Fresh Flowers Aren't Just For The Dining Room Table

Fresh Flowers Aren't Just For The Dining Room Table
By Claire Bowes, Fri Dec 9th

Fresh Flowers in All the Traditional Places

When you think of a beautiful floral arrangement, you oftenthink of the dining room table, especially if it is holidaytime. And why not? Beautiful dining centerpieces have graced ourtables for centuries. Whether you are having a party, decoratingfor a holiday, or simply adding a beautiful touch, keep in mindthat floral arrangements should complement the décor and mood ofthe room. Remember, too, you don’t have to have a traditionalarrangement just because you find it in a traditional location.Instead of one big center arrangement, you may want to try aseries of vases and candles on a fabric runner for a stunningeffect.

Another traditional location for fresh flowers is in the foyeror entranceway. What a great way to make a terrific firstimpression. Regardless of your style, flowers in the entrywaycan create the mood from the moment someone walks through yourdoor. Is your home formal? Try an elegant centerpiece or a pieceof artwork on a pedestal draped with a garland and flowers. Fora homier, friendlier look, place a basket with a garden bouqueton the entry table. No matter what your style, flowers canenhance your home.

Beyond Tradition

Let’s not stop with tradition! Fresh flowers are so beautifulthat they should not be relegated to the dining room andentryway alone. Why not brighten every room in your house? Let’slook at a few ideas to help you think outside the box.

* Kitchen: Think beyond basil and oregano! Fill your kitchenwindow ledge with pots of herbs and sun-loving plants likekalanchoe, African violets, or primroses. A few well-placedgerbera daisies can help spice up your kitchen, too. The bestpart is that you can enjoy your mini-harvest every day.

* Bedroom: Add a touch of romance in your bedroom with a fewbeautiful stems that complement or accent the color of yourlinens or wallpaper. There is simply nothing like waking up to adelicate scent drifting from your nightstand. Tea roses,freesias, peonies, lilac and lilies, all have deliciousfragrances.

* Guest Bedroom: Welcome your guest with a bright floraladdition. Visitors feel extra special with a bright bunch of cutflowers sitting pretty on the guest room nightstand.

* Bathroom: Flowers in the bathroom? Why not! A simple plastictumbler filled with fragrant blossoms makes an attractive airfreshener. You can even add floating rose-petals in a bath tospoil a friend!

* Office: Any job is more enjoyable when the surroundings arecheerful and attractive, and what is more cheerful than cutflowers? Bring nature indoors and make yourself happier andhealthier!

* Laundry Room: I can hear you now – NOT the laundry room, too!!Yes, even the laundry room can use a bit of sunshine. Rinse outan old bleach or detergent bottle, fill it with cut flowers andplace it on your washing machine or shelf. It'll help lightenthe load on washday!

* Staircase: Create a "stepped" effect with a series of flowersin interesting containers.

There is nothing wrong with tradition – a big floral arrangementon the dining room table is always a welcomed addition to thedécor of the room. Fresh flowers, however, don’t have to stay inthe dining room. Be creative! Think unique! Put them in all yournooks and crannies! And yes, even put them in your bathroom!

You Don’t Have to be a Floral Designer

You’ve been to the florist before and know that you can’t

createthe gorgeous centerpieces you find there, nor can you afford tobuy them already made. Don’t worry! Simply buy some freshflowers, take them home, and experiment. Anything that can holdwater is a possibility for a flower arrangement.

* Water Pitchers

* Urns

* Pots

* Vases

* Bowls

* Watering Cans

* Soda Bottles

* Mason Jars

* Champagne Bottles

* Mugs

* Even a Child’s Plastic Cup

Once you have a few containers, the fun begins. Try filling aclear glass with flowers and fill with colored marbles. Create acluster of different sized flower-filled bottles on a coffeetable. Use bowls and shallow dishes for floating flower heads orpetals and add floating candles for a bright and shining effect.

Mother Nature has created great beauty in flowers and you simplycan’t go wrong. Develop your own personal style and taste byexperimenting with different colors and types of flowers. Eachweek try a different look, color, or kind of flower.

The complementary colors of flowers can brighten any part of thehouse, from the kitchen to the family room to the bedroom.Expand your ideas to different areas throughout your home. Theimportant thing is to have fun and enjoy.

About the author:Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of 1st for Flowers whereyou will find further tips and ideas for Wedding Flowers and FlowerGifts