So to end my 3-part series, I am sharing with you my so-easy-to-duplicate floral arrangement, where I used some of the mountain apples we brought home with us. These small Gala apples are perfect for this type of project, and fruit lasts a long time and helps stretch the flower budget. (works as a great filler!) I have arranged this centerpiece in three stages…Roses only…roses and apples only…and roses, apples, kumquats, mums, rosemary…well you get the idea.
I started with an ordinary waterproof container. I have a cabinet full of all types of urns and bowls that I have picked up at yard sales, end of season sales, etc. When choosing a container for your centerpiece, you want to make sure that the finished arrangement is not so tall that your guests have to stand up on their tippy toes to converse with each other across the table. Not a good thing! (Martha would slap you on the hand!) You might want to place the container on the table, and actually sit down to test if it will impede a guest’s view of other guests.
The overall height of the completed arrangement should be about 1/2-3/4 the height of the container. Any taller, and the balance will be off.
You need to purchase a block of floral oasis, and soak it in cold water at least 15 minutes to get it good and saturated. Cut the foam so it is slightly larger than the container, then force it in after it has been soaked. This will keep the foam nice and tight inside the container.
I start with an outer liner of greenery. I am using dried oak leaves because I had these on hand, but I also like to use fresh – such as larger leaves like Magnolia. I also like to use herbs or a ring of ivy.
Prep your roses and put them loosely in a container of cold water. These roses are the ordinary grocery store variety, which are generally cheaper. Make sure you cut the stems at an angle as this aids water absorption. Remove all but one or two of the leaves. Too many leaves will start to clog up the oasis and make it harder to push in flowers and greenery as the container starts to fill.
Place your first stem right in the center. This placement will determine the highest point, so the 1/2-3/4 tall rule we talked about above is what you need to pay attention to. Adjust the height accordingly. This stem is generally your tallest flower. Next, add stems on each side, about half the height. Think of a clock – add flowers at 12, 3, 6, and 9 – around the middle rose. Next, add a bottom layer (closer to the container’s rim) at 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, and 10:30. (Chart this out and I promise it will make better sense)
This is how the end result should look. Keep in mind that it should be just as pretty from one side as the other. I like to make flower arrangements on a Lazy Susan so I can turn it easier. Just make sure you keep looking at it from all angles throughout the process.
Now, I could stop here. It’s pretty as-is and showcases the simplicity of white roses. But, if you are here at my blog, you have most likely seen my home. Does it look like I am someone who knows how to stop? LOL
Moving on….
Pretty in soft light…..
I love to combine flowers and fruits in my arrangements. There’s something about roses and apples that make the perfect combination. Above, you can see where I began adding small gala apples – the same apples I bought waaaay too many of in the mountains. 🙂 I have also tucked in some extra stems of the dried oak leaves. Again, keep in mind how it looks on all sides. I use wooden skewers cut to size, pushed into the apple, and inserted into the oasis. These small apples generally only require one skewer each, but a heavier apple might require two.
…another view…
Again, you could stop here. This is certainly pretty enough for any table. But….nope, not me…
Moving on….
I removed the apples. Using a very inexpensive bundle of Fall flowers, again from the grocery store, I started adding mums. I cut the stems individually instead of using them in a cluster. The purchased bundle included two large spider mums. These went right in the center on each side of the tallest rose. I scattered the yellow and rust colored mums around the arrangement evenly.
Almost there…just a few more touches…
It’s getting there….and yes, you could stop here. Keep in mind that floral arranging is like artwork. Everyone has different tastes, and only you know when it is your style. If you get to this point and you are happy that you have gotten this far without drawing blood, then by all means stop. You will still have an impressive centerpiece. But, if you still have 10 healthy fingers and feel adventurous lets……move on!
I added the apples back in….
Who said apples were just for pies……? Next, I added one of the cutest little fruits I have ever seen….(and I do NOT know what else you would do with them)…
Kumquats! Even the name makes me happy. Kumquats!
(I need to remind myself to Google this fruit one day and see just what you really do with them.)
Pop these on the end of some skewers. Finally, you can add some greenery. Life is not just Kumquats and apples you know. I have an abundance of rosemary. Its one of my favorite herbs both in the kitchen and in floral arrangements. Its beautiful and airy and you can’t beat the aromatic bonus, either. Just a few sprigs here and there.
Tomorrow morning, I will set my table. I have a pair of beautiful ceramic pheasants, and small dishes I have picked up her and there which look beautiful with my Johnson Brothers brown transferware plates. Until then….if you run out to get those last few items at the grocery store…pick up some flowers…any flowers…and some fruit. You can make this simple arrangement in between basting the turkey. Your guests will be super-dooper impressed.
Have a great day before Thanksgiving, my Friends!
Blessings, Barb
mishebe says
very nice. maybe i should do that. mishelle
View CommentKristens Creations says
Thank you for your visit and sweet compliments! Your fresh flower arrangement is beautiful. Love the apples mixed in with the flowers. When I worked at the interior shop we also did fresh flowers. I loved using fruits and other interesting things in arrangements.That’s what makes them special. Have a wonderful thanksgiving! Kristen
View CommentKD says
Barb you are awesome! Thank you so much for such stellar inspiration. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
View Commentmarty39 says
Barb, thanks so much for the lesson. Since the flower arranging gene was left out of my DNA, I need a step by step manual. Beautiful arrangement and sooooo pretty on your finished table. Marty
View Commentrobbiesmom says
barb, hope you are feeling better. our thoughts are with you
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