How to Make a Simple Centerpiece with Peonies, Roses and Herbs

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.

If you love peonies as much as I do, don’t skip this incredible Peony Flower guide!

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