I used to do something similar all the time as a designer--
Present the client with 3 options. Two of them were terrible. The third was the one I wanted them to choose.
It usually worked. Usually.
Oh yes. When you pick the most godawful colour scheme for your UI to ensure the designers actually make a decision, and it sticks around long enough for everyone to get used to it and become standard.
I would add an obviously hideous element in order to get feedback and for a higher-up to make a decision, with the element being a temporary, WIP.
Instead, it is happily included in production.