Just in time for Valentine’s Day and in the midst of the cold winter months, nothing brightens up a room quicker than a dazzling bouquet of boldly colored fresh flowers. But, do you ever get tired of the same ol’ boring wrapped bunches of prepackaged flowers at the grocery store? Want your store-bought flowers to look like a million bucks? Then read these 8 tips to design grocery store flowers like a pro!
Pinterest is full of pin after pin of arrangements that are over the top and unique, and sometimes discouraging because the thought of trying to make something similar leaves you with feelings of inadequacy– like your creative ability is not up to standard. Well, I am here to tell you that with a little bit of knowledge and planning, you too can build an arrangement with a store-bought bouquet that wows your inner worst critic. Those ho-hum mums will be humming a different tune with these tips to design grocery store flowers like a pro.
1. Consider the Color Scheme
If you can buy individual blooms, then consider the color scheme as you pick out the flowers. Lace + Lillies has great flower color studies on their website. A neutral with a pop of a brighter color works, as well as muted range. This picture demonstrates the possibilities of different color schemes.
2. Vary The Shape Of The Flowers, Know Your Container
Places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s offer packs of flowers of the same type. In this instance, consider purchasing different shapes. You might pair hydrangeas with tulips or a taller flower-like delphinium with roses.
When you are buying flowers, know your container’s shape and the opening width of your vase. This way, while you are browsing those brazen blooms, you can choose the correct amount. For instance, a bud vase only fits a couple of stems, whereas a pitcher or 6″ vase will accommodate hydrangeas and other thicker stemmed flowers.
3. Forage and Grab Some Greens
Here is the biggest secret that can make the most impact for turning the dull flowers into a work of art. FORAGE!
By foraging for blooms and foliage, both can make for added garden-y texture and flair. I will roam all over town and country with scissors and bucket in hand, snipping branches and wildflowers alike. My backyard has plenty of bushes, all of which have ended up in an arrangement for my weddings. My husband planted twice the amount of boxwood in our backyard so that I could mow them down for arranging them. Make sure to cut the stems long enough to flair out of the arrangement and still stick into the water.
Greenery offers a balance to the blooms, and you can bring in an exciting variety of textures. You can create lines and movement in a bouquet with foliage, sometimes much better than the flowers themselves. But, hey, save a few bucks, and instead of purchasing it, try cutting some yourself.
4. Choose Varieties That Last
Most blooms sold in stores or floral shops are commercially grown flowers because they are long-lasting varieties. Flowers travel around the globe from places like Columbia, California, Florida, Holland, etc., and, therefore, need to last. Some types do last longer than others. For example, roses tend to last longer than hydrangeas, and carnations and alstroemeria are varieties that can outshine most of their competitors in the life span of their bloom.
A vital tip to keep in mind is how and when to shop for the flowers. When shopping, think of it like you would choosing your produce. Only choose firm flowers with no bruising. Feel the roses and gently squeeze the bloom. If they are firm, then they are fresh. If they are more open (or “blown” to use floral speak), then they are closer to the end of their bloom cycle. And while pretty, they won’t last as long displayed on your kitchen table. Instead, look for tighter buds. They will open up just as beautifully and stay alive longer too!
Also, it is a benefit to know when the delivery truck usually arrives at your favored place to shop. If the store gets a new shipment every Thursday, that is the best day to grab your handful.
5. Prep Your Flowers
Trimming the stems of all of your blooms allows for the stem to suck up more water. Cutting about an inch off will enable the flowers to last far longer.
Remove any moldy or spotted leaves or petals. You want to remove any foliage on the lower part. Any foliage submerged in water will rot quickly and turn the water hazy. That will contaminate the water much quicker.
Gently shake a hydrangea to shed any bruised petals. This light movement helps them open up a bit after being squished into cellophane. You can even coax roses to open up a bit to look fully bloomed by gently tucking your finger inside and pulling them open.
6. Design With Levels
When designing, if you stagger the blooms, you will catapult your arrangement to a more professional level. The flowers on the lower levels should start just above the rim of the vase.
7. Let Your Creativity Take Charge
Flowers are always beautiful, no matter where they are. Beauty is an entirely subjective perspective, so be bold and creative, use the flowers foraged and from the store, and have fun. If you need more tips on designing, see these posts.
8. Gifting Your Flowers?
If you are looking to gift your blooms, then lose the cellophane. If you wrap them in tissue paper and tie a matching silk ribbon, then your flowers instantly look like a million bucks and a certainly more personable. Farmgirl Flowers on Food 52 shows you how to design them to look unique and ready to be sent off with love.
8. Recap: Avoid Common Rookie Mistakes
Take care to avoid some of the common mistakes laid out above. Be mindful about the overall look you want to achieve.
- Stagger the blooms, add in various textures and bloom sizes
- Be aware of too many “primary-ish” colors
- Don’t be afraid to venture into nature to gather
- Ensure all of the blooms and leaves are submerged in water when the arrangement is complete. When I taught my girls at a young age to design with flowers, that is a misstep that would trip them up every time.
Remove the cellophane and wrap them in tissue paper and finish with a silk ribbon that complements the color of the flowers. This tip will instantly dress them up and make them feel more personalized. In the post by 52 Food, they discuss ways to make your store-bought flowers feel like you picked out the blooms yourself to gift to a friend or family member.
Hurry to the grocery store and buy yourself a cart full!
So, go ahead. Pin this picture and you will design grocery store flowers like a pro too!
Leave a Reply