Sometimes less is more...

I do believe I have had an obsession with flowers since I was a wee-lass. As a child, my room was covered in cut-outs from magazines of flowers (one whole wall was covered). I was always amazed at the vast variety and colors which was the flower. Getting older, I worked at a flower nursery, learning everything you can imagine about garden plants. Then, my job as a 'production coordinator' (aka: party designer) took my love of flowers to a whole new level! Before you even see them, the most pleasant smell greets you...then, once you enter a room filled with the most incredible colored flowers in the most creative arrangements, WOW! Flowers: they do it for me.

When the budget is limitless, it is VERY easy to make the room look amazing, as one can fill it up with every flower imaginable. However, when one's budget is much smaller and still desiring a look with fresh flowers, creativity must reign supreme. I just wanted to share some ways in which I have used fresh flowers in a very affordable way....using very few flowers to make a big impact!!!

Using glass containers, just add water and throw one or more flowers in there for an AMAZING effect!

This centerpiece is almost free! Gather sticks from the yard, spray paint them white (or any color), then add a few fresh flowers for a spot of wow-color. Can be a glass vase or any container!

Swirl flowers for a fuller look, using a smaller vase.

VERY cheap centerpiece. Use a prop for your focal point and then add a spray of flowers around for a very fun look...it always works well if you use some bright ribbon as well!

Very few flowers are used here for a very big look. Most important thing for any centerpiece involving a lot of glassware is making sure glass is clean! If using gloves to handle, make sure they are powder-free!



Adding flowers to manzanita branches, with hanging crystals and candles is a gorgeous centerpiece that can be used again and again!



Again, flowers and some water. Be gentle when bending stems of lillies and do it repeatedly and slowly!

Well, these flowers are about expensive as they come, but oh do they smell FABULOUS! You can always use some gerber daisies or dalias for similar look with floating candles.

If you want a pop of fresh flowers to your tables, hang any flower with a touch of hanging amaranthus for a great look!

Attach a fresh flower or two to an existing item (such as a lantern) for a great centerpiece.

Adding flowers in the napkins can get expensive, but if you have access to fresh flowers for free, this makes such a special added detail to any party!

Stack flowers in a funky, unexpected way for a centerpiece!

Button mums (very cost effective) can be made into a ball for a unique and oh-so-neat look!