Flowers bring a table setting to life, and while I admire elaborate arrangements and have fun creating them for my garden club or in a class, when at home, I often gravitate towards something simpler. I love using all of one flower or color, and letting the beautiful blooms speak for themselves.
Over the last several years, I have had the joy of taking floral arranging classes with friends, and it has come to be a beloved hobby. The teachers always prove to be a wealth of information, charming us with stories of events they have designed and teaching us about their craft. A few tips and tricks that I have learned:
- When using hydrangeas, trim their large leaves to help the flower drink plenty of water and last longer.
- For a classic arrangement, choose a simple vase and one (or two) colors of the same flower. Cut the stems low so they gently spill over the top of the vase. You can even add a little greenery.
- Consider creating a grid with clear or green floral tape on the top of your vase. This will help the flowers stay in place.
- If designing a more extravagant arrangement, follow this recipe and in this order to build your layers:
- Greenery
- Showstopping flowers
- Secondary flowers
- Filler flowers
- Refresh your water daily.
And so, here are a series of fabulous arrangements designed by amazing hostesses and women. I love how each one exudes easy elegance, and effortlessly complements the table setting. From white wildflowers in a sundrenched garden, to a centerpiece blooming with citrus and crisp greenery, the options are endless and there is so much creativity in these pictures. I hope these blooms give you a little inspiration for the next time you create a table arrangement!
Aerin Lauder
Lauren Santo Domingo
Charlotte Moss
Carolina Irving & Daughters
