How to Make a Tall Vase Arrangement

Choose main flowers, filler flowers -- baby's breath or lavender, for example -- and greens that work well together and complement tall vases. Long-stemmed flowers with separate florets, such as tulips, lilies and gladioli, are best for tall vases. For a tasteful arrangement, choose flowers from the same color family -- cool blue and violet hues for cooler months and warm red and orange hues for warmer months.

Cut flowers and greens at a 45-degree angle with floral shears so they are about 1-1/2 times the height of the vase. Immediately place the flowers and greens in water. Use a container other than your vase to temporarily hold the flowers and greens.

Cut off all submerged leaves to prevent them from rotting.

Place a pinpoint holder, pebbles or marbles in the bottom of the vase to hold the plant stems securely. If using a clear vase, use decorative pebbles or marbles.

Pour water into the vase until the water reaches half as long as the flower stems. Add floral preservative, if desired.

Trim one inch from the green stems at a 45-degree angle. Cut flower stems, also at a 45-degree angle, so they are a taller than the green stems.

Place greens evenly around vase.

Arrange taller main flowers one at a time, working in a linear design and trimming stems, if necessary. Add shorter accent flowers, working from one side of the vase to the other.

Accent the flowers with a few smaller filler flowers.