Color Burst: The Carnation Pomander

This adaptable floral arrangement can be hung from a tree branch above an outdoor serving table, carried by a young bridesmaid during a wedding ceremony or laid with ribbons trailing as a place setting and party favor for dinner guests.

Excerpted from Fresh Flower Arranging
Filed under: How To, Parties, Flowers

Secure the Wire

Press a small piece of garden stake against the base of the ball where the wire extends out. Wind the free end of wire around the piece of stake to prevent the handle loosening or falling off. Cut off the excess wire.

Secure Wire Handle With a Piece of Garden Stake

Prepare the Carnations

Cut the stems off the carnations at the point — the top node — where the uppermost leaves grow. This should leave a very short stem of about 1 inch.

Cut Carnations to Use in Carnation Pomander

Arrange the Carnations

Starting at the top of the ball, press the flower stalks into the floral foam. It is important to work methodically, not randomly, pressing the flowers close enough to each other so that the foam is completely covered, but without crushing the flowers. Work either in a spiral from the top, or downward in sections. Cover the ball so that no gaps are visible.