Three Times a Charm

It's A Girl!

Apparently good things do come in threes. Since the beginning of the month we've enjoyed beautiful flower arrangements in our home from the most unlikely sources: an extra arrangement from a baby shower, a leftover centerpiece from a client luncheon, and a thank you from our next door neighbors for helping them stem a flood in the middle of the night.

I recently learned that it's actually a cinch to make fancy, inexpensive centerpieces. I offered to bring pink and white flowers to a friend's baby shower and set out that day to buy ready-made arrangements at our neighborhood flower shop. It was a bright sunny day and walking  around and poking at this flower and that inspired me to bring home a few bunches and arrange them myself. I got lots of tips from one of the helpful florists, and also learned that shops will add a 40 percent mark up on arrangements. If that's not motivation to do it yourself I don't know what is! At the end of the day I had three very pretty arrangements, two vases that I will use time and again, and lots of fun playing with different options, all for around $75.

Office Souvenir

The key is to choose colors and flowers that reflect the season and mood - calla lilies will set the tone for an elegant dinner while a playful mixed assortment reflects a more casual gathering. Pick a few stand-outs like fully opened roses, plump hydrangeas or bright daisies, and mix them with less expensive fillers like babies breath and mini carnations which come in all sorts of pretty colors and last for ages. Use short, cylindrical vases and swirl a few beargrass leaves around the inside before filling half way with water. This is the secret to an arrangement that looks finished and professional.

Good Neighbors

Trim all flower stems to a similar length, about 10 inches, so that the buds don't get in the way of eye contact and conversation, and begin filling the vase, alternating flowers. If you're not sure of the height just set the vase where you want it and sit or stand next to it, depending on whether you're using it on a dinner or cocktail table. Buffet centerpieces should be tall enough to stand above food, including things you're serving on higher pieces such as cake stands.

Buy enough flowers to fill the vases so the stems sit tightly against each other. You may need to snip off a few leaves here and there. And don't forget to ask if your florist has any special deals, particularly on flowers that are in season. Take cues from what you see in magazines and take pictures of arrangements you really like for future inspiration. And most of all, enjoy and be creative!