How To : Using Fruits & Vegetables in Floral Arrangements

via Tulipina Design 

Weddings, showers, birthdays, al fresco summer dinner parties or just because, flowers almost always make a special occasion even more beautiful and special. These days, there are no rules when creating floral arrangements from pampas grass to succulents, to classic garden roses and eucalyptus, ethereal and flowy or minimalist styling. There is a flower arrangement for every occasion and style, and the creativity continues to push boundaries. And for the past few years one of my favorite flower arranging trends has been the use of Fruits and Vegetables! Yes you can incorporate fresh produce into your beautiful centerpieces, they add such a depth of texture, color and uniqueness that can transform any arrangement into a bold design. 

via Style Me Pretty

Clear glass vases become works of art when lined with lemon slices and fruit branches, like apples, berries or kumquats, transform even the simplest centerpiece into the most beautiful sight to see. Seasonal fruit is a clever way to incorporate seasonal colors and scents, while adding a volume to your arrangement, that flowers can’t do on their own. 

The thing that I’ve loved about fruits and vegetables with florals, is that these arrangements almost always look like old still life painting. And who wouldn’t want to look at one of these real life paintings on their dining table?? Have I sparked your intrigue to experiment with flowers and fruits?! Then read below for my go-to tips on how to use fresh produce in your floral arrangements and all the inspiration, including some from ProFlowers, one of the top leading flower delivery services in the country. So what are you waiting for, let’s take your flower arranging to the next level!! 

via Style Me Pretty

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How to Use Fruits & Vegetables in Floral Arrangements

Using fresh produce with florals does require a little bit of extra planning and thought before arranging, so make sure you follow these tips to create truly stunning florals…

• Create faux stems, by securing the fruit with flower picks or bamboo/metal skewers wrapped with green floral tape, floral wire and tape can create a faux stem that will make arranging produce much easier in an arrangement. TIP : If it already has a stem, keep it!
• Make large produce your focal point. Bigger/rounder produce like pomegranates, pineapples or artichokes, should be placed in the center of your arrangement, this will prevent the centerpiece from falling over, while creating balance. 
• Support, Support, Support! Heavier produce will need extra support in a centerpiece, use heavy gauge flower wire, instead of oasis to prevent adding extra weight. 
• For an airy effect, add vine grown fruits. Grape vines or blueberry branches easily add an effortless flow, movement and height to any arrangement. 
• To prevent discoloration, like in apples, pears and bananas, dip them into lemon juice. For stain-prone fruits, like pomegranates and berries, leave them intact and away from light colored linens. 
• Keep the arrangement hydrated. Adding water into your vase may be a bit harder with fresh produce, make sure you mist the top to keep them looking vibrant longer.
• There’s always a con, and flowers may bloom faster. Certain fruits, like apples, speed up the blooming of flowers, so keep that in mind when using delicate flowers, like peonies and tulips. 
• Don’t forget the Herbs!! I love adding fresh herbs to floral arrangements, I even shared this post a few years on how to arrange them. Not only do they have a beautiful scent but they also add the loveliest texture! Some heartier herbs, like chamomile, actually hold up well without water, but others, like basil, instantly wilt. These are my favorites:
  • Sage’s soft green leaves add a beautiful tone and texture. And let’s not forget the subtle fruity fragrance that will transform your centerpiece.
  • Rosemary is a lovely replacement for eucalyptus, pairing beautifully with lush flowers like garden roses and peonies. And again, its scent will create an invigorating arrangement.
  • Bee Balm surprisingly has a long vase life and come in a variety of colors from pink, red, purple or white. Lemon bergamot, a variety of bee balm, has lovely lemon scented leaves
  • Dill. If you want flowy, whimsical texture nothing beats the feathery lacy Dill, a nice green alternative to baby’s breath.
  • Lavender is one of the prettiest herbs you can use in florals. A few fresh sprigs is a simple and effective way of making a statement. The relaxing scent is perfect for centerpieces placed in a bed or bathroom.  

Now that you know the basic tips and tricks to create floral arrangements with fruits and vegetables, become inspired by the different looks ProFlower put together below, and start creating!!

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Florals & Fresh Produce Inspiration from ProFlowers

via ProFlowers

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via ProFlowers

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via ProFlowers

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Adding fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to your arrangements create intriguing looks that will make your florals pop with textures, shapes and scents, no matter the season! As summer begins to wind down and fall approaches, this is a great inspiration to pull together for your next get-together and the holidays!

via Floraison Flowers 

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This post was in collaboration with ProFlowers, as always all opinions are from Dreamery Events. Thank you for continuing to support and read about the wonderful brands we team up with! 

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