Fresh From the Florist: 4 Simple Flower Arranging Tips

There’s nothing quite like bringing home a fresh bouquet of flowers—whether it’s a gift, a treat for yourself, or a spontaneous market find. But once you're back home, the real fun begins: arranging them in your favorite vessel! Here are four simple, effective tips to help you make the most of your blooms and keep them looking their best.

Step 1: Trim and Tidy

Before you place any of your gorgeous stems in water, make sure to give them a little TLC. Trim each stem at a 45-degree angle—this increases the surface area for water absorption and helps your blooms last longer.  You’ll also want to remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline to prevent bacteria growth, which can shorten the life of your flowers. 

Step 2: Build a Base with Greens

Start your arrangement with greenery or filler flowers (like eucalyptus, wax flower, or limonium) to create a structure. These help support your main blooms and add texture and depth. Think of this step like sketching the outline before painting—it sets the stage for the stars of the show.

Pro tip: Place the greens in a crisscross pattern to create a natural "grid" that holds your flowers in place.

Step 3: Focus on Shape and Balance

When adding your main flowers, place the larger blooms first, spreading them out evenly and slightly off-center for a more organic feel. Then, fill in with medium and smaller flowers, rotating your vase as you go to keep the arrangement balanced from all sides.

Step 4: Get Creative with Your Flowers

Just because you received a bouquet doesn’t mean it all has to go in one vase! Try splitting your flowers into a few smaller arrangements to spread beauty throughout your home. A few stems by the kitchen sink, a tiny bud vase on your bedside table, or a cheerful pop in the bathroom—get creative and make your bouquet work for you. Flowers are meant to bring joy, so have fun with it!

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to let some flowers droop naturally over the edge of the vase—it adds movement and a relaxed, garden-inspired look.

With just a few thoughtful steps, your bouquet can  go from simple stems to a stunning centerpiece.

Happy arranging!