An easy DO IT YOURSELF fresh flower centerpiece

[L. Rockefeller]

Recognizing the budgets many people are on, I thought I would offer this
simple centerpiece idea and instructions for those who would like to trim
their flower budget a bit and still be able to use fresh instead of silk.

Anything elaborate such as cascades, I reccommend keeping to your
professional florist. A wedding is no time to try something big and
expensive that you've never or rarely done before...keep those very formal
arrangements for those who are trained to do them expertly. I'm sure my
peers are glad to hear that one :).

This centerpiece is something ANYONE can do if they have some nice, but
inexpensive vases, floral scissors (intended for cutting flower stems--a
pair costs from $3-15 at a flower supply store), and a ruler. A good eye
is helpful too.


Probably the simplest and often nicest centerpiece uses just one type of
flower. i prefer roses, but any single stemmed type of flower can work
too. Substitute your favorite flower in for the word "rose" and you've
got it.

1 dozen flowers will make about 3 small vases--this is ideal if you are
using roses because they are usually sold by the dozen.

You'll need clear vases, from 5-8" tall...the ones you usually put 1-2
flowers in. The mouth of the vase, depending on the thickness of the
stems, should be from 1" diameter to about 2" diameter. Use the 1" for
the narrower type for thinner stems. The wider might require filler. I
prefer tree fern--it's light an airy.


If using just one dozen, they all need to be 1 color. If using 2 or more
dozen, consider having at least 1 dozen be a complimentary color or plant
type that looks harmoniously with the others.

1) Select out four flowers--either four of the same type and color OR
three of one and one of the contrast.

2) Trim off the lower leaves whose stems are under water when you put them
in the vase.

3) Take out your three outer flowers. Cut them to exactly the same length
from top of bloom to bottom. Use your ruler to verify this. Your ideal
length should be from 3-6 inches above the top of the vase, depending on
if you are using short or long stem flowers.

4) To your remaining bloom, place it next to the other three in a line.
Align the bloom so the base of the contrast is at the top of the other
three--from 1-4 inches taller than the others. Cut down excess stem so it
lines up with the rest when positioned as stated.

5) Insert the three outer flowers that are shorter.

6) Insert the center flower that is higher. Fill with pine fern as
needed.

Make sure the vase has plenty of water. If you don't have that floralife
stuff, some sugar in the water will also help keep the flowers alive
longer.

Do all of this the night before the wedding for an afternoon wedding or
early on the wedding morning if for an evening wedding.

Refrigerate until needed.

If you would like more tips, just email me...I would be happy to help

--
Laurel A. Rockefeller
White Jade Design
http://www.avalon.net/~wjade
Special Events at SENSIBLE prices.

[Cla...@my-dejanews.com]

In article <rockefel....@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu>,

I am led to believe that some flowers can be ruined by refridgeration. Check
with your florist before doing this

Clare

> Special Events at SENSIBLE prices.
>

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http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum

[mina...@hotmail.com]

In article <rockefel....@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu>,
rock...@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu (L. Rockefeller) wrote:
> Recognizing the budgets many people are on, I thought I would offer this
> simple centerpiece idea and instructions for those who would like to trim
> their flower budget a bit and still be able to use fresh instead of silk.
>
> Anything elaborate such as cascades, I reccommend keeping to your
> professional florist. A wedding is no time to try something big and
> expensive that you've never or rarely done before...keep those very formal
> arrangements for those who are trained to do them expertly. I'm sure my
> peers are glad to hear that one :).
>

>

> 1) Select out four flowers--either four of the same type and color OR
> three of one and one of the contrast.
>
> 2) Trim off the lower leaves whose stems are under water when you put them
> in the vase.
>
> 3) Take out your three outer flowers. Cut them to exactly the same length
> from top of bloom to bottom. Use your ruler to verify this. Your ideal
> length should be from 3-6 inches above the top of the vase, depending on
> if you are using short or long stem flowers.
>
> 4) To your remaining bloom, place it next to the other three in a line.
> Align the bloom so the base of the contrast is at the top of the other
> three--from 1-4 inches taller than the others. Cut down excess stem so it
> lines up with the rest when positioned as stated.
>
> 5) Insert the three outer flowers that are shorter.
>
> 6) Insert the center flower that is higher. Fill with pine fern as
> needed.
>
>
> >

> If you would like more tips, just email me...I would be happy to help
>

You have left out key things between your steps--for instance, "When picking
up floral scissors, insert one finger into lower fionger hole, and thumb into
the upper hole."

Or.... "Remember, the colorful part of the flower goes on top--the lilong,
plain green thing is the stem, and this should be inserted into the vase".

This newsgroup is rife with original helpful insightful ideas. Sticking
flowers into vases seems basic to me.