Decorating with Floral Arrangements – Real and Faux

One of those is real.  Can you tell which one?  It really doesn’t matter and it’s not like you’re trying to fool anyone!  Also, if you like it, and it makes you happy…it’s a keeper!!

Considering how long faux arrangements can last, price is pretty important for them.  You want to make an investment in your decor and choose high quality pieces.  It’s very hard to say what to spend!!  YOU have to like them and determine their worth.  Sorry to say I’m actually not very helpful here just because it varies soooooo much.

I’ve found a lot of my faves at Homegoods!  Michael’s and Hobby Lobby both do arrangements in-store that can be purchased.  And, I’ve purchased my faves and absolutely best quality ones from a local showroom that sells to designers.  A perk of my job!

For real flowers, I’ve found my local HEB to have a great in-season selection and so does Trader Joe’s.  In fact, let’s talk about Trader Joe’s prices on super fresh flowers.  They have amazing prices on super fresh flowers.  Ok, we covered that. And really HEB does too…and I’m sure your grocery store does too.  Most stores guarantee their flowers for at least 7 days.  So, if yours do not last…take em back!  And get more of course.

If your area has a Farmer’s Market, that is a lovely place to get flowers.  A lot of times the selection is really wonderful and they’re local!  Support your community!  The prices are unbeatable.

When shopping for faux flowers, you’ll want to give those petals a squeeze!  Look for textured materials with the feel of a real flower.  You’ll find that there really is a difference in the quality of faux flowers.  Some actually feel like a flower!  Find arrangements that are in timeless vases. Clear glass is always a great choice.  And metals can always be used.  White ceramic is another vase color and material that can easily be mixed into decor.

Another thing to look for when shopping for faux arrangements, is the fullness of the arrangement.  Look for balance among the flowers so it looks good from all angles.  I find that arrangements with greenery, berries and wood sticks are nice and full and balanced.  The flowers are placed among these “fillers” and the result is a beautiful, realistic-looking bouquet of flowers…glued in place in a lovely vase!

The quality of fresh flowers, for me, is: how do they look when you are about to buy them.  They should look like really fresh, just-picked flowers!!  Be wary of flowers on sale.  They probably aren’t going to last up to a week because their best days may have been spent there at the store. I love a deal but it’s best to buy fresh flowers full-price.

OMGoodness, finally!!  How to place them around your home!  Scale is important.  A large bouquet/arrangement does well in a large room, on a large table.  For example: a round table in your entryway, an empty corner on a console table, as a centerpiece when having guests over.  You want these beauties on display!

A lot of times, we have bookcases or a mantel or a console table that already seems to have plenty of vases, books and other decorative items.  It can either look stuffed with stuff or still bare. These are the moments floral arrangements were made for!  They bring color and life to the area being styled.  For these spots, a smaller arrangement is best.  Picture 3-4 roses on top of a stack of books or an arrangement of several different flowers on it’s own atop the mantel. The possibilities are endless!  They should look like they are a deliberate part of your decor.  So find a place for them!

 This is probably my fave at the moment.  Here is another views of this baby:

 SOOOOO gorgeous!