Five Easy Tips to Make Your Holiday Floral Arrangements Look Professional (And Expensive)
Last week, BA HQ was infiltrated by floral designer and event producer Mimi Brown as she showed us how to create a beautiful arrangement (even if you're tragic when it comes to all things plant-like). You might know Mimi from her work with some little-known brands like goop, Michael Kors, Zac Posen, Cadillac and Prada. Her portfolio speaks for itself and lucky for you (and us!) we got Mimi to dish some of her insider secrets including how to construct the perfect European hand-tied bouquet!
DON'T BE AFRAID TO BREAK A FEW EGGS (OR STEMS)
Mimi recommends removing all leaves from your flowers right away. "When you leave them on, that's the first thing that gets hydration from the vase water. Cut them off and it goes right to your blooms instead." Speaking of cutting things down, don't leave your stems to flop around in their vase. Trim some shorter to cover the not so cute stuff (think stems and gaps) and highlight your beautiful blooms!
GRAB A 'GET WELL SOON' CARD
So some of your picks aren't ideal, we've all been there. Your ex-boyfriend might not be fixable, but your flowers still have a fighting chance. Mimi sets a vase off to the side while she works where she keeps the material she might use later on. Her duds go to the "hospital," which frees up table space for her to work with the gems.
SIZE MATTERS
Most people have a few go-to vases that they toss every birthday/anniversary/hostess bouquet into without a thought. "Paying attention to the size of the opening is essential. The wider the vase, the more flowers you'll need to make it look full and finished." It's time to add "appropriately sized vase" to that Amazon wishlist.
CRISSCROSS, APPLESAUCE
Another common mistake many amateurs make is simply arranging their blooms in a haphazard pattern. In order to build a solid foundation, you need to cross the stems from left to right over top of one another. Those base stems will then be able to support your more delicate material later on!
DROP THE DEAD WEIGHT
"Roses have grower petals, which are helpful for shipping purposes." It may seem like sacrilege, but removing the outer layer of petals will make your roses appear healthier and happier (like your life now that you dropped your ex off at the "hospital"). If pulling apart a rose makes you want to curl up like one, try carnations instead. Mimi is happy to report "carnations are back!"