Some like to think of ‘decor’ as tables, chairs, and couches, but that doesn’t cut it. Decor also includes beautifying your house with plants and flowers. What exciting way to invite your guests into your house other than floral centerpieces? Floral centerpieces are often known as floral arrangements and have long been an integral part of décor. They add beauty, elegance, and a hint of nature. Whether it is a wedding soiree or a simple Christmas dinner, the tasteful assortment of flowers and foliage creates a visually stunning atmosphere. This WILL have your guests talking about your style and taste.
What are Floral Centerpieces?
Floral centerpieces are artistic arrangements of flowers, foliage, and decorative elements usually put at the centre of a table to enhance the visual appeal of the space. These arrangements are a staple at weddings, parties, corporate events, and even in everyday home décor. The diversity of shapes, patterns, and colours in flowers institutes creative freedom in design. Thus, floral centerpieces can be quite versatile, which is best for catering to a wide range of themes and settings.
The Necessity of Floral Centerpiece
Floral centerpieces can transform mundane spaces into mesmerizing environments for lavish events. They contribute to the overall ambiance leaving a lasting impression. They can adhere to a theme as well. For example, red floral centerpieces made of roses may symbolize love and must be made for a romantic day in.
Floral Centerpieces: YAASS or Nah?
If you think that floral centerpieces can only be made from fresh flowers and foliage, then you are under the wrong impression. You can even make faux floral centerpieces, with plastic or paper flowers. Of course, you can consult a professional florist to get stunning floral arrangements, but DIY floral centerpieces are a rewarding, fun, and enjoyable experience. But why should I make centerpiece floral arrangements? Here’s why.
Why make DIY Floral Centerpieces?
DIY floral centerpieces are a budget-friendly alternative to the constant repurchasing of pre-made arrangements. You select your own flowers and materials and can control your costs. This also adds a personal touch. They reflect not only your taste & vision but also your design prowess. Therefore, it is your time to arm yourself with some shears and make an exquisite floral centerpiece.
Items Required for Floral Centerpieces
To make a gorgeous floral centerpiece, you will require the following items.
- Flowers: Since the name says ‘floral’, it’s quite obvious that flowers are going to be the stars of the show. The theme of the event informs the flowers you choose. You can invest in one type of flower, but we suggest you buy more than one blossom which complements or contrasts each other.
- Foliage: You should also buy some foliage (ivy, ferns, eucalyptus). They serve as a backdrop giving a lush and balanced look.
- Bowl or Vase: Compote bowls are best for making floral centerpieces, though vases do the trick too. Select a vessel that adheres to the event’s theme. Based on it, you can go for a classic glass vase, a rustic wooden box, or a trendy bowl.
- Floral Foam or Frog: Without a floral foam or a frog (a spiked holder), your flowers would tipple down on the slightest movement. The foam or ‘frog’ ensures stability and precise arrangement. Soak the floral foam in water before use to keep the flowers hydrated.
- Pruning Shears or Scissors: When you buy different flowers and foliage, they are of myriad lengths. A sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors will help you cut and trim excess flower stems. Clean cuts help in water absorption, keeping your flowers fresh for a longer period.
- Decorative Elements: You may buy ribbons or bows to add a finishing touch to these floral centerpieces.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Making DIY Floral Centerpieces
Now that we have everything required to make a floral centerpiece at hand, let’s get the process started.
Step 1: Get your Materials Together
Before making a floral centerpiece, make sure that you have enough flowers and foliage. Cut and trim them beforehand. Ensure that you have the bowl/vase, and other materials at your disposal.
Step 2: Arrange the Vessel
If you’re using floral foam, make a few cuts in it and soak in water until the foam is wet. Place it in the container (vase or bowl). If you are using a ‘frog’, place it in the container in a way that there is ample space to arrange the flowers. Once you have put it inside, secure it inside with waterproof tape (in the shape of an X) on the opening of the vessel.
Step 3: Set the Tone with Foliage
It is time to add in your foliage. This will create a lush base for your flower centerpiece. Whatever pattern (geometrical, symmetrical, circular) you decide to arrange it in, ensure that it covers the entire container.
Step 4: Place Larger Flowers in the Center
Now it’s time to put the flowers in. Place the larger thematic flowers (the focal point) in the centre of the floral centerpiece. Position them at varying heights to create a unique visual texture. Be cautious of the shape of the flower and how it adds to the design.
Step 5: Add Smaller Flowers
Now that the large flowers have been set, it’s time to fill in the gaps with smaller blooms. Harmonize them by distributing them evenly throughout the floral centerpiece. As with the bigger flowers, arrange them in various heights. Continue this step, till the centerpiece looks lush and abundant.
Step 6: Add Texture and Greenery
Incorporate further greenery and foliage to add depth to your floral centerpiece. Based on the shape of the focal flowers, tuck them in between. You do not need to be bound by the container. It’s alright if the foliage spills out.
Step 7: Take A Bow
Now that your floral centerpiece is complete, you may ornament it using additional decorative accessories. You may tie it up with a ribbon, or place several small bows within the arrangement.
Floral Centerpiece Ideas
As we said before, floral centerpieces depend upon the flowers. Since each flower is unique, you can adapt floral centerpieces to fit endless possibilities. Here are some of the floral centerpiece ideas that will undoubtedly turn your regular table into your legacy.
Wedding Floral Centerpieces
A wedding is a gigantic affair. Not only do you have to select a venue, but also worry about catering decorations, and seating arrangements. For such an occasion, use roses, peonies, hydrangeas, lilies, and ranunculus to make a textural marvel. If you wish to make classic white floral centerpieces, you must use white roses, lilies, orchids, calla lilies, and stephanotis. You may even use the stephanotis foliage to bring the arrangement together.
Christmas Floral Centerpieces
Once you have decorated your house with Christmas wreaths, Christmas trees, and Christmas ornaments, it’s time to focus on the Christmas floral centerpieces to distribute around the house. This is a time when you must adhere to the red, white, and green theme to denote festivity, hope, and warmth. Make use of seasonal berries and quintessential flowers such as poinsettias, red roses, white lilies, evergreen sprigs, and holly berries.
Thanksgiving Floral Centerpieces
Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude. But that doesn’t mean that you are eating at a regular dining table. Zhuzh up the table with the symbols of abundant harvest and golden warmth. Sunflowers, orange dahlias, rustic red chrysanthemums, golden-hued roses, and pale autumn leaves will complement the Thanksgiving colour palette.
Fall Floral Centerpieces
Fall symbolizes the onset of winter. As the trees near you shed their leaves and the atmosphere takes a golden hue, you must be prepared to make fall floral centerpieces. To achieve that you must use marigolds, asters, lisianthus, ranunculus, goldenrod and eucalyptus leaves.
Pumpkin Floral Centerpieces
You must have heard of pumpkin arrangements during the fall. But did you know that you can swap your container with a pumpkin? You may tie up the classic allure of sunflowers, dahlias, marigolds, and roses with that of the scrumptious orange (or seldom even white) pumpkin. Although it sounds like a novelty, be assured, your guests will be talking about it for months.
Bridal Shower Flower Centerpieces
No wedding is complete without a bridal shower. These are the few days left for your single life as you take a step towards nuptials. So why not invite your friends for a night in? Decorate your house with bridal shower flower centerpieces. You can use fresh roses, peonies, lilies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, tulips, and freesias to make them.
Image Courtesy – Bless’er House
