Mother's Day Floral Seminar

Effortless Flower-Arranging Tips

You need not be a master florist to create stunning fresh-cut floral designs. Fashion
your own signature arrangements and bring the beauty of the season into your home
with these expert tips:

Blooming Basics

• When purchasing flowers, ask the florist how fresh they are—this will determine the life and vibrancy of your arrangement.
  
  
• The vase size determines the size of your bouquet. And there’s often less room than you expect in that vase or container. So choose your container first, and keep its size in mind when buying flowers.
  
  
• Simplify. Keep floral colors the same (monochromatic) or combine similar hues (tone on tone), such as red and pink, orange and yellow. For the greatest impact, stuff your vase with one type of flower in one color.
  
  
• Vase and flowers should be proportionate. A good rule of thumb is that the flowers from the vase up should be as tall as but no more than double the height of the vase.
  
  
• Evenly distribute flowers in the vase. If you have a mixed bunch, make clusters with each kind of flower to achieve a well-balanced look.

Artful Entertaining

These suggestions will ensure your centerpieces are the life of the party:

• Flowers should suit the event or occasion. A hand-picked French Country look—local flowers in an abundant mix of summer colors and varieties—is ideal for an outdoor barbecue. A striking monochromatic arrangement adds a touch of drama to a formal or black-tie affair.
  
  
• Note the style and colors of the venue and aim to incorporate similar elements into your floral design.
  
  
• Choose seasonal flowers that would grow in your climate. It’s a good way to help support your local flower farmer, too.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the vase. Scatter rose petals in the center of
  your dinner table around a few pillar candles. One dozen roses will give you
  plenty of petals.