I have a secret to share; I have (one) magical power, or so I have been told. Yes, a magical power that can be quite handy. I can create beautiful, professional-looking flower arrangements quickly and affordably. I wasn’t aware I held this power until friends asked me to create arrangements for them. One huge misconception about floral arrangements is they are complicated to perfect and you need to spend a ton of money. I am sharing my simple tips and showing you in a step by step picture guide how to create a stunning flower arrangement in just 5 minutes and of course throwing a few tips along the way!
VASES
My secret weapon to creating a professional-looking flower arrangement is the VASE. We all have a cabinet full of leftover vases, but are you using the right size vase? My perfect vase has an opening of 3.5 inches to 4 inches. Why are these my magic numbers? Anything larger than 4’ means more flowers to fill the space, and more flowers mean more money! Starting your flower arrangement with the right size vase will set you up for success. Amazon has my go-to vases!
SHOP MY FAVORITE VASES
FLOWERS
I keep it simple when purchasing flowers. I buy in-season florals, ensuring I am getting the freshest of flowers, but also keeps my cost down. You will pay a premium for out of season flowers. If you have a flower market near you, utilize it! It makes for quite the fun trip not to mention you can get a significant deal on flowers. I am fortunate to have multiple grocery stores with fantastic floral departments at my fingertips. So while I am running in to grab dinner to cook, I can grab my flowers #winning! If real flowers just aren’t an option for you a faux floral arrangement is a great way to go.
Greenery
First, we need to add greenery. Adding different types of greenery into your flowers adds layers of dimension creating a more substantial arrangement. I love eucalyptus. It hangs perfectly from the vase and gives a whimsical fill to any arrangement. Adding green Hypericum berries or Ruscus greenery are great options as well. When starting, arrange the greenery first. This will give your arrangement the volume it needs to look professional. The greenery doesn’t have to be arranged with too much strategy in mind; the flowers do! I do like to arrange the greenery with asymmetry in mind. I prefer greenery to cascade from one side of the vase, not both. Be unique and let things fall naturally.
Blooms
When picking out flowers for an arrangement, first look for the more abundant flowers that will fill much of the space. Hydrangeas are my go-to for this. Next, pick a flower to add height; lilies are a great option. Lastly, choose a flower to add depth and a different texture, roses and peonies are my favorite. This flower is going to be the most expensive. You don’t need a ton, just enough to sprinkle throughout. I like to purchase in odd numbers, 3 hydrangeas, 5 peonies, 7 roses, etc.
ARRANGE
Before arranging the flowers I like to separate all greenery and flowers by type. I make organized piles separating the different types so that I can easily grab what I need when I am ready. Next, I fill the vase 3/4 of the way full with water. Be sure to add a little sugar or flower food to your water, this will help keep them fresh longer. Start arranging your greenery as mentioned above then add in your blooms or specialty stems. Make the arrangement as big or as small as you’d like; that is up to you. The bigger the better though! Arrange the flowers at staggering heights. I typically place one flower directly in the center of the arrangement and let this one stand tall. Then I spread the flowers out having some in front and low with taller flowers in the back. PS: be sure to cut your flowers near a knot on the stem and at an angle. Supposedly this helps keep them alive longer.
Step 1: Fill your vase with cold tap water and add a teaspoon of sugar or the packet that comes with your flowers; this will prolong the life of your flowers.
PRO TIP: If using a large vase you may have issues with the flowers staying in place. You can add tape to the vase and place your stems in the gaps. Think of a basket weave and cross the tape across the mouth of the vase accordingly. Sometimes, once I have added enough stems I am able to lift the tape so that I can move the stems more freely.
Step 2: Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stems. Water will sour if foliage sits below the surface. Next, trim the end of the flower stem, cut at a diagonal angle. Place immediately in water; this is crucial for a longer-lasting arrangement.
Step 3: Greenery – place each at an angle in the vase. The tip should be in the water with the stem resting on the rim. Overlap the stems as you make your way around; this gives your arrangement support and becomes your framework.
Step 4: Volume – place end of the stem (hydrangea) just barley in the vase, allowing the flowers to spread out.
Step 5: Height – adding Lilly’s (in this case, carnations) one at a time, creating a loose group. You do not want them to be bunched too tightly.
Step 6: Texture – create a group of 2-3 stems on one side and another group of a different size opposite creating asymmetry. Next, scatter a few stems throughout for pops of color, if you choose. These will be your most delicate flowers.
Step 7: Finishing Greenery – adds additional height and helps shape the arrangement. Poke greenery and other foliage in loose groups and between flowers. Sometimes, I will simply rearrange the greenery that i have already placed in the vase.
Step 8: Refine and Adjust – take a few steps back and make adjustments if heights aren’t visually cohesive
Step 9: Top your beautiful floral arrangement with water if needed. Make sure to change/replace the water every few days to prolong the life of your flowers. Tip: Use a turkey baster to add/remove water, leaving your arrangement untouched while removing water
Now you too have a magic power! Having fresh flowers around our house truly brightens my day. By creating my flower arrangements, it not only saves my bank account, but it is also another creative outlet for me. I am finding beauty in my creations, whether it is the simplicity of a rose in a single stem vase, a bunch of tulips, or an over the top arrangement. It all speaks to me. Make sure to share your new-found magic power with your friends and teach them how to create a beautiful flower arrangement in just 5 minutes!
