I used to say “I wish I knew how to”, “I wish I had time to” or “if only I could”. Then I did. I was always intimidated to create a centerpiece. I was lost at what to purchase, where to start, and fearful of the outcome.
One day seven or so years ago I needed a beautiful flower arrangement for a magazine shoot and didn’t have the budget to order one. I decided I’d give it a try with a little guidance from a floral friend of mine who could walk me through it over the phone if needed.
Since that day, I have learned so much. I love sharing my favorite floral tips with you! I’ve shown you how to be your own florist, how to revive wilted hydrangea, and even how to create a centerpiece of hydrangea or ranunculus.
When I decided to give it a go designing my own, I pulled a beautiful carnival glass pedestal bowl from one of my grandmother’s boxes we had in our basement storage, picked up a few blooms that I loved {hydrangea and freesia} and got to work.
At first I felt it wasn’t looking that pretty, so I pulled all of the flowers and started over.
How many things in life can you easily just start over without consequence? I realized that was one of the best parts about flower arranging – you can start over again and again until you achieve your goal.
For my second run through I cut the hydrangea stems down further and accented with freesia and had a simple centerpiece that I was really proud of – for $12.
I felt so much pride creating that first centerpiece and gained a lot of confidence to just play with flowers and see what worked and what didn’t. I realized I had nothing to lose. There is no right or wrong way to design a centerpiece, it’s completely up to you.
Now I prefer arranging my own flowers rather than purchasing from a florist because I find playing with them is therapeutic. I buy stems at the grocery store weekly and create arrangements big and small to display throughout our home.
When I was at Trader Joe’s Monday, I found bunches of peonies for just $5.99. I was delighted to enjoy a second round of them. Today I’m sharing how to create a simple centerpiece with peonies, roses and herbs, but you can always substitute your favorite blooms.
How to Make a Simple Centerpiece:
Ingredients:
peonies {white and blush}
roses {white and blush}
cilantro
short cylinder vase
clear florist tape {available at craft stores}
Flower Recipe:
- Fill vase with water
- Create a grid with tape
- Starting with your biggest bloom, remove leaves, cut stem and place in the center of the vase
- Continue working your way out with the same type of flower “measuring” stems by placing them near the vase at the angle they’ll fall and trimming to size – don’t worry if it doesn’t feel full, you can fill in later. Set aside a few larger blooms to use later
- Working in a circle around your vase, repeat with the other flowers. Fill in with your big blooms and adjust as necessary. Don’t worry about some flowers falling higher or lower than others – it will give your centerpiece a unique shape
- Add 3 stems {I like odd numbers} of cilantro or herb of your choice – 1 at the top and 2 at the sides
Have you tried one of my flower arrangements? I’d love to see, tag me on Instagram! You can see more of this table setting here!
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I love this! When does Trader Joes have peonies? My sister’s wedding shower is March 21st and I’d love to use them in the centerpieces. Have you noticed what other flowers they tend to have at that time of year? Thanks!
Hi Heather!
I have a post about peonies with lots of details that might be helpful! Peonies are generally available early May through mid June, in my experience (here in the Midwest). You might also look for ranunculus, which tend to start in March and peak in April.
Julie
The pot I had my cilantro in didn’t provide enough drainage and the plant shriveled just as it started to bloom. Floral arrangements have been a challenge for me but I won’t stop trying. Thanks for the lovely pictures and the tutorial.
Oh no! Herbs definitely need great drainage. It’s really easy to grow outdoors if you should give it another try! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!
I love cilantro blooms but I never thought to add them to a bouquet! Gorgeous!
🙂 gwingal
Thank you!
thank you!
That is beautiful! Do you have any tips on making the blooms last? With hydrangeas in particular, I find they completely wilt within 24 hours. Not sure if I’m cutting incorrectly, or should be adding something to the water, or what.
Yes, trim 1″ or more off the stem at an angle under running water and refresh the vase. I usually get a couple weeks out of hydrangea that way. Let me know if that works for you!
So lovely! I never knew that was what cilantro looked like when it bloomed. How clever to use herbs as well as flowers.
It makes arrangements feel interesting and I can almost always find something from the garden to use. Hope you have a beautiful week!
Beautiful!!!
Thank you!