Arranging Flowers For Dummies

Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones that are best. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you might be considering flowers as a gift. Of course, you could just go to a florist and have them do all the work. But, with a little effort on your part, you could have a much more meaningful gift.

Arranging flowers is not that difficult with a little guidance and some great ideas — which is what this article is about. Here, I’m going to provide you will a few tips and ideas to display your flowers creatively, stylishly and simply.

Chose Your Vase
You can look around your house for basic household containers. Think beyond the typical glass vase. Expand your horizons — you just need a container that can hold water and has an opening at the top for your flowers to stick out. Some items that work well include

• water pitchers,
• candle votive holders,
• old cans and bottles
• vintage teapots and tumblers, and
• old jam jars.

The ideas are endless. If you don’t have anything at home, go to your local dollar store and take a look around. You might be surprised by the creativity that can be sparked by walking up and down the aisles.

Cut Your Flowers to the Right Length
Once you have chosen your container, you’ll have an idea of how short you need the stems to be. Depending on the container and the look you’re going for, you’ll either cut the stems short so the flower heads skim the top of the container or longer so that you show them off above the container’s rim. If you choose the latter, cut the stems at different lengths so that you’ll get a multi-tiered look.

Coordinate Your Colors
What happens when the container you chose doesn’t quite match the flowers? You’ll have to cover the container in a way that compliments the flower colors. One way to do this is by putting your container inside a basket. You can also wrap the container with ribbon or colorful fabric. You could even stick the container inside a decorative gift bag that goes with your gift’s theme.

It is much easier to coordinate the color of flowers once you have the vase design set. Another great idea, yet simple, is to cover the outside of the vase in double-sided adhesive tape. Then stick large leaves vertically around. Some household leaves look wonderful because of their exotic markings, coloration or glossiness. If you have no leaves, wind plain or colored string in coils around the container. Adding beads or shells can add a unique look. Satin parcel ribbon or even honeysuckle vines will work, too.

Last Ditch Exasperation
Did your efforts turn to disaster? Try this. Cut off individual flower heads and float them in a low dish of water. Adding small floating candles is very romantic.

Flower arranging is not something you can really fail at if the flowers you love are mixed with the people you love. Even if they are not picture perfect, I think the person you give these to will be touched by the effort you put into the gift.

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