Member Article

Showstopping Platinum Jubilee floral tributes installed at boutique Warwickshire hotels

A couture florist who has arranged flowers for the Queen’s Christmas Speech has created a Platinum Jubilee floral showstopper at a top Warwickshire hotel.

Alison Gainford, founder of Lili Floral Art in Tardebigge, Redditch, was commissioned to design special tributes at the entrances of three properties within the boutique Eden Hotel Collection, including The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

While at Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa in Leamington in-house florist Jo Haworth from Solihull Creations, has gone for eye-catching red, white and blue arrangements above and around the arched main entrance – topped with a crown designed by Stratford-upon-Avon’s PS Events.

Alison, whose floral arrangements were seen by millions when the Queen’s Speech was broadcast from Buckingham Palace on Christmas Day in 2012, has created a sophisticated all-white bespoke arrangement above the main front door at the 45-bedroom hotel on Waterside. The florist who has 33 years’ experience in the industry has worked on TV dramas including Dalziel and Pascoe, been featured in top bridal magazines and decorated venues for the BBC, Sky, theatres and top footballers.

Alison said: “My aim at The Arden Hotel was to make it sophisticated, not too wild and garden-like or too structured. I sketch all designs in advance to suit the style of the building. It features a mix of fresh foliage - eucalyptus and salal – with white wisteria. “What’s great is that the hotel is right in the heart of Stratford, by the river opposite and the RSC Theatres, so lots of people were walking past saying how lovely it was.

“I love working with Eden Hotel Collection and I love the Queen too! I was due to be presented to her at Buckingham Palace in 2012, but just missed on the royal handshake as she was called out to deal with an urgent crisis. But I can say I have the honour of being in the same room as her!”

Both hotels are marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee with a string of festivities to help staff and guests celebrate in style, and even took part in the Queen’s Green Canopy Project which saw staff plant a fruit tree in the grounds of the hotel.

Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington and The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon have a number of events between May and September, including afternoon tea, private dining, and special spa days.

Tara Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director at The Eden Hotel Collection, said: “We are excited to welcome guests to help celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. In honour of the Queen, we have dressed all our front doors with an array of spectacular blooms.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .