Nothing brightens the spirit and soothes the soul like flowers and plants. One of nature’s many gifts, living greenery is not just for special occasions — it’s for every day. Whether from your own garden or from a florist, it’s life affirming to bring a touch of nature indoors.
All we really have to do is use a little imagination. Whether it’s a single flower or a lush bouquet of fragrant flowers, containers make a remarkable difference in presentation.
“There are no rules anymore,” says Renarldo Parker, owner of Eastside Flowers at 10228 East Northwest Highway. “Roses are beautiful in a Waterford vase and they’re also stunning in a galvanized bucket. It all depends on the mood and how formal the setting is.”
Parker says he has even done arrangements in shoes and hats: “Any type or style of vase or container that will hold water can be used, from Grandma’s antique tea pot to the crystal wedding present, and anything in between.”
The Lake Highland florist urges people to look in their cupboards and closets and be open to experimenting. “Even extraordinary containers can be used by adding a plastic lining. Then a small vase or a foam brick can be added as a foundation for the arrangement,” Parker says.
The right size of container is also important. A small bouquet, even one or two flowers, will look full and lush in a tiny vase. Whether your bouquet is small or large, volume is achieved when flowers burst and cascade over the rim of a container or vase.
“Once the flowers and container have been selected, the next step is to prep the flowers. Floral prep includes removing all foliage that will fall below the water level. Always re-cut stems before placing them in water,” Parker says.
Stems should be cut at a 45 degree angle to insure that maximum amounts of water will be absorbed by the stem. When stems are cut straight across, it is harder for water to penetrate the bottom when placed flat against the bottom of the container or vase.
Parker instructs: “In arranging flowers, start at the rim of the vase and work into the center. Add flowers and space them as if they were points of a triangle. Criss-cross the stems as you insert them. This makes a grid that gives the arrangement support. The idea is to place the longest stems in the center of your bouquet. Periodically step back and look at the entire arrangement and make adjustments as needed.”
For a quick, last minute arrangement, Parker suggests creating a topiary. They’re especially nice because only three or four flowers are needed. And with the added greenery and flowers at the base of the stems, the arrangement appears very full. Topiaries not only look great on a dining table, but also work well in every room in the house.
When flowers are less plentiful during the fall and winter months, there are other alternatives that have an interesting appeal. Mike Thompson, owner of Sticks and Stones Garden Market at 5016 Miller Street, says greenery is often overlooked: “Leaves are great — the textures, the colors. A vase full of them looks wonderful, especially when you mix two or three different types and textures.”
And don’t overlook produce. “If you are decorating for a dinner party, try bundling 5 or 6 fresh whole green beans or asparagus, for example, and tie with raffia. It’s wonderful,” says Thompson. “Or try gathering small bundles of twigs with seed pods and tie with raffia. It’s a great way to decorate each place setting at a dinner table.”
You don’t necessarily need flowers for centerpieces either. Thompson prefers a grouping of eclectic pieces as an alternative. And it can all be created with things you already have in and around your home.
As an example, the East Dallas shopkeeper suggests using heirlooms, keepsakes or a vintage piece. Maybe you have a favorite piece of pottery, or a bowl or perhaps several smaller pieces of silver. Use one of these as a focal point for the centerpiece and build an arrangement around it.
Look outside and find things that grow naturally, like leaves and pods with texture and color, and small branches that curl and roll in different directions. Such things as crab apples, pinecones, reindeer moss or sheet moss are all great filler pieces and can be placed in and around the objects.
Combinations are endless, but the idea is to let everything come together and interplay with each other. And in the evening, candles, especially tea lights and votives, are essential to illuminate the piece.
Thompson suggests using these same creative ideas for gifts. European Baskets are especially popular because they can be custom made with a variety of items, many that can come from your home. Use those empty baskets you have stored in the closet and fill with anything from vegetables and fruits to herbs — or a small bouquet of cut flowers, pictures of the children, or perhaps a favorite drawing done by your child at school, cookies, candles, wine, or maybe even a packet of birdseed. There really is no limit in what can be included.
The central idea is that European Baskets are made to be functional. Everything in the basket is to be taken out and used or eaten. It’s a gift that will make a major impact and be remembered for many years to come because it’s made from the heart.
Eastside Flowers Topiary
Place a 1/4 brick of Oasis foam inside a small poly-resin bucket. Cut stems of Alstromeria to length desired. Arrange bouquet in tight cluster and insert entire cluster into the foam. Using raffia, tie a bow at the top of the stems to insure flowers stay in a ball-like shape. Next cut usable lengths of Pittosporum greenery (or any other type of desired greenery) and tuck in low around base of flowers, covering the foam. Next add stems of Heather where desired around base. Optional: For an added touch, wrap the middle of the flower stems with raffia and tie at the base. For a free-flowing look, add a piece of Curly Willow.
Sticks and Stones’ European Basket
European Baskets make great gifts because they have the look and flair of food and gifts gathered from a Parisian or Italian country market. Start with an empty basket, or perhaps a galvanized bucket or any other large container that you desire. Add items keeping in mind the person who will receive the basket. Herbs bundled and tied with raffia, a small potted plant, bundles of vegetables, a small bouquet of cut flowers wrapped in brown paper, a bottle of wine and package of seasoning are excellent ideas. Use sheet moss to fill in spaces between items. Small bundles of produce can be attached to the basket with floral wire. When using a basket, let bundles of herbs and leaves from plants poke through holes if possible. Again, the combination of ingredients and gifts included in a European Basket should be custom made to appeal to the recipient’s taste and style.
