Nothing enhances a room quite like fresh flowers. Whether it is a centerpiece on a dining table, an arrangement in an entry way or small bud vases lining your living room mantel, bouquets of all sizes bring life and color to any space. So, add a touch of natural beauty to your home with these design tips to help you create basic arrangements in a variety of different styles.
To get started, select your flowers. In-season blossoms will be less expensive and always set the perfect tone, but roses, orchids and other buds are available all year long, so you can always feature your favorites as well. Prep your flowers by giving them a fresh cut at a 45-degree angle and remove any foliage that could fall below the water line—leaves in the water can grow bacteria and shorten the life of your flowers.
Next you’ll want to choose your vase or containers and pour in some water. Then, design your look by grouping all of the same shades together or mixing complimentary colors like we have here—the bright roses pop against the daisies while the greenery adds some great texture. Gather two to three stems of the largest flowers together and work in a circle, gently turning the vase as you go to ensure the arrangement is symmetrical. Continue to layer in flowers from biggest to smallest and finish with greenery, grasses and/or berries.
Another method for assembling your bouquet is known as clustering. It’s where you actually create the whole bouquet in your hands, before cutting the stems. Holding the blooms, you continually add flowers, making sure to vary the height. And when you achieve a look you love, you simply cut the stems across the bottom and place them all at once in a vase.
As you work, you can craft any shape you want for the overall arrangement. For example, if it’s a cone you crave, simply cut stems in tiered lengths, with the bigger blossoms getting shorter stems. This one, on display at my home in Washington, features a slightly rounded puff. Ideal for the beachy-feel found in my home, this relaxed arrangement pairs pale pinks with white petals in a mason jar, tied with a string for a sweet accent.
Before you walk away to admire your handiwork, be sure the flowers are spread in all directions—this will give even the smallest bud vase a little extra volume for a full, beautiful finish you’ll love to look at each day.
24 Comments
Debbie Butler
May 22, 2018 at 2:40 pmYou have the touch for arranging the flowers, gorgeous arrangement with such simplicity.
Pam Link
May 22, 2018 at 3:23 pmYou look like you’re having so much fun!
Debra Tucker-Frank
May 22, 2018 at 4:27 pmThis is a wonderful site w/gorgeous photos. I cannot wait to explore this blog of Debbie’s & learn from such a wonderful woman who I have such admiration for. I always look forward to seeing her on Hallmark Home & Family show especially when she is cooking & promoting a new book.
Fran Russell
May 22, 2018 at 5:31 pmMy mother was able to make beautiful arrangements . . . I did not inherit that gene. However, I do like simple arrangements with just a couple of flowers . . . a single rose with greenery for example.
Nancy Lepri
May 22, 2018 at 5:32 pmThanks for your great suggestions for making a house a home!
Janice
May 22, 2018 at 5:57 pmLifestyle gives me some new ideas, enjoyed.
Janet
May 22, 2018 at 6:31 pmDebbie,
I just want to say that I’ve been reading and recommending you for years. I love the pictures you share on your blog and through Twitter and email. Have a blessed day!
Nancy
May 22, 2018 at 7:00 pmVery crafty.
Karen
May 22, 2018 at 7:05 pmI wish I was craftsy! This is a wonderful idea. My arrangements are horrible.
Sherri Stapleton
May 22, 2018 at 7:17 pmAwesome ideas and stories
Kathy Koke-Drum
May 22, 2018 at 9:09 pmSomething I used to be able to do when in another home. Had a lot of in door plants. Nothing grows well in the home I have now. So it’s pretty barren, that is until my out side flowers start to bloom. Really like the suggestions you gave. Especially how to cut the stems.
Dawn Markusic
May 22, 2018 at 11:14 pmGreat ideas! I love flower arrangements.
DIANNA JEAN SHANNON
May 23, 2018 at 1:18 amI like your book, I read nearly all of them, and also follow the show on TV, Cedar Cove
Cindy Thompson
May 23, 2018 at 2:48 amI could learn a lot from this book!
Elizabeth Palko
May 23, 2018 at 12:11 pmHi Debbie! I love floral decor
. I am what I would consider a crafty person so when my daughter moved out to get married, I changed her now empty room into my craft room. I have storage for all my craft items along with my aunts 30 year old sewing machine and a 8 foot table to work on. It is my new sanctuary!
Judith Geck
May 23, 2018 at 1:00 pmLove your posts and your books first one on our library list for your new book can’t wait. Keep writing these wonderful stories.
Thank you, Judith gecko, Southport, north Carolina.
Lynne
May 23, 2018 at 1:31 pmOh yeah I need to run into the yard and get some inspiration.
Gail Barrett
May 24, 2018 at 12:57 amThank you for the great tips and tricks. Your Easter table was beautiful.
Deborah Kaczor
May 24, 2018 at 3:13 amI can see that flower arranging has the same affect on you as it does me. It puts me in a happy place❤️
Donna Borton
May 24, 2018 at 6:35 amLove floral beauty.
Bonnie J Chalbeck
May 24, 2018 at 9:06 amAlways looking for crafty things to do. Looking forward in this book of what you have design.
JeriAnne Collins
May 24, 2018 at 1:09 pmGreat ideas, I love flowers
BRYNDA S ROTH
May 24, 2018 at 9:36 pmI absolutely love the art of crafting & Debbie’ s ideas & how-tos on Pinterest are so inspiring. I’m planning to make a summer door wreath for my Mother & me!
BRYNDA S ROTH
May 24, 2018 at 9:39 pmSo beautiful, yet so simple! The best kind!