How to Create Flower Arrangements

Choose the type of flowers you'll use for your arrangement: fresh flowers or silk flowers. Use fresh flowers if you enjoy the creativity of making a completely new display every 10 to 14 days. Some varieties of fresh flowers, such as jasmine, give a room a wonderful aroma. Use silk flowers if you want a long-lasting display or are allergic to pollen.

Select colors that will complement the room decor. A color wheel is helpful for beginners. The colors that are beside your chosen color on the color wheel are complementary. The colors that are on the opposite side of the circle are contrasting. So if your room's main color theme is blue, then choose a color that is on either side of blue on the color wheel as the main color for your flower arrangement.

Look for unique containers for your flower arrangements. You could use brass containers, ceramic vases, wicker baskets, large coffee mugs, sculpted clay, wooden boxes and even large conch shells for an informal bathroom display. Remember that fresh flowers need a watertight container.

Measure the inside of the container and cut a piece of floral foam that will fit snugly. Glue the foam to the bottom and set the container aside to completely dry.

Soak the floral foam if you are using fresh flowers.

Trim the lower leaves and thorns of fresh flowers so they will not rot or mold in the water. Cut the stems at a diagonal to expose more surface area (they will absorb more water).

Arrange the tallest flowers and greenery first. Place them in the middle if the arrangement will be a centerpiece. Otherwise, place them in the back of the container.

Arrange the rest of the flowers and greenery, being careful to not create patches of a single color. For example, if there are several red flowers placed together, insert a pink or yellow flower plus some greenery to break up the patch.

Add some trailing greenery if you are using a basket or wood box. The greenery will soften the sharp outline of the container and keep the eye flowing to the table.

Add scented or plain candles, if desired. Choose between tapered or pillar candles. Very small flower arrangements might use a tea light candle. Trim all flowers and greenery away from the candles to avoid having your lovely flower arrangement go up in flames.

Attach a silk ribbon for a final touch. You can change the ribbon throughout the year. For example, use a red ribbon for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day, striped red-white-blue for Independence Day and burnt orange for Thanksgiving.