When it comes to entertaining and Life Itself, I think we’re all on board for “Niksen”, the Dutch concept of as simple as, well, doing nothing. The Dutch motto for the joy of doing nothing, I guess very similar to the Italian saying “Il Dolce Far Niente”. And I’m all for it!
I mentioned it on Instagram how this season, I’m doing the contrary and approaching the holidays, trends, to do’s, must do’s, want to do’s and the do’s and do’s, in a more organic productive real approach. Not driving myself crazy planning everything detail, but still taking the time to map somewhat of a plan – maybe take a few minutes to really go over those notes of holiday gifts you wanted to make and give this year, start putting those making lists in order. Create a fun To Do list out of it so you can get it done faster!
Or if you host or are planning on hosting a few times this season, like I do, it’s good to create a vision for your entire season of entertaining from go-to menu items, and a specific color palette with corresponding items and pieces that will help you recreate a similar vibe each time you host. Of course, every time, even if all the guests aren’t repeats, I like to switch up maybe the main flower in a centerpiece or the signature drink, or simple placement of candles. Those small tweaks, play a huge difference when hosting.
And back to flowers and decor, no matter how versed you are in the world of flower arranging, I think anyone can grab any of the lovely bouquets and loose stems that Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s sells. You can get yummy good food, wine, and pretty flowers to go along with a great night you plan to host!
So a signature arrangement or at least the basic knowledge of putting together a quick and unique arrangement for your next holiday, Thanksgiving or whatever centerpiece is a great skill to have up your sleeve. I had such a great time creating this organic minimalist arrangement with blooms from both WF and the family garden, like the sweet yellow roses, to be gifted as a reunion and fall brunch gift. See below to learn how to recreate to this lovely floral piece….
Step 1 :: Prep those Lovelies
After bringing your blooms home, immediately fill temporary vases with water, remove the leaves from the lower part of the stems, give them a fresh diagonal cut, and place the stems in the vase.
Step 2 :: The Container = The Base
Start with your vase or container. Choose something that at first might not scream centerpiece vase, but would make a great home and entertaining piece. The shape and size of your vase helps create the flow of the arrangement, so keep that in mind. To keep the look both organic yet still clean, I like to use Lemon or Salad Leaf when available, it’s got a great flow while creating the perfect lines to serve as the foundation of your centerpiece’s shape.
In your chose vase/container, create a “nest” with a floral frog, chicken wire balls, or floral foam if you have to. Make a grid with about 3 rows and columns using floral tape. The “nest” helps set the support base and shape for your arrangement.
Step 3 :: Build Upon Those Greens – The More the Merrier
Step 4 :: Add In those Blooms
For this DIY, we chose two kinds of Roses, store bought Vendela and a yellow/pink hued Spray Rose from the garden. You want to pick your focal point, although the arrangement will look lovely from every angle, this focal point will act as the center of your entire floral piece.
Have fun and play with the placement of different textures! I chose the garden spray roses as the floral choice for movement, dried up Clematis flowers for their texture and the freesia for their scent.
Next, add your second element: in this case the Freesia.When I made this arrangement, Whole Foods had an array of Freesia. If they don’t, you can swap for White Alster, or whatever tall straight or swirly bloom you like.
Create “moments” with the tulips by placing them in groupings throughout. Create depth by burying some stems into the vase while allowing others to pop out.
Step 5 :: Fill It. Just a Little Bit
The final pieces de resistance are often called “fillers”. those smaller flowers, flowers or greens with unique shapes or textures. And Autumn is PERFECT for dried, fading, richly toned stems found anywhere you look outside!
Fillers, regardless the season and the specific bloom you choose, they add in that last bit of height, texture, and depth to your arrangement.
As you continue to add in all your blooms, working to achieve the final look you have envisioned, keep the stems varying sizes to add height and depth to your arrangement. DON’T forget to turn the arrangement around while creating to make sure that it will look lovely from every angle.
Keep in mind one of the most important tips….There’s No Right or Wrong Way of how you can approach your signature Autumn floral centerpiece! Like with anything, the more you do, and essentially practice, the easier it’ll be to create more! You’ll pick up your own tricks to arranging and you might even create your own unique style.
And now you have a lovely floral piece to create when entertaining this Holiday Season, or to gift for someone else’s party. A beautiful, fragrant, and cozy seasonal piece that is a lovely nod to this special golden season!!
After know learning this simple skill, you probably won’t look at grocery store flowers the same way again 🙂
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