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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I wanted to share a few of my go-to tips for creating a pretty bouquet with store bought flowers. Full disclosure, I don’t wait for special occasions or my husband to buy me flowers. If I see something I like at the market I just pick them up if the price is right.
There’s no denying it. A handful of cut foliage or flowers gives and instant boost to any room.
Let’s face it, florist sell gorgeous flowers but they can be pricey. In a pinch I might splurge but usually I pick up whatever is in season a my local market. When spring and summer arrive I look forward to wild flower farms and clipping what I grow in my yard. Until then I rely on local market flowers and foliage.
How to make your grocery store flowers look like they came from a florist
- Start with healthy flowers. Check to make sure the petals aren’t browning and make sure the stems look healthy and are a dark green.
- Choose hearty flowers. Go for spray roses, calla lilies, carnations, daisies, and regular roses as they tend to last longer.
- Select three types of flowers in complimentary tones. Cream and white for example or choose a mix of brightly colored flowers.
- Choose different shaped flowers. For example, tulips, white roses, and daisies.
- Add something green. I love to add seeded eucalyptus or grasses.
How to prep flowers
Snip off any foliage that will fall below the water line once put in a vase. The leaves in the water can grow bacteria and that’s not good for your flowers longevity.
If your flowers are going directly into a vase, snip off the bottom of each stem so your flowers can drink water. If you’d like make your own flower food! (recipe below)
If you want more inspiration regarding how to style flowers check out Florets Cut Flower Garden and Gathering. Both books also make beautiful gifts.
How to arrange your market flowers
Start with a template. Create a tape grid on top or use a frog at the bottom of your vessel to keep flowers in place. Choose a vase. If I’m creating an arrangement for my coffee table I’ll use a vase that’s not too high. For countertops and tables, try multiple vessels or European Recycled Glass Jars.
For this arrangement I wrapped a large green leaf around the inside of the vessel. Get creative!
For more ideas, check out these blog posts!
- DIY Flower Arrangement
- How to keep your Lilacs fresh longer
- How to add subtle Valentine touches to your kitchen
Snip off the ends of your flower stems prior to putting them into a vase. This will help them slurp up water. Last, make sure to change the water every couple of days.
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DIY Flower Food
Ingredients
- 1 quart of water
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Directions
- Pour water into a pitcher.
- Add vinegar and sugar, stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour into your vase and add flowers!
