How to Create Submerged Centerpieces With Swirled Calla Lilies

Calla lilies give an elegant finishing touch to a table at a special event. The plant's tall, flexible stems allow you to curve and swirl them in a submerged centerpiece. You can use a round glass bowl or tall vase for presentation. The water and glass will magnify the actual size of the blossoms and stems. If you are preparing centerpieces for a special event it is wise to make a practice arrangement ahead of time.

Vase
Distilled water
Calla lily stalks
Sharp knife

Instructions

- 1
  Set a clear glass vase on a flat work surface. Pour distilled water into the vase until it is 1/3 full. Use distilled water for a submerged centerpiece to prevent air bubbles.
- 2
  Pick up a calla lily and test the length of it against the height of the vase. Cut the bottom of the lily off so that the stem is at least 1 inch shorter than the height of the vase rim.
- 3
  Curve the stem of the calla lily slowly until it moves into a circular or oval shape without crimping or breaking.
- 4
  Insert the calla lily stem, blossom first, into the bottom of the vase and curve it around the glass interior. Hold it down in the water until it is fully submerged. Peer through the bottom of the vase to check the placement of the flower. Move it until you are satisfied with the position.
- 5
  Place a second calla lily into the vase with the blossom pointed in the opposite direction. Curve the stem until it swirls around the interior of the vase. Add another call lily and position it nearer the top of the vase as you curve it into place. You can add more callas to the interior of a large vase.
- 6
  Fill the jar with distilled water until the calla lilies are completely submerged. Check to be sure that all of the cut stem ends are underwater to keep the flowers hydrated.

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