Dwell :: Decorating with Flowers

 

 

Last month I picked up Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring’s book “Decorate with Flowers” at our local Marshalls.  You all know how much I love that place right?!  I find the best finds – from dresses to home goods and this book has inspired me in so many ways!  I just love having flowers around the house and it just doesn’t look finished unless I have at least one display of flowers on either the kitchen table or counter-top.  But don’t worry, these ideas they offer don’t need to cost you an arm and a leg!  You can find inexpensive flowers at your grocery story, wholesale florist (I get mine at OK Florist in Westminster) or better yet, wildflowers picked while on a walk with the kids.

 

Here are some of my favorite tips from these two talented ladies!

 

Overview of Flowers:

When choosing flowers feel the heads directly under the bloom.  Are they firm and plump?  If you want ones that are a bit more relaxed, look for ones that are already open.  This is good if you need them to be ready that day.  Otherwise, they recommend you buy your flowers the day before the event (wedding or house party) so they have a day to open.

To open your blooms more quickly add them to warm water.

Look for leaves that are green and vibrant.

If you shake the flowers and some petals fall off – move on to a fresher bunch!

Cut the stems on a 45″ angle so they can drink more water.

Remove all foliage that will sit below the water.  Otherwise you’ll get a smelly bouquet in no time!

Refresh the water every day or every other day.

Keep them away from ripening fruit since the ethylene gas can trigger the aging process.

Do not place them in direct sunlight, near heaters or drafty areas.

If your flowers come with those small packets of preservative, use it as it helps to ward off bacteria.

 

Choosing Containers:

The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing containers!  Consider the size of the opening when choosing your bouquets as this will determine what and how many flowers you can place in one container.

Also think about vessel height.  Low, wide vessels are great for coffee-table arrangements and kitchen table displays so you can see over the flowers.

When deciding on color and textures, think about the rooms you want to place the display in.  Play with the colors and see what looks good to you.  Sometimes I like working with a single color (think orange Gerber Daisies) or mix and match white flowers together.  It depends on what look you are going for.

If using creative containers like wooden fruit crates, vintage tins, etc., but sure to place the flowers in little juice glasses or jam jars. Put a rubber band around the stems to hold them in place.

 

Here are some of our favorite displays we found on Pinterest.  Happy Decorating friends!

 

 

 

Image found on Country Living.  Check out their Pinterest page – they have a ton of wonderful decor ideas!  Love the milk bottle idea tied with a twine.  So cute!

 

Image found on Better Homes and Gardens Pinterest page.  Mix and match different size glass bottles!  Foliage displays are gorgeous don’t you think?  Right from your own backyard.

 

Lots of fun ideas on French Country Cottage.  Such a pretty display of Ranunculus – which are fast becoming my favorite this spring.

 

I put mine in a vintage water (or milk?) container I picked up at an estate sale.

 

 

Found on Homedit.  Such a pretty way to display orchids!

 

Loads of fantastic decor ideas found on Domaine Home.  Hydrangeas are also one of my favorites because they are just so elegant!  Plus you just need one or two in a glass vase and they will last a long time as long as you change out the water every other day.  And be sure to trim their stems every other day as well.   These guys get thirsty!

 

Love the pretty decor ideas found on Vintage Whites!  These two are talented!  Love the metal bucket vases.  Such a fun idea for a party or wedding.

 

 

Community Table has some fantastic centerpieces you can try out this spring!  Love the glass jars on the silver platter.

 

Farmgirl Paints shows that you can use just about anything in the house to display flowers in!  Love how she uses a vintage truck for a centerpiece.  The kids will love this!

 

RUE Magazine put together this super helpful list of seasonal flowers!

 

Hope this helped inspire you to use more flowers around the house.  It just makes my day when I come home and find fresh flowers around the house.  You deserve some prettiness ladies!

 

Happy first day of Spring!  What is your favorite thing about Springtime?

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