Lifestyle

Discover the Art of Floral Décor

May 3, 2018

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.

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24 Comments

  • Reply
    Debbie Butler
    May 22, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    You have the touch for arranging the flowers, gorgeous arrangement with such simplicity.

  • Reply
    Pam Link
    May 22, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    You look like you’re having so much fun!

  • Reply
    Debra Tucker-Frank
    May 22, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    This 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.

  • Reply
    Fran Russell
    May 22, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    My 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.

  • Reply
    Nancy Lepri
    May 22, 2018 at 5:32 pm

    Thanks for your great suggestions for making a house a home!

  • Reply
    Janice
    May 22, 2018 at 5:57 pm

    Lifestyle gives me some new ideas, enjoyed.

  • Reply
    Janet
    May 22, 2018 at 6:31 pm

    Debbie,
    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!

  • Reply
    Nancy
    May 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    Very crafty.

  • Reply
    Karen
    May 22, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    I wish I was craftsy! This is a wonderful idea. My arrangements are horrible.

  • Reply
    Sherri Stapleton
    May 22, 2018 at 7:17 pm

    Awesome ideas and stories

  • Reply
    Kathy Koke-Drum
    May 22, 2018 at 9:09 pm

    Something 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.

  • Reply
    Dawn Markusic
    May 22, 2018 at 11:14 pm

    Great ideas! I love flower arrangements.

  • Reply
    DIANNA JEAN SHANNON
    May 23, 2018 at 1:18 am

    I like your book, I read nearly all of them, and also follow the show on TV, Cedar Cove

  • Reply
    Cindy Thompson
    May 23, 2018 at 2:48 am

    I could learn a lot from this book!

  • Reply
    Elizabeth Palko
    May 23, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    Hi 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!

  • Reply
    Judith Geck
    May 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm

    Love 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.

  • Reply
    Lynne
    May 23, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    Oh yeah I need to run into the yard and get some inspiration.

  • Reply
    Gail Barrett
    May 24, 2018 at 12:57 am

    Thank you for the great tips and tricks. Your Easter table was beautiful.

  • Reply
    Deborah Kaczor
    May 24, 2018 at 3:13 am

    I can see that flower arranging has the same affect on you as it does me. It puts me in a happy place❤️

  • Reply
    Donna Borton
    May 24, 2018 at 6:35 am

    Love floral beauty.

  • Reply
    Bonnie J Chalbeck
    May 24, 2018 at 9:06 am

    Always looking for crafty things to do. Looking forward in this book of what you have design.

  • Reply
    JeriAnne Collins
    May 24, 2018 at 1:09 pm

    Great ideas, I love flowers

  • Reply
    BRYNDA S ROTH
    May 24, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    I 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!

  • Reply
    BRYNDA S ROTH
    May 24, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    So beautiful, yet so simple! The best kind!

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