Flower arranging Halloween-style

I've had such an overwhelming response to my Halloween home tour this week that I wanted to keep the holiday fun going. Halloween is the best, and there is so much room for creativity, especially when it comes to flowers. With the right container, you can boost your flower arranging skills taking them to new spooky heights. 

Thinking creatively about items that can hold flowers is what makes this even more fun. I picked up this skull cookie jar from Target last season, but I saw the exact same one this year. There are others floating around out there too, so just be on the lookout when you're out and about. 

My farmer's market always has the most beautiful vibrant flowers, and when I saw these that looked like brains, I was sold! If you don't have a farmer's market at your fingertips, head to your local grocery store. You can choose several bouquets and deconstruct them to get exactly what you want. I even think roses would be fabulous in the skull. If you tightly arrange them, you can really make a big, brainy impact. 

I created this creepy centerpiece for Annette Joseph's blog last year, but I've been itching to recreate it this season. I think a trip to the farmer's market is in order! 

Flower Arranging 101

Over the past few years, I've become one of those people who likes to have flowers somewhere in the house at all times. I love the punch of color flowers provide, and I love having a little natural element in a room or two around the house. At my house, you'll usually find flowers on my dining room table, on my built-ins in the living room, and in the two upstairs bathrooms. Love flowers in a bathroom, y'all. 

I used to be the person who would pick up a mixed bouquet at Publix, cut the stems down, plop the whole thing in a vase and call it a day. However, a few years ago I took at floral arranging class with Lindsay, and it really opened my eyes to flower arranging as a whole. Then, two weeks ago, I took another class with C Wayman Designs in Auburn, and it's like my basic knowledge exploded. 

Truly, there are so many things to consider when arranging flowers, and I am definitely not an expert, but I thought I'd share a few of the tips that I've learned over the years to help you with your own home arrangements. Enjoy! 

Lay all of your flowers out in groups. Like a good wine, your flowers need to breathe. Take them out of the packaging, gently separate the stems, and lay like among like. If you're arranging immediately, you don't have to keep them in water, but if you're arranging later, make sure they have plenty to drink. 

Remove the leaves. I know you love the leaves, and I know you've been told that leaves help give plants water. But here's the deal: the flowers are already dead, so if you remove the leaves, you're not hurting them. In fact, you're actually allowing the water to flow up the stem to the buds/petals instead of getting lost in the leaves. 

Ditch the ugly. If you do opt for a premade bouquet (nothing wrong with that!), ditch the flowers that are broken or are obviously filler flowers. This applies especially to excess greenery. Keep the flowers that not only look the best (no brown petals or stems) but that seem to fit in your color scheme.

Arrange in your hand. This is a tip I picked up from Catherine at the workshop a few weeks ago. Arranging in your hand allows the flowers to form a natural circular bouquet. Basically, hold out your palm, and place the first stem in your hand, held by your thumb. Next, place the next stem at an angle across the first stem. Rinse and repeat. 

Tie your bouquet. My life changed when I realized the secret to keeping my flowers sturdy in a rose vase (or any other clear vase) was tying them together. For best results, use floral wire. Amazingly, you don't even notice it! 

Easter Centerpieces Using Unique Vessels

Spring has sprung and Easter is right around the corner. Since we're renovating (and possibly moving in) around Easter this year, I probably won't be entertaining, but that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming. One of the things I always associate with Easter is beautiful floral centerpieces. 

I don't know about y'all, but I haven't quite built-up a fabulous vase collection just yet, so when it comes to centerpieces, I have to get creative about what I put them in. It's easy to create Easter centerpieces using unique vessels. Seriously, just do some out-of-the-box thinking around your home. It's simple: anything that can hold water can serve as a vase - teacups, cereal bowls, shallow ramekins, coffee mugs, and even old candles all work well. 

Two of my favorites to use are ceramic tumblers from Honeycomb Studio. Honeycomb Studio recently launched a tableware collection that is absolutely stunning. It would make a fantastic gift for anyone getting married this spring, or you can treat yourself with a few of their tumblers for a gorgeous Easter centerpiece. 

Don't forget to peek in your own china cabinet for other potential floral vessels. A collection of teacups or a few bowls make quaint centerpieces that are the perfect height for conversation. 

What are your favorite unsuspecting vases for Easter centerpieces? Share your secrets!

Using What You Already have for Entertaining

Decorating a table for the holidays can be a bit daunting, especially for those of us who haven't quite acquired tons of entertaining pieces. While there is pressure from blogs, magazines, tv, and social media to purchase everything under the sun to make your holiday table beautiful, it's a lot more economical to use what you have. 

One of the things I like to do is think outside the box when prepping a table for entertaining. What can I use for a table runner? What fun things do I have for chargers? What do I already have that I can use for a floral arrangement?

I got this bowl from Dixon Rye at the grand opening last month. Since it's not a part of a set (yet), I thought it would make a great vessel for flowers from good old (cheap) Trader Joe's. I picked up two arrangements for $15 even and got to work. It turned out so much better than I had anticipated, and I didn't  have to go buy a fancy arrangement or an expensive vase to make it beautiful. Not to mention the extreme sense of pride I felt because the only cost in this project was for the flowers themselves. 

Not only does using what you have save you a few pennies here and there, it makes your holiday decor that much more unique to you. It tells a story. It starts a conversation. And hey, it might even make someone envious of your thrifty skills.