I truly think flowers can transform the aesthetic of any room. For me, there's nothing quite like pairing a beautiful vase – my absolute favourite is our Splatter Cigno Jug – with a vibrant bunch of blooms. It just brings a space to life!
Read on for my quick and easy tips for elegant flower arranging.
Own the right tools. Investing in good flower scissors will make a big difference to your blooms. A pair of good-quality, sharp floral scissors will give you clean cuts on your flower stems, creating better water intake.
Mind the technique. Get in the habit of cutting flower stems diagonally. If the stem is woody, add a vertical cut too to help with the needed water absorption. I learned this tip from my friend and flower guru, Simon Lycett. I chatted with him about all things flowers, while he created the perfect bunches for every single Sharland England vase and jug! Watch it here.
When assembling your bouquet…
- To ensure your flowers stay in place, use chicken wire. Scrunch it into a ball, then pop it into your vase before you start arranging your flowers.
- Layers are your best friends. Place full flowers first, and then, when you’re happy, place your ‘filler flowers’ - flowers that fill in the space. Choose soft, delicate flowers for texture and variety or add greenery for a more natural look.
- TIP: If you’re unsure where to begin, then follow the 3-5-8 rule. This is the perfect beginner’s rule to creating a harmonious look with your florals. Select 3 focal flowers (I like using roses & peonies), 5 textural flowers (like Snapdragons, Love Rose or daisies) and 8 filler flowers (like Baby's breath, Queen Anne's Lace, baby eucalyptus, etc). This will achieve a balanced flower arrangement.
- For a simple and elegant arrangement (perfect for an informal centrepiece), style your vase with just one flower type. I love doing this with my Bambino vase, so cute, yet I find it really does make all the difference on the table. If you’re looking to create a touch of drama and visual interest, style together flowers of all lengths!
- Remember to remove all leaves that stay underwater to prevent bacterial growth.
How can you make your flowers last longer?
You may have heard that putting sugar in water will keep the flowers fresh for longer - Simon Lycett busted this myth for me! Instead, slightly cut the stems every 2 days, and remember to change your water regularly. Alternatively, add a small amount of bleach to the water as it helps prevent excessive bacterial growth that can block flower stems and hinder water uptake. An added bonus is that your water will also stay clearer longer!
