Orchids in Water in a Centerpiece

Orchids With a Candle

• Orchids are so beautiful that they can be used with little embellishment. Choose a cylindrical clear glass vase that stands about 14 inches tall and has a diameter of about 4 inches. Cut a stem of any orchid variety that measures about 11 inches. The stem should have full blown flowers covering it. Place the stem into the vase. Some of the blossoms will make contact with the sides. Pour tepid water into the vase until the orchids are submerged and it is within an inch of the rim. Float a pink or white candle on the water. Place the vase on a tiled mirror and scatter orchid blossoms around the base. Light several clear glass votive candles among the flowers.

Orchids and Lemons

• To create a tiered arrangement, choose a cylinder of clear glass that measures approximately 16 inches tall and with a diameter of 8 inches for the base. Fill it with fresh or artificial lemons. Fill with water to just below the rim. Top the vase with a clear glass shallow bowl. Use florist putty on the rim of the vase to secure it. Fill the bowl with florist foam oasis. Tape it in place with florist's tape. Set a tall, narrow clear vase that is 12 inches high in the center of the foam. Secure it with tape. Cover the foam with sheet moss, flowers and foliage. Place a cut stem of white or yellow orchids into the top vase so that it is below the rim. Fill with tepid water. Set oasis on top of the rim and secure it with tape. Cover it with sheet moss, foliage, tall stems of yellow orchids and bear grass.

Floating Orchids

• Simplicity can make a big impact. You will need a shallow clear glass bowl that is large enough to float several of your favorite orchids. Fill the bowl 2/3 full with water. Cut individual orchids from their stem and place them on top of the water. Add a few coordinating floating candles to your arrangement. Scatter rose petals around the base or set the bowl on a large glass platter. Add beach glass chips around the base of the bowl.

Orchids and Pebbles

• Cut a few 10-inch stems of your favorite orchids. Choose a clear glass vase approximately 14 inches tall with a diameter of about 6 inches. The shape can be either square or cylindrical. Place 3 inches of polished black pebbles in the bottom of your vase. Place the orchid stems into the pebbles in a pleasing arrangement. Keep the top blossoms below the rim. Fill the vase with tepid water until the flowers are completely submerged. Set glass votive candles around the base among polished stones.