Friday, May 27, 2011

Recycled Flower Arrangements


I like fresh cut flowers,

lots of them,

all the time.

I've said before that in my dream life, I would have fresh arrangements delivered to my door every single morning. Chris surprises me with a lot of fresh flower special deliveries though! It must be because I'm so spoiled sweet.

Cut flowers don't last long but there is an obvious simple tip you can use to keep your bouquets looking pretty longer! After your arrangement starts to wither, pull out all the flowers and re arrange into new mini bouquets: give your flowers a transformation! It will feel as if you have a TOTALLY NEW flower arrangement!

It's like this...

This arrangement started out from the florist like this:


But as the flowers started to wither, I took it apart and discarded the dead flowers:




Then I had a reinvented arrangement:






Another bunch of gorgeous flowers:



And, after the lilies bloomed and everything else died, I grouped the leftovers into a different vase and it looked like this:


I even used some for a mountain picnic:





And this:



Becomes something simple for the dinner table:



Party decor flowers:


Become this: Typically, I'm not a fan of dried flowers, but mini roses dry so beautifully!


Be creative with your use of fresh cut flowers

- put in an old soda bottle, tie with twine,
and give to a new neighbor

- put in a big drinking pitcher
and use a centerpiece for a breakfast buffet
.

- always buy flowers when entertaining and hosting dinners or events. You can find them on clearance at the grocery store.

- use for party centerpieces. Nothing is prettier
or EASIER than flowers.


- use for gift toppers (thank you Melissa!)

- tie up a bundle and put in a basket for picnics

- randomly give to little girls when you're out

- leave some in your guest room when you have company

-bundle some pretties in a mason jar and surprise your best friend







I'm a fresh cut flower kind of girly girl! I have always loved taking pictures of my flowers since I was just a little girl. I could make an entire album of just flower bouquets I've received through the years. It's more than beautifully colored flowers: each arrangement brings back a feeling, a memory, and a moment in time. That's what the photos give me.



AND....
the arrangements give me beauty in every day life.
They add a smile to my table,
they're the most lovely accessory for a home.







This post is linked to Home Stories A 2 Z Tuesday Tips.

8 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

Very pretty flower arrangements and great tips. I know cutting the stems and changing the water everyday makes a big difference, too. Now...if I could get my hubby to bring them home to me more often!!

XO,
Janie

Stacey said...

Those are gorgeous. You are so creative and continually inspire to me to try new things. Love your blog.

Kitty Deschanel said...

You always have the most amazing photos here.

Be extra sure to stop by my blog to vote for the winner of the Best in Show award this week! I think you'll be happy (again!) to see which blogger was nominated ;)

Jane said...

I'm a "fresh flower" kind of girl, too. Even when we had little money, I would still purchase flowers for the house. They always make me smile! (Wish I could successfully grow cutting flowers here. No matter how many times I have tried, they die. I just have to paint my gardens, now.
Have a wonderful weekend...
Jane

Jenny said...

I grow a lot of cutting flowers in my garden. Today my house is filled with roses, gladiola, snapdragons, sunflowers, heliotrope and asparagus fern!

Nancy said...

My brother worked at a reception hall last summer, and after every ceremony they would throw the flowers away, so he asked if he could take them home instead. I had so much fun dismantling the big bushels and arranging small bouquets to go around the house and give away. So much fun!

Beth said...

I love flowers and love to do the same thing! Little nosegays are so fun. Thanks for linking up :).

Michelle said...

I do this each time I get flowers and I too wish I could have fresh flowers delivered all the time. For me, once a week would be good :-)