Creating Floral Centerpieces on a Budget

Last week I co-hosted a surprise bridal shower at work for a colleague/good friend of mine.  We wanted to give her co-workers an opportunity to help her celebrate this wonderful milestone, so my fellow hostesses and I planned an afternoon travel-themed party complete with light refreshments and of course, a game! 

When it came to planning this party, we were all about dividing and conquering.  My assignments for the party prep included food, party paper products, planning the game and table centerpieces.  Our office provided a gorgeous tower of Georgetown Cupcakes, so I focused on savory dishes- an ultimate veggie platter and a chips/salsa/guac station (btw- this recipe for guacamole is an absolute must try!  So beyond delish!).

When trying to decide how I to go about creating arrangements for the party tables that were beautiful, unique and budget friendly, I knew that a bit of research would be required.  It was actually while perusing the dining section at my local CB2 store that floral inspiration struck and I had my "Ah ha moment."

CB2's Marta Midnight Blue Double Old Fashioned Glasses were on sale for $1.99 each, which was significantly cheaper than my original plan for vases (i.e. purchasing $8 stock vases from a flower supply store), and the perfect floral vessel solution for my centerpieces.  From there, I knew that my next step would be to visit Trader Joe's for flowers.  I mean the price and quality of flowers sold at Trader Joe's is superb and I have yet to find a comparable alternative.  

The arrangements ended up costing about $25 to make (insanely great price if you have ever made arrangements before).  Naturally this latest discovery in the world of budget florals was something that I felt compelled to share with you all on the blog.  So for today's post I am walking through how I went about creating these budget friendly floral beauties.  See below for more details.

What you will need- 

• Scissors or Floral Sheers
• Rubberbands (preferably green ones)
• Large kitchen bowl filled with water
• 3 CB2 Midnight Blue Double Old Fashioned Glasses ($1.99/each) 
• 2 3-Stem Bouquets of White Hydrangeas ($5.99)
• 1 Bouquet of Mums ($3.99)
• 1 Bouquet of Wax Flowers or Alstroemerias ($2.99-$3.99)

Instructions

1. Fill CB2 glasses with water (approximately 3/4 full)
2. Starting with hydrangeas, cut stems submerged under standing water in kitchen bowl until desired stem length is reached
3. Place two hydrangeas in each glass
4. Trim stems and remove leaves from Alstroemeria and divide bouquet evenly amongst the three glasses
5. Fill in remaining spaces with either mums or wax flowers
6. Once arranged in the vase, collect the bouquet out of the water and wrap a rubber band around the stems to give them a tighter look.
7. Trim the ends of the bouquet stems to create an even/flat base and re-submerge bouquet back into water.

All About Flowers

So we all know that I have a bit of a flower habit.  Okay, so that is actually the understatement of the year….I have a MAJOR flower habit.  I really just cannot get enough of them!  There is just something about adding flowers to a space in my home that immediately transforms it from a house to a home.  They are just a very lovely and welcoming addition.  So for today's post, I wanted to address a few of my best flower strategies for purchasing, arranging and maintaining fresh blooms.  

The Cost of Flowers

One question/comment I seem to constantly hear from people is: "Flowers are so expensive!  How can you afford to constantly support this habit?"  Well the truth is that flowers can be very affordable if you are strategic about what you buy and where you buy your flowers.  My #1 go-to flower store is Trader Joes.  Without a doubt, I consistently find the best selection of beautiful blooms ranging from a bouquet of roses for $4.99 to 10 Ranunculus Stems for $5.69!  There really isn't another floral retailer in my immediate area that can compete with these prices.  Well, that is with the exception of my second favorite flower retailer…Costco!  A gorgeous bouquet of the most exquisite garden roses can be purchased at Costco for a mere $9.99!  I mean that is practically unheard of when it comes to finding a dozen flawless garden roses.  

If you are in the market for flowers that are inexpensive, low maintenance and will last for weeks, I would suggest any of the following: 

• Alstroemeria ($3.99/bunch at Trader Joe's)
• Carnations (50 cents/stem at Sam's Club)
• Hydrangeas ($5.99/3 stems at Trader Joe's -- See this post for my Hydrangea Tips)
• Sunflowers ($3.99/bunch at Trader Joe's)

Flower Vases

As my love for fresh flowers has continued to grow over the years, I have started to gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of using the right vase for each type of flower.  I tend to favor using whatever flowers are in season at the moment, which means that I am needing to use vases that can accommodate a variety of flowers in order to ensure that the blooms look their best when displayed.  

For instance, when I am arranging ranunculus, I like to use a vase with a smaller opening.  Reason being, ranunculus tend to have heavy heads and weak stems, so the added support of the narrow vase opening provides additional strength needed to help the flower stand straight, which will also aid in prolonging its lifespan.  In addition, when I am arranging flowers with very voluminous blooms (like hydrangeas) or those flowers with the potential to open into larger blooms (like roses), I opt for a vase that has a wider opening to provide the flowers with ample space to accommodate the blooms. Here are a few of my favorite vases at the moment: 

• Tiffany & Co. Weave Vase
• Glass Cylinder Vase
• CB2 Joyce Bud Vase
• Tiffany & Co. Windham Vase
• CB2 3-Piece Hat Trick Vase Set

Arranging Flowers

While I tend to stay monochromatic when it comes to arranging flowers for my home, I know that there are many of you who probably enjoy mixed bouquets.  While there really isn't a whole lot to arranging a monochromatic bouquet, a mixed bouquet can be rather complex. 

This past Christmas, my mother in law gave me the most fabulous book called "The Flower Recipe."  This book really does take the guesswork out of flower arranging by providing you with a breakdown of exactly what you will need to create each of the 100 arrangements featured in this book, as well as step by step tutorial for recreating each piece.  If you are interested in learning about the art of arranging flowers, I highly recommend checking out this book.  

Flowers can most definitely be an affordable decorative addition to any room in your home.     The options available really can fit any budget and using the right type of vase for your floral arrangement can make all the difference.  If you have any questions regarding topics covered in today's post, you are more than welcome to send me an email.  I always love to hear from you all!

My Fall Decor Picks

Over the weekend I spent some time reviewing all of my Instagram posts since the start of the Fall season.  As I was reviewing the images, I noticed that certain seasonal decor pieces made repeat appearances in the various photos I had posted over the past few months.   For today's post I wanted to share a list of those top Fall decor picks that have been front and center on my Instagram account this season and have helped to transform my home into a cozy and inviting space that is appropriately outfitted for the Autumn season.  

Tortoise Shell Coasters

Whether it's a splash of cheetah, leopard or zebra, I love incorporating a splash of animal print into my home decor (always faux of course!).  When we moved into our current house, I decided to add a splash of unexpected texture to our living room wall with a pair of these Tortoise Shells from Restoration Hardware (and am still totally obsessed with them--see here and here).  Fall is all about the warm and earthy tones, so when I came across this set of tortoise shell coasters from Caspari, it was a no brainer!  Of course the biggest surprise when I first came across these coasters was the fact that they are actually just laminated cardboard, thus very inexpensive (double win!).  Stylish, functional and affordable, makes these coasters the perfect fall decor addition to any living room. 

Twine Balls

I came across these twine balls while perusing the aisles of my local florist/garden center.  When it came to fall decor last year I totally went pinecone crazy, so I was thrilled to have discovered these fab little natural twine balls.  They make for fabulous table accents, vase fillers and can even be spray painted (say…gold or copper?) to coordinate with any decor scheme.  Unique, versatile and inexpensive are all reasons why I am loving these twine balls this season.   

Glam Pumpkins

Glam pumpkins are still going strong in my house!  Initially I had been incorporating an assortment of metallic colors into my seasonal decor, however as the season has rolled on I have found that the white pumpkins with the gold painted stems have quickly taken over as the favorite.  Whether I am decorating my bar, creating a centerpiece for my dining room table or simply coffee tablescaping, these "glammed up" pumpkins are a decor must have for me this season.  

Hearth by Nest Fragrances

While on vacation in North Carolina a few weeks ago, my husband and I spent a day perusing the shops of the most picturesque town in the mountains, Blowing Rock (definitely a town worth seeing if you are ever in the area).  One of my favorite stores in this town has the most fabulous selection of Caspari products, entertaining accessories and NEST Fragrances (naturally, this was my favorite store in Blowing Rock).  The reason for regaling you with this bit of background, is because it was at this store that I first smelled Hearth, by: Nest Fragrances.  I started out by purchasing the votive, in order to test it out and see if I liked it.  Well, within a week of purchasing the votive, I found myself online ordering the 3-wick.  OMG, this candle is absolutely to die for! Reminiscent of a wintertime fire with delicious notes of rich wood, frankincense and smoky embers, this candle is the perfect cozy accent for any home on a cold fall evening.  

Greenery: Carnations, Chrysanthemums & Eucalyptus

We all know that I love fresh flowers in my home.  I mean every room has at least one, if not multiple flower arrangements at all times.  I am a total flower junkie.  What I love about the Fall months is that my repertoire has consisted of a lovely array of inexpensive florals/greenery that just so happen to be in season.  Carnations and various types of Chrysanthemums have been trending in my house since September.  Why?  They are voluminous, pretty, inexpensive and last for weeks!  Yes those red flowers pictured at the top and bottom of this post are carnations!  So fabulous!  

As for greenery, I have loved incorporating an assortment of eucalyptus into my arrangements, not only because they come at a price tag of $2.99/bunch (ala Trader Joe's of course!), but also because they are extremely fragrant and I am in love with that shade of eucalyptus green.   Carnations, chrysanthemums and eucalyptus are all fabulous floral additions that have helped me to transform my house from a bright and breezy summer space into a cozy fall abode. 

5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Buying Flowers

If you have had the opportunity to check out my instagram page or even my weekly blog posts, you know that I have a bit of a fresh flower habit.  I absolutely love the way fresh flowers look in my house.  I love the versatility of an  arrangement and the variety of floral types and colors available.  Flowers are a wonderful way to experiment with different pops of color in a room/space without ever having to fully commit.  In addition, flowers add a thoughtful (and domestic!) touch and are an entertaining staple for me both on tablescapes and bedside tables when I am hosting house guests.  

A question I am frequently asked is "Where do you buy your flowers and how often?"  Since I do not have access to a local flower market (a luxury I often dream of), I buy the majority of my flowers from my local grocery stores.  I do live near a florist, but the flowers sold there are not economical for maintaining on a weekly basis.  My absolute favorite flower source would have to be Trader Joe's.  Whether I am looking for roses, hydrangeas, lilies, ranunculus, peonies or tulips, Trader Joe's always offers a fabulous assortment at very competitive prices.   

Inspect the Petals

When buying flowers, its extremely important to check the petals.  You want to make sure you do not see any dried black ends or brown spots.  Dried black ends are an indication that the flowers are past their prime and brown spots are an indication that the flowers were cut improperly (see my post on flower care for more information on cutting flowers properly).  In a nutshell, dried black ends or brown spots on your petals are indications of shortened flower lifespans (i.e. they will die relatively quickly post purchase).

Check the Stems and Bulbs

Stems should be wet at the time of purchase, indicating that they have been stored in water (thus properly preserving them).  In addition, you want to look for flowers that have not yet bloomed.  Tightly closed bulbs indicate that the flowers have been freshly cut and have not yet peaked.  Flowers that have opened their bloom have been sitting for a while and will most likely not last very long once you take them home.  The only exception to this rule is if you need to buy flowers for a party you are hosting that same day, then I would endorse the purchase of blooms that have already opened.

Don't make a purchase based on color

One of the worst things you can do when going to buy flowers is to already have determined the flower color you plan on purchasing.  Flowers are not a predictable product, meaning that there are days at the store when the red roses are looking awesome and other days when the white hydrangeas are riddled with brown spots on their petals.  You will set yourself up for floral disappointment if you try to force a purchase decision based strictly on color.  Go into the store with an open mind and ALWAYS buy whatever looks best.  Flowers are beautiful regardless of color and its much easier to work with a beautiful bouquet of yellow sunflowers than it is to work with limp snapdragons.

Seasonal is best

Just like produce, try to buy flowers that are in season (Links to 2 great resources - here and here).  Purchasing a flower during the peak of it's season will not only yield the most aesthetically pleasing version of that bloom, but the floral varietal is also most affordable during it's peak because it is currently in abundance.  Sure, you can find peonies to purchase in September (at a cost of $8.99/stem), or you can wait until late May/early June for your peonies fix and pay between $8.99-$12 for 5 stems!  Of course the best/most affordable option is to grow peonies in your backyard, but if you are without a yard (like me) then this seasonal purchasing strategy is the way to go.  

Always consider the vase

Flower arranging most certainly involves a degree of planning.  When selecting flowers for an arrangement, considering the vases you have at home is critical.  Color, shape and size are all necessary components to factor into your decision.  From my experience with flowers thus far, I know I have certain vases that work best for hydrangeas and certain vases that I can only use to arrange ranunculus.  In order to ensure that your flowers look their best when you arrange them at home, have a vase in mind at the time of your flower purchase.  This will also ensure that the flowers are trimmed and transferred shortly after arriving home, thus increasing their longevity as well.   

Flowers can be a wonderful addition to your home.  Keeping in mind these 5 tips when purchasing your next bouquet can make all of the difference in having flowers last for 1-2 weeks (i.e. major floral success).  For more ideas on a few of my favorite budget friendly flowers, check out this post.  For any questions not answered in today's post, please feel free to contact me at redefiningdomestics@gmail.com.  

Spring Entertaining Essentials

Now that we are well into Spring, I wanted to share some of my favorite entertaining essentials for the season.  It was not easy creating this list, as I have found so many fabulous entertaining accessories.  With that said, I have selected the following items not only because I frequently use them, but they are also unique, aesthetically pleasing and under $30!  

3- Tiered Serving Piece 

This is a piece that I actually acquired during the "Lilly-palooza" event at Target a few weekends ago (see here for my complete story).  Originally I had come across this multi-tiered stand in the serveware section and thought it would be great for serving petit fours, desserts, etc… Upon arriving back at home, I called my mom to tell her about my newest acquisitions.  It wasn't until she asked me to send her a link to the new serving piece that I realized it was actually a jewelry stand!  Learning this interesting bit of information didn't phase me.  I have used this piece multiple times for serving food and have yet to use it for jewelry, but apparently this piece is multipurpose! 

I love the elegant aesthetic of this 3-tiered piece.  The gold and cream color combination goes beautifully with most of my serveware pieces and looks great when paired with a variety of brightly colored Spring flowers.  In addition to the aesthetic, this piece is also a great space saver.  My favorite use for this piece is to hold all of my cheesescape crackers and accompaniments.  

Paper Table Runner 

I first debuted this accessory in my post on Spring Cheesescaping.  Since this post, I have used this paper at least half a dozen times.  I absolutely LOVE disposable table runners.  Why?  

1. They come in an assortment of bold colors and textures, which are perfect for framing your neutral serving dishes  and other entertaining accessories.
2. The roll of paper actually lasts a long time.  As I mentioned, I have used this paper at least half a dozen times and still have what appears to be a very full roll of runner paper remaining.  
3. Post party clean-up is a cinch!  Instead of having to collect all of the crumbs and sticky food particles from the table after a party, I simply roll up the paper and throw it in the garbage.  
4. This roll of table paper is under $30.  Considering how many uses I have gotten out of this paper so far and all of the other benefits, I consider this price to be very reasonable.   

Gold Cheese Knives 

Gold flatware has been all of the rage lately.  I am certainly a huge fan of this look, however I haven't been able to justify the price (especially since I already have a full set of everyday flatware).  My solution?  Gold Cheese Knives!  These cheese knives are an updated look at an affordable price.   In addition, I love that this gold cheese knife set comes with a spear for serving pre-cut charcuterie and a flat paddle, which is perfect for using to serve chutneys and/or fruit preserves.  

Edible Flowers 

Nothing screams "Springtime" like floating a flower in your cocktail!  As you may have seen in previous posts (like this one), edible flowers are my latest go-to cocktail garnish.  Unique, natural, pretty and at a cost of $1.69/container you really can't go wrong incorporating these little gems into your next party.  

Bud Vases 

Spring means flowers and lots of them!  Since flowers are my go-to decor accessory this season, I have decided to get creative with the way they are displayed (both arranging and vessels).  My favorite vessel as of late is the bud vase.  Why?

1. Versatility- Bud vases allow for a floral pop of color in a variety of spaces.  Instead of just using one large arrangement on my coffee table when I am entertaining, I will arrange 4 small bud vases interspersed with votives.   I am also a fan of using bud vases to adorn my kitchen window sill, bedside tables, dining table, bar and even my bathroom countertops!
2. Affordability- I have bought the majority of my bud vases from my local flower supply store at a cost of roughly $2.49/vase.  What is not to love about that?  

As I mentioned at the start of this post, it was a challenge to keep this list of Spring entertaining essentials to only 5 items.  The possibilities for Spring entertaining are endless and there are so many fabulous products/entertaining accessories on the market at the moment.  My best piece of advice is to look beyond the face value of any item you are considering buying.  Thank goodness I didn't look at the label of my latest cheesescape serving piece in the store.  If I had looked at the label of my 3-tiered "Jewelry" Stand prior to purchasing, I don't know if I would have gone through with buying it.  As always, I hope this post has provided you with a new perspective and inspiration for hosting your next Spring soiree.