7 Tips for Creating Beautiful Flower Arrangements at Home

Ash Bailey from The Byrd Collective offers tips in the art of flower-arranging. Host a "flower school"-themed get-together and keep these instructions on-hand for guests.

By: Camille Styles

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Tip #1: Don't Be Afraid of the Flowers

Although we might naturally hesitate to touch the flowers' petals, they are much more durable than most people think. Be calm, have fun and enjoy the sheer luxury of holding a flower in your hands.

Tip #2: Make Arrangements on a Bar-Height Table

It's important to face the arrangement head-on, rather than from above. Seated at a table or standing at a bar-height table is ideal for viewing your work at eye level so you can watch it come together from all angles.

Tip #3: Build a Base With Chicken Wire

Bend chicken wire to fit inside your container. Chicken wire is a great way to keep stems in place when you're arranging, plus it keeps them stabilized in the water when the arrangement is on display.

Tip #4: Start Arranging With Greens

To help an arrangement last longer, strip the stems of most of the leaves, especially any that will be in the water. Leaves in the water have a tendency to rot, and will cause the entire arrangement to die more quickly. Add greens and foliage to create the initial shape of the arrangement.

Tip #5: Create Depth With Color + Texture

Add interest to your arrangement using flowers in different colors, sizes and textures. Start with small buds and filler flowers, then add in your pick of large, bold blooms in places in areas of the arrangement where they can make a major impact.

Tip #6: Consider the Arrangement's Scale

Make sure that your arrangement is proportional to the container. If you're planning to use your arrangement on a dinner table, a simple trick to gauge the appropriate size is to place your elbow on the table. The arrangement should be no taller than your fist to ensure that guests will be able to see one another.

Tip #7: Change Your Vantage Point

As you build the arrangement, adding in flowers and texture, frequently take a step back from it and turn as you work to be sure that there's fullness and color on every side.