Flowers are such a weakness of mine! Here are my favorite flower arranging tips. I get so much enjoyment from the whole process–from the selection of the blooms to the assembly and to admiring them for days!
We have friends joining us with their flower arranging methods too. It’s a Flower Party!!! Put on some music!
Flower Selection
I usually try to select what’s in season, whether from Trader Joe’s (great prices), Safeway (our grocery store), or the SF Flower Mart. I do like single bloom arrangements but more often than not, I will select greenery with two to three types of blooms.
Prolonging the Health of the Bouquet
If you don’t have the little floral food packets that come with some bouquets, you can make your own:
For 1-quart water, add 1 teaspoon bleach, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
Add the “food” and water before starting the design…
You may also like: Food 52: Tips To Make Bouquets Last Longer.
Use Craft Paper or Newspaper For Easy Clean-up
After designing, I shake the flower remnants into the yard waste and toss the paper into the recycle bin.
Step One: Layer In the Greenery
Let’s enjoy the process! Make sure to pull off all the leaves on the branches below the waterline. This goes for the flower stems, too!
Step Two: Start With The Largest Bloom
Cut the stems on the diagonal and remember to turn your vase often to check all the sides.
Step Two: Add The Second Largest Bloom
Does anyone know the name of this delicate white flower? Does my smile look a little fake?
Step Four: If Desired, Add Small “Airy” or Statement Blooms
In this case, I am using Queen Anne Lace. You could also add a little colorful statement-type flower such as lavender, mini roses, or statice. I actually really AM happy doing this!
Step Back and Admire The Flowers!
Change the water and trim the stems again for longevity.
I will admit that I don’t do this as often as I should!
You may also like Flower Arrangements That Make You Feel Special and Charming Table With One Bunch of Flowers.
Let’s have some fun visiting these talented floral arrangers!
Cindy Hattersley Design
Most Lovely Things
Kelley And Company
Pinecones And Acorn
Very helpful post. I couldn’t help noticing your gallery wall behind you. I don’t remember seeing a post about it, I’d love to see the whole thing and info about the art you have there. Off to change the water in my flowers! 🙂
Thanks, Mary. I think I have mentioned it but I may do again!
Just another one of your many talents, your flower arrangements are always gorgeous. If it was in my budget, I’d have my house full of beautiful arrangements like the one you just made. Thank you for the great tips!
Thanks so much, Gail!
Mary Ann,
I love this post. I love to arrange flowers and am always looking for new ideas and inspiration.
thank you,
Karen
Beautiful post and thanks for the tips! Flowers and hostess are so pretty!
Mary Ann, this arrangement is lovely. Mine are not quite as full. Thanks for the steps. I am certainly going to use them. You make it seem like fun. I love flowers.
You’re such a talented floral arranger and you make it look effortless. I love the color scheme you chose here. And, you’ve motivated me to get over to Trader Joe’s and try again … you know I’m terrible at this, but I can improve, right? Love the vase … ordering now! xo
The mix of tonal whites is so subtle and elegant, I wish I could find Dahlias up here. I miss being able to arrange flowers, recently I’ve been buying potted flowers on Home Depot and adding them in a basket to desguise the plastic containers.
Great idea, Liana. I saw some nice potted plants at Trader Joe’s yesterday too.
Lisianthus,, formally known as Eustoma, or commonly as prairie gentian, is one of my absolute favorites. Tip, I use a Lazy Susan to easily check the arrangement from all angles.
Your talents continue to make me smile!
You are so smart, Janice. I use a lazy susan too…but since I reorganized the pantry…I can’t find it 🙂
You crack me up Mary Ann! Beautiful arrangement, so professional looking…thanks for the tips! Love the newspaper idea as I tend to make a mess. I must confess I am not as good about changing the water as frequently as I should either!
Linda
Thanks, Linda!!!
Hi Mary Ann,
You’ve got lisianthus there with your dahlias. I like them because the blossoms last a long time, and they resemble open roses.
I love fresh flowers, have to admit I don’t do much in the way of arranging them, just shove a few stems in a vase and ta-da! I will have to step up my game now that I see how the pros do it!
XO Heidi
Thanks, Heidi!!
Looks like eustorma or lisianthus.
Thanks, Lu.
Great tutorial! My arrangements will look much better!
Thanks, April!!
This arrangement is just heavenly. I adore the color palette. Perfect for your gorgeous dining room and those gorgeous views. Great instructions. I have never tried that mixture for preserving flowers maybe I need to!! Vinegar works for everything doesn’t it? Great job organizing this was a great group!!
Thanks, Cindy. YOU have done some fabulous arrangements!
Gorgeous arrangement! I love the dahlias! You look beautiful and well rested from your trip! I cannot wait to hear more about it.
Thanks, Elizabeth. I think I am finally over the jetlag!
It’s Lisianthus.
Thanks, Tricia!! Smarty!
LOOKS LIKE DAHLIAS TO ME!
BEAUTIFUL ARRANGEMENT!
NO FAKE SMILE FROM YOU EVER!!!!
Thanks! Those are dahlias. Wondering about the white ones.
Lianthus?
Thanks!
My absolute favourite!Almost rose like but long lasting! Think that’s why used often in Bridal bouquets. One of the only true pure white flowers.
I love it too, Barb.