How to Create Basic Floral Designs

Determine where you want to place the flowers. Select a low-height display for a kitchen table, while an entry-way arrangement may require a larger bouquet with a wider range of flowers.

Plan the color of the design. Choose flower colors that are next to each other on the color wheel to create a display that blends and is harmonious. Pick contrasting flowers to create a more dramatic appearance.

Select a container. Containers are generally vases but may also include baskets, tin cans or other items found in your kitchen --- anything large enough to hold a flower display. They can be as diverse as a tea pot or a hollowed-out pumpkin.

Examine your flower choices. A delicate lily of the valley next to a sturdy sunflower may seem out of place, but place that same lily of the valley next to another delicate flower -- perhaps an orchid -- and the two will make a beautiful blend. Visualize the end piece and experiment to appropriately choose and place flowers.

Prepare the flowers prior to use. Although most flower ends are pre-cut, cut them again under running water prior to inserting them into the container. This allows the flower to catch a bead of water inside the cut portion of the stem to maintain freshness.

Prepare the container. Choose water as your base if you plan to add lemons, cut glass beads, floating candles of other items to your floral display. Otherwise, use aqua crystals, a gel-like substance that absorbs three times its weight in water. It works well to keep plants hydrated. Aqua crystals can be tinted to a desired color with two drops of food coloring.

Insert the flowers into the vase. Pick the tallest flower and place it in the middle and work the height of the flowers around it, down toward the edges of the container. You may want some flowers to drape over the side of the container to achieve a romantic, cascading appearance, or choose keep the flowers upright for a more formal display.

Add greenery. Select branches with bright red berries to add height and interest to a winter-white holiday display. Consider eucalyptus leaves for a summer arrangement that contains flowers in pastels and soft colors. Deep vivid greens work well as a backdrop to an autumn flower display of reds, golds and oranges, while lighter, brighter greens work well with the vibrant colors of spring.