I started this blog in 2008 to share the little ways that I celebrate every day. My style has evolved, but it has always been simple. I’ll often take photographs of minute details and wonder “is it too simple to share?” Over lunch last week with Becky and Christina we were discussing my Instagram feed and how followers there really gravitate toward photographs of my flower arrangements.
When Becky said she could never arrange roses and thistle like that, I asked her why not? It’s so easy! I first thought it was too simple to share and then realized that’s exactly what we all want to look at sometimes – effortless ideas that we can actually use. These everyday flowers are beautiful for a bedside table, living room arrangement or even a bouquet.
The truth is, I’m not a florist. I just love arranging flowers on a whim and the feeling it evokes in our home and my heart. One reason thistle are is one of my favorite everyday flowers is because the thistle does the work for you – they hold the rose blooms in place.
They also make sparse arrangements feel fuller, requiring less blooms and expense. If that isn’t enough, they last for several weeks and are the prettiest subdued shade of purple. I usually find them for $6 for a large bunch at Whole Foods.
Another one of my favorite everyday flowers is roses, of course. Garden, preferably, but this $5 bunch of roses from Trader Joe’s never disappoints. Roses tend to have fuller blooms than most flowers, making them a great candidate to fill an arrangement on their own.
To create this arrangement, you’ll need:
- a few stems of blue thistle {aka sea holly}
- 1 bunch of roses
- scissors
- vase {filled with water}
- Trim thistle to desire height, but leaving a few to a stem.
- Insert thistle into your vase.
- Hold the rose up to your vase and determine where the length the stem should be cut. Cut stem at an angle.
- Remove and leaves/smaller stems that will fall below the rim of your vase.
- Insert rose stem in between thistle.
- Repeat step 5 on all sides of the vase, continuing to nestle blooms between thistles so that they hold them in place and continue until all gaps are filled.
So forgive me if this is too easy, but if you do find value in it, let me know. And of course, if you make one of your own, I’d love to see. Just tag me on Instagram.
You can find all of my flower arranging tutorials and videos here and the secrets to becoming your own florist here. Enjoy!
I never thought to incorporate thistle into my flower arrangements, but I like the look of it in your photos. Great combination of color and I love the little vase that you used as well. Thank you for sharing!
Giant arrangements or the tiniest bud vase, there is no doubt that having flowers in any room brightens my day! A quick tip for your roses to make them last longer-fill a pitcher or bowl with cool water & before adding roses to your arrangement, cut an inch off stem under water. Just use sharp scissors and holding the flower so that you make the cut in the water and allow a few minutes for the stem to fill with water before you add the rose to arrangement. This eliminates any air in stem which extends vase life. Every 3-4 days, make a fresh cut on stem under water. I am experimenting with other flowers, does anyone know what other blooms benefit from this treatment?
Thanks for sharing, Laura!
you really have a wonderful way with flowers! a lovely arrangement, great photos, too!
Thank you, Linda! Have a beautiful weekend!
I adore blue thistles! I used them with white roses and green spider mums in my wedding! This post really gave me some flashbacks 🙂
Sounds beautiful!
Lovely as always…
No, it’s not too easy. I never thought of using thistle before.
Love this post! I need to add thistles to my next arrangement. 🙂
Happy day friend!
karianne
They are in your name, after all 😉
Those are actually Sea Holly.
I didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing, Emily! I’ve always known them as blue thistle. Have a great evening!