Cherry blossom party

Melissa Douse, Contributor

In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents how fragile and beautiful life is. It's a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful, but also tragically short like the stay of the blossoms themselves.

Every year mid to late March, the cherry blossom tree blooms in abundance and beauty, but then soon the blossoms disappear. Cherry blossoms herald spring and, again, are a great backdrop to a party devoted to the coming of warmer weather. A cherry blossom party is a great excuse to infuse bold colours such as red, black and white into your event.

To throw a party focused on cherry blossoms, here are some tips that can help bring that Asian feel to your party and welcome spring.

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns add an Asian feel to any party and social gathering. Use paper lanterns that are white, pink or red. If you can find cherry blossom-printed paper lanterns, you can incorporate those as well.

Bright red table runners

A bright red table runner is sure to stand out and add contrast to an underlying white, pink or light table cover. If you are unable to source a solid red runner, a red runner with gold detailing will do the trick.

Faux cherry blossom sprigs or poui tree blossoms

Stop in at your local home-and-garden store and purchase some faux cherry blossom sprigs. These can be used as a table centrepiece as well as additional décor.

Poui trees are extremely easy to spot across the island. If you have a pink or white blooming tree, or if your neighbour has one, use the blossoms by placing them in a clear vase or jar filled with water, along with a few sprigs with some blossoms still attached. This is perfect for a table centrepiece.

Candles

In keeping with the theme, pink, white and red tea candles are perfect to have just laying around or floating in water.

Food and drinks

Food served at springtime tends to be more on the lighter side as opposed to heavy meals served in winter. Also, because this party is normally held early afternoon, have a pot of tea, some tea sandwiches, a cheese tray with crackers, toast cups with chicken salad, cream cheese pinwheels, mini croissants, salmon and cucumber fingers, etc.

In keeping with the theme, remember to incorporate cherries, so cupcakes and tarts topped with cherries are ideal.

Party favours

Mini cherry blossom lotions and hand sanitisers from Bath & Body Works or a few tealight candles.

For additional tips, menu options and recipes visit www.mycraziefoodie.net. For any other questions, queries and comments email mycraziefoodie@gmail.com