Create Your Own Stunning Flower Arrangements

I LOVE having fresh flowers around my house. They add life to my space and freshen up areas that are otherwise kinda dull.  Years ago I took a flower arranging workshop with Steve Moore of Sinclair & Moore Designs.  It was a 3-day hands-on workshop where I learned flower arranging basics and had the opportunity to work with some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen!  It was such a memorable experience though the flowers I was using weren’t realistic for everyday arranging.  As much as I’d love to have peonies, ranunculus and garden roses to work with year round, the reality is, most grocery store flower offerings are often tulips, roses, carnations, and hydrangeas.  

But don’t let that stop you from putting your creativity to work.  You’d be surprised how beautiful you can turn everyday flowers into something grocery store chic.  So whether you’re preparing a centerpiece for a holiday or party, or just brightening up your home, creating a beautiful floral arrangement doesn’t have to be complicated.  
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own stunning flower arrangements!

Choose Your Flowers

The first step in arranging flowers is choosing the right blooms. 

I always start with a color palette which I pick at the store based on what flowers are available.  From there I look for different styles of flowers in complementary colors, textures and sizes.  You can also consider the occasion and the mood you want to create. Here are some ideas:

For a cheerful, bright arrangement: Pick sunflowers, daisies, and tulips.
For a romantic or elegant arrangement: Use roses, peonies, and lilies.
For a casual, relaxed vibe: Wildflowers or greenery, like eucalyptus, can give a natural feel.

Prep the flowers

Before you start arranging, you’ll want to prepare the flowers. Trim the stems at an angle (about 1-2 inches) to help them absorb water better. I also like these shears, and honestly they cut so much better than my kitchen scissors. Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline to prevent mold or bacteria growth.  Sometimes if blooms are not opened much, I will leave them overnight in water to allow them to open up a bit more before arranging.  

Choose a Vase or Container

The vase or container you use sets the tone for your arrangement. Make sure it’s clean and has enough space for your flowers. You can use anything from a classic glass vase to a rustic pitcher, depending on the style you want to achieve.  Fill the vase with fresh water and a flower frog.

Begin with Foliage

Begin by placing your greenery or foliage. This forms the base of your arrangement and provides a framework for the flowers. Arrange the greenery in a circular or triangular shape, making sure to leave space in the middle for your blooms. This step adds depth and balance to the arrangement.

Add the Focal Flowers

Next, add your largest and most striking flowers—these will be the focal points of your arrangement. Place them around the center, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The flowers should be positioned at different heights for a more dynamic look, with taller flowers in the middle or back of the arrangement.

Fill in with Smaller Flowers

Once the focal flowers are in place, it’s time to add the smaller flowers to fill in the gaps. Use these to bring color contrast and texture. Arrange them around the larger flowers, making sure the bouquet looks balanced from all angles.

Finishing Touches

After placing all the flowers, take a step back and check for any empty spots. You can adjust the flowers and add more greenery if needed. 

Keep Flowers Fresh

To keep your flowers fresh for as long as possible, change the water every few days and re-trim the stems. Keep the arrangement away from direct sunlight and heat to prolong the life of your blooms.

Arranging flowers is one of my favorite things to do.  It’s very fulfilling to use your creativity to put together beautiful arrangements.  If you don’t feel comfortable or confident in your skills, remember that it’s a process anyone can learn, and the more you do it the better you will get!  With a little practice, you’ll soon be creating beautiful flower arrangements to enhance any occasion. So, gather your favorite blooms and start experimenting!

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