Originally published on: https://morgan-douglas.com/the-magic-of-mocha-mousse-a-floral-journey/
The Magic of Mocha Mousse: A Floral Journey. John from Flower Circus asked if I'd be interested in hosting the very first online show of 2025, and I was thrilled! While I've done many demonstrations before, I knew this one needed to be special.
I decided to base my designs around Pantone's Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse. Initially excited, I named it 'Mocha Groovy Floral Fiesta' – perfect for my "Austin Flowers" nickname! Though working with this rich brown seemed challenging, I was determined to create stunning designs that would showcase its beauty.
So let’s start from the beginning and let me take you through all six Mocha Mousse inspired designs.
I knew I wanted to create something truly special for the first design. The first step was to craft a unique frame for the arrangement. I used chocolate brown raffia-covered wire to create a 45cm circular base, incorporating a strong wire structure for support. Next, I added a textural foundation using approximately 15 stems of rose gold skimmia. This provided a rich backdrop for the subsequent layers.
For the star of the show, I selected 12 stems of the stunning ‘Pirouette’ purple Clematis from Marginpar. These silky delicate petals added a striking contrast to the warm, earthy tones. Finally, I incorporated elegant yet bold caramel-coloured cymbidium orchids from Special Orchids, completing the design.
The finished arrangement, nestled in a chocolate glass globe, exuded warmth and richness. The combination of golden caramel, dancing purple Clematis, and the unique frame perfectly captured the essence of Mocha Mousse. The response to this first design was overwhelmingly positive, and it gave me the boost to continue and move onto design number two.
The second design was a more organic creation. I started with an 80cm coconut bark husk, secured to a slice of wooden bark using screws. For the mechanics, I opted for Oshun Pouch – a fantastic foam alternative that I’ve become quite fond of.
Using the natural shape of the coconut husk as my guide, I incorporated germini, earthy brown spray roses, and terracotta lisianthus from Lugt. To complement the warm tones, I added green cymbidium orchids, perfectly echoing the lime buds on the lisianthus. Finally, I finished the arrangement with soft waves of dried pampas grass.
Design number three utilised a simple yet effective handmade frame. I started by running aluminium wire through a drill to increase its strength. This wire was then bent into a classic flower shape, creating a nest-like structure.
Next, I wove flat white bamboo through the frame, forming a sturdy base for the flowers. I began by placing a creamy hue yellow lisianthus from Lugt at the centre, followed by layers of scabiosa inside and out to add depth and visual interest.
Three rich brown chocolate cymbidium orchids from Special Orchids were then incorporated, showcasing how Mocha Mousse can beautifully compliment a range of colours, including creams and whites. This combination reminded me of my ultimate indulgence – chocolate and cream puddings! Delicious. Finally, I added a delicate scattering of seeded eucalyptus populus to complete the design.
Mocha Mousse: Valentines Inspiration
For 5ht design, I wanted to create something versatile and adaptable for florists. I envisioned a design that could serve as a platform for cross-promotion within the shop.
I started with a wood slice and drilled 25 holes through the centre, leaving space around the edges. I took a 1.8 gauge wire and, after placing it halfway up a test tube, cut it approximately 2cm from the bottom. Then secured the wire to the tube using a “Mocha Brown” tape.
Once all the tubes were prepared, I added a few holes and inserted dried birch leaves to enhance visual interest. Next, I arranged a variety of flowers, including red spray roses, astrantia, terracotta lisianthus from Lugt, and pink scabiosa, varying the heights to create depth and dimension. I carefully removed any excess foliage to emphasise the clean lines of the arrangement.
Finally, placing a few chocolates and a glass of champagne alongside the arrangement. I have used Champagne but florists, remember to check local regulations and licencing laws! But it serves as a visual cue for potential upselling opportunities. This design not only showcases the beauty of Mocha Mousse and it’s complimentary colours but also highlights other products available in the shop, such as chocolates, champagne, and luxury candles.
This versatile display is not only visually stunning but also a clever marketing tool. It demonstrates the creativity and versatility of floral design while subtly encouraging customers to explore other offerings within the shop. This could be your “Limited Edition” where only a few will be made, so your customers better be QUICK!
For my 5th design, I wanted to create something dramatic and impactful. I chose a stunning metallic red boat-shaped container as the foundation. To maintain a compact yet impactful look, I focused on a rich colour palette inspired by Mocha Mousse.
Deep chocolate cymbidium orchids, large-headed mid-pink roses, and terracotta lisianthus from Lugt formed the core of the arrangement. I incorporated pine cones, utilising them upside down & showing off their unique bums! This geometric shape really adds visual interest.
To enhance the overall scale and create a sense of lightness, I added contorted willow branches that swept outwards, giving the arrangement a dynamic and airy feel. Pink scabiosa, with it’s fluffy texture, was strategically placed to add height and compliment the pink roses.
This design, with bold colours and dynamic form, can be easily adapted for various occasions. It could be scaled down for everyday floral gifting, or scaled up to create a breathtaking centrepiece for larger events and corporate installations.
The culmination of the show was a truly spectacular design, a “Mocha Mousse Showstopper.”
I wanted to create something truly unique and memorable, so I began by sourcing a stunning white glass bowl from my friends at Lily’s Flowers in Lightwater. I knew this elegant vessel would be the perfect foundation for my vision.
Next, I ventured into my garden and harvested some willow branches. I used these to create a circular frame, weaving them together and securing them with copper-coloured bind wire, a subtle nod to the Mocha Mousse theme. Once the frame was complete, I placed it on the vase with water, then added layers of soft ruscus and pussy willow which provided stability and texture.
The centrepiece of the design was a luxurious display of over 70 heads of chocolate and caramel cymbidium orchids. I then incorporated a variety of other blooms, including spray roses, astrantia, terracotta lisianthus and seeded eucalyptus, all carefully selected to compliment the Mocha Mousse palette.
The final arrangement, with its impressive 96cm diameter, was a testament to the power of colour and texture. It was a truly showstopping piece that perfectly encapsulated the essence of Mocha Mousse.
To see the Mocha Mousse magic in action, watch the full show by following the link A Mocha Groovy Floral Festival with Morgan-Douglas Nuth
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