Ask the Expert: Tips for DIY Floral Arrangements

In recent weeks, a steady stream of guests through OR’s northern and southern outposts has us in a hospitality frame of mind. Thank goodness for a Trader named Joe on whom we can rely for an array of specialty items, bath novelties, organic provisions, ridiculously tasty maple leaf cookies … and flowers.

Yes, even these two fairly green-thumbed gals turn to store bought blooms in a pinch, and then polish them up ourselves. As the saying goes, “It’s not about brand, it’s about style.” However, this time of year floral options tend to become quite specific (mum’s the word), which tends to suppress our creativity for a simple yet pretty centerpiece or bouquet. Therefore, we asked New York floral designer Amy Parr Cilmi to apply her flawless artistic eye to our DIY spirit as we continue to prep guest rooms with blooms, and think ahead to the holidays. The resident florist for Hayfields Market, Amy pivots between large events, tablescapes, and grab-and-go arrangements, and possesses an enviable agricultural chicness to which we can’t help but aspire.

The supermarket is your friend!
Pick a single variety bloom at the grocery store, such as a tulip, rose, or daisy, and arrange a bunch of them in a pretty vase. A mass of blooms in a single variety is simple, yet sophisticated.

Avoid the usual suspects.
Skip the typical mixed bunches of rust, yellow, and orange. Instead, forage your own yard for ferns, sedum, colorful branches, and hydrangea that is changing colors (Firelight transitions to a plumb-y crimson this time of year). Seed pods or bunches of grapes are fabulous in fall centerpieces. I love to start with red leaf branches to build structure, and then add bright pink lily stems.

There are no rules.
Anything goes these days for styling flowers. Just give it a go and keep trying new and different materials! Although one informal industry practice is to use an odd number of signature blooms. Ironically, it creates an aesthetic balance.

Build a collection of vases that work with your home’s vibe.
If you love the vase…you will probably love whatever you put into the vase.

Practice makes perfect.
Take workshops from local floral designers and learn the tricks of the trade. I host one-on-one classes, as well as wine (of course!) and design workshops for groups. With a few tricks, flower arranging is both simple and rewarding.

Like fashion, find your preference, and don’t be afraid to exaggerate.
Zinnia (pictured above) are my absolute favorite summer bloom. I grew up farming and was surrounded by tons of natural color, so zinnia works for me.

Splurge a little.
I always like to build a base design with greens and simple blooms and then add something unexpected at the end. Maybe look in the flower cooler at your local florist and treat yourself to a bunch of sweet peas or something that strikes you. I call this the “icing on the cake.” It is always a treat to add a little something extra for that pop of color or texture.

A little TLC goes a long way.
Harvest blooms from a local farm or your yard in the early morning and put the stems directly into warm water. Blooms cut during a hot afternoon will most likely wilt during your dinner party. Remove all of the little leaves from the stems, give the stems a fresh cut, and refresh the water each day.

Find Insta-gratification
There is so much inspiration from passionate petal-pushers on Instagram. I follow @peoniesandposies, a floral photographer who documents her flowery garden.