Pretty in Pink Peonies: The Chic Summer Wedding

Pew End

Frothy peonies in pale pink paper cones look almost like giant ice cream cones. They add a sense of irresistible delight to this minimal, stylish display.

For each cone, curl a piece of thick cardstock into a trumpet shape and staple it at the back. (Use black if you want to match the ribbons and vase, or very thick textured paper for white cones.)

Cut two short slits in the back of each cone. Weave two lengths of raffia in and out of these slits and attach them to the pew ends.

Pack cellophane inside the base of the cone to prevent the flowers from slipping too low, and to help create the right shape.

Attach a vial of water to each of eight peonies in full flower. Arrange the slightly taller stems at the back of the cone and shorter stems at the front to form a graduated, curved effect that repeats the shape of the bride’s bouquet.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Table Centerpiece

Peonies and roses need the sharp, clean lines of a black cube vase to give them a modern, uncluttered feel.

Fill a vase (5-1/2 inch diameter and height) with water. Mold chicken wire inside the vase. Insert a hosta leaf through the chicken wire at each corner of the vase.

Insert four of the roses at an angle through the wire so that each rose rests on a hosta leaf. Place a dark pink peony in between each rose, then add four pale pink peonies to create a second layer. Rest the final rose at the top to give the arrangement a slightly stylized pyramid shape.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited

Maximum Impact

A mass of different colors in an arrangement can sometimes be confusing and distracting. Keeping to a limited palette of colors and flower varieties gives this arrangement dynamic impact.

Enlarge Photo+Shrink Photo-DK - Fresh Flower Arranging © 2011 Dorling Kindersley Limited