ‘The Boss’ – would take advantage of the 270 acres of wide open space, whether it be jogging, sitting under a tree reading a book or simply watching the world go by.
Each year on 1 March, St David's Day, I accompany a group of children from a leukaemia hospital in Llandough, South Wales, to lay daffodils, the national emblem of Wales, in memory of their Princess, at those now famous gates.
In this section, I have chosen the event of Easter as a main theme, as it is such a special and important time of the year. I have also included a romantic meal for two and a brunch menu – plenty of suggestions, I hope, to inspire your entertaining.
SPRING VASE ARRANGEMENT
Fresh, clean and bright, this stunning vase of mixed green and yellow spring flowers will bring sunshine into any room. Trumpet-shaped fluted tulips fall naturally over a plain glass vase. Simple and elegant vases of flowers are often the most attractive of all arrangements. You can adjust the amount of flowers you use according to the size of your vase. Also, try small square or round vases of tightly packed lilies of the valley, narcissi and hyacinths.
Step 1
A few sprays of greenery such as eucalyptus
A bunch of bear grass
About 50 fluted tulips
2 bunches of Michaelmas daisies
About 20 stems of Veronica (speedwell)
1 large vase half full of water
Step 2
Build up a structure of greenery by working in a round, alternating leaves and grass. Hold the arrangement in one hand and feed with the other, until you have built up a basic frame for the flowers.
Step 3
Adding the tulips: trim the leaves and 5cm/2in from the base of each tulip – this will inhibit their growth. Working with about half of the tulips, feed them into the greenery, adding more grass if necessary, while turning the arrangement in your hand.
Step 4
Because tulips have fleshy stems you need to support them by adding stems of Michaelmas daisies and Veronica. Make sure you keep turning the arrangement to give an even balance of flowers and greenery.
Step 5
Finish off by pushing the remaining tulips into the arrangement where appropriate. Trim the stems with scissors and place in a vase. Rearrange any stems if necessary and top up with more water if needed.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Spoil your partner by preparing this simple, stylish and delicious romantic dinner – ideal for Valentine's Day or an intimate evening at home.
When preparing a romantic meal, concentrate on simple, familiar food, especially food that can be prepared in advance. Atmosphere is the essential element and any romantic setting would be incomplete without candlelight and music. Classical music can be wonderful in a romantic setting, as can popular love ballads. When organizing your table setting don't sit opposite each other, this is an evening to be together, so sit next to each other and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine or champagne.
The Princess's philosophy on entertaining was simple, easy and elegantly executed.
She fully understood that it was intimidating to be invited to a palace to meet a Princess for the first time. Her priority was to break down those pre-determined barriers and to provide her guests with a lasting memory of their special day.
The Princess would have instructed me to place small hand-tied bouquets of seasonal flowers on the seats of lady guests at the luncheon table. The men, not to be left out, would also receive small gifts of cufflinks or pocket notepads.
A warm welcome and an informal chat would often reassure guests that this was not an austere and formidable environment.
ITALIAN SALAD
OF
MOZZARELLA, AVOCADO
AND
TOMATO
A stylish starter. You'll be amazed by the Mediterranean flavours that will come through from a few simple ingredients.
