It's in the 30's today on Long Island so I was thrilled to stay in and create some pretty simple florals for you to recreate for your Thanksgiving table or to bring to your Thanksgiving dinner host. Most of these "ingredients" can be purchased at your local supermarket. I picked out several bunches of mostly single type flowers, greenery and berries at my local Trader Joe's for a whopping total of $26!
You can also grab a bag of pumpkins/gourds at the market.
I love using dried artichokes in my arrangements, fresh ones from the market will also work! You can also use colorful fruits such as apples, clementines, or pomegranates.
I'm probably breaking some kind of floral design rule but I like to use dried hydrangeas in my designs. These limelights came from my garden.
Another thing I like to use from the garden - twigs for added texture. These birch branches are a favorite of mine.
Now for the containers. I love using a decorative rustic planter. Simply filled with mason jars, it makes arranging really easy. You can also used soaked oasis floral foam (set inside a waterproof liner) to easily make your stems stay put. The jars are just readily available in your home. I also save empty food jars for this reason.
You may also have a favorite pitcher, sugar bowl or creamer that your not currently using. These all make perfect floral vessels. I love to use old tarnished silver pieces for that perfect vintage feel.
So let's start with the planter box and jars. Fill a pitcher with water and mix in the appropriate amount of flower food which should have come with your flower purchase. Fill each jar with the water mix.
I started with the seeded eucalyptus which smells great and will also dry beautifully. I love the way this hangs over the side.
Because it's so top heavy, you may have to adjust them a little but they will be fine once everything else goes into the jars. (this is where the foam would make things a little easier)
Next, I secure bamboo skewers (from the supermarket) to the bottom of my artichokes and pumpkins. You can secure with a little drop of hot glue if you need.
So I added a few artichokes and pumpkins and a few top heavy flowers that are supported nicely with a plastic straw.
The sturdy stemmed alstroemeria and green kermies add height and color to the arrangement.
And because this is "Hydrangea Home", I need to add in some of my dried hydrangeas. I also tucked in some salmon lilies and berries. A few birch twigs were also tucked in.
Voila! So pretty and festive. A quick and easy one to put together at the last minute.
I used what was left of the bunches for the sugar and creamer. Just add water and tuck the flowers in.
This idea can be used on a small side table, or hutch. It can also be used down the center of your table. Picture maybe five different silver pieces in alternating heights going down the middle with little pumpkins scattered about. An old book makes a great riser as well.
My final idea is on an old silver platter. You can use ceramic or a wood tray if you'd like. Stack your pumpkins in the middle.
Tuck in some dried hydrangeas, seeded eucalyptus and a few artichokes.
Done!
I hope this inspires you to create one of your own!
A couple of floral tips:
- make sure you strip the leaves from any stems headed under water.
- keep adding fresh water to your vessel
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