Floral Arrangements Archives - An Appealing Plan

July 14, 2016October 27, 2016

Setting A Pink + Gold Bridal Shower Tablescape

This week I am collaborating with The Inspired Home who has sponsored my feature on Planning a Gold Themed Bridal Shower. I have to tell you it was a pure pleasure creating a pink and gold tablescape with their lovely brands and products. As you can see, I was in pink and gold heaven!

As I was thinking about my top tips for creating a pink + gold bridal shower tablescape I knew Peonies would be the star of the table. Their delicate petals and romantic scent create a focal point for the center of the table. The pink peonies mixed with white tulips and placed in gold striped vases became my inspiration for the entire tablescape.

The other stars of this table – gold stemware, rose gold flatware, clean white plates, rose inspired cloth napkins and of course rose wine to be served to all the guests!

Be sure to add special touches to your table with small gift bags tied with gold name tags or place settings and gold cupcake “bride” banners to top mini cupcakes to serve as both decor and dessert.

Read my top tips for planning your gold themed bridal shower and find out more about the products I used on The Inspired Home website. Be sure to leave a comment letting me know you stopped by!

March 25, 2016

Spring Flowers. The Perfect Way to Celebrate the Season In Your Home.

Spring days scream for spring flower arrangements placed on every surface of your home. Don’t save these gorgeous spring blooms for Easter dinner or Mothers Day brunch, brighten your living room, entranceway table and Spring tablescape with a combination of Snapdragons, Pussy Willow branches and fragrant stock everyday!

I have a collection of vases for everyday flowers that sits on top of a sideboard in my dining room that I grab on a regular a basis, and then I have an amazing collection of art glass pieces I have purchased and acquired over the years that I bring out when I want to create something special. Now that doesn’t have to mean I am throwing a party, it can simply mean I picked up an extra bunch of flowers at the market or that I need a little pick me up on a Thursday.

Of course I start with my favorite flower arrangement filler, Eucalyptus leaves, in the base of my large glass container, cutting them to lay just on the edge of the vessel and then begin to add a layer of white fragrant white stock. On top of the line of white stock, add a large bunch of purple snapdragons for that pop of color.

Finish off this spectacular spring flower arrangement with a few Pussy Willow branches in the center. Spread them out so they arch over the top of the entire arrangement adding texture and height to the arrangement and your spring dinner or coffee table.

Promise me you add more flowers to your home this spring. Don’t wait for a holiday to add beauty to your table ~ try it today, just because. Celebrate everyday ~ Krayl

February 9, 2016February 9, 2016

5 Valentines Day Tablescape Ideas

Just like searching for true love, there are SO many way to set the perfect Valentines Day tablescape I thought it might be best to pull together my favorite looks from over the years here on An Appealing Plan and from the mighty web it self to inspire you this season.

Still one of my favorites, this vintage über pretty pink tablescape features, Ombre XOX cookies set atop of a white china cake stand and a romantic combination of pink tulips, wax flower and pink stock. It is perfect for Galentine’s Day or a week day dinner for two.

These ball jars filled with Red and Pink Ranunculus are perfect for a Valentine’s luncheon celebration! Found on GreenWeddingShoes.com as a bridal shower idea it is easily transformed for a February day. The paper table runner makes the pink pop and will not break your decor budget so there is more to spend on chocolate!

Red velvet hearts hanging on curly willow branches create a dream like effect on this Romantic table for two found right here in 2013! Red and white are a classic pairing for a Valentine’s Day tablescape and this table shows you why it will never go out of style.

Proof that romance doesn’t have to be all pink and red, and in your face, this lovely tablesetting featuring acrylic chairs running the length of this poolside table for 20. The gorgeous floral arrangements featuring coral peonies allow friendship and connection to be the focus on this table seen on JoelSerrato.com

And finally my favorite place to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day breakfast… in bed of course! This easy “tray-scape” can be made ahead and then completed with waffles and love potion right before your favorite sweetheart wakes up.

November 22, 2015November 23, 2016

Creating an Easy Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

To me flowers make the table! I like to use unexpected vessels for my arrangements but occasionally they aren’t water tight. Here is my quick fix for that and a how-to for creating an easy holiday centerpiece with flowers and candles using a few of my favorite greens – Seeded Eucalyptus and Boxwood clippings as well as a mixture of colorful flowers – Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova, Purple Liatris and Orange Safflower Seed. Please feel free to use whatever flowers you find at the market or garden.

Although I mention specific flowers and greens in this article, and in the video, the real take away is that you can create a base for your arrangements using any vessel that inspires you with just a few items you may even have around your home. Use this as an inspiration and let your creativity run wild!

Creating a Holiday Centerpiece with Flowers + Candles

SUPPLIES

oasis, wet floral foam
Ziploc style baggies – 1 gallon size or larger
2 taper candles
Stick Um
Fiskar garden clippers
Assorted Greens + Florals used in this arrangement:
- Seeded Eucalyptus
- Ornamental Cabbage or Flowering Kale heads
- Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova
- Purple Liatris
- Orange Safflower Seed
- Boxwood clippings

METHOD

Cut your oasis foam block in half and soak in water overnight to completely saturate with water.
Push your candle holders into the oasis foam deep enough to hold them straight and secure. If you are not using small candle holders the taper candles may be push directly into the oasis to ensure the stay upright.
Place each block into a water tight bag and roll down the edges so they are just above the top of the block but are below the top of your decorative vessel. Place block and bag into vessel, add the candles and center in the vessel.
Begin to cut and place Eucalyptus branches along the outside edge, be sure the cut ends are deep into the oasis for hydration and so the are secure. Insert large Ornamental Cabbage heads into oasis to create the main body of your arrangement. Cut and insert Blue Eryngium Thistle Super Nova and Orange Safflower Seeds then fill in with Boxwood Clippings.

This flower and candle arrangement is perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or it can easily be updated for any entertaining opportunity that occurs at your home during the winter and Christmas entertaining season. Simply adjust the color pallet coordinate with your seasonal decor or tablescape as needed.

My Boxwood + Besties tablescape with my Roasted Butternut Squash + Cauliflower Soup recipe, perfect for entertaining friend during the holiday season has also been featured on The Inspired Home website.

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And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

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April 1, 2015March 10, 2016

How to Create A Spring Bulb Centerpiece.

Forcing bulbs to create a Spring Bulb Centerpiece brings the cheeriness of the outdoors inside, but requires you to plan weeks ahead to properly prepare the bulbs. This quick short cut creates the same look in a fraction of the time. Add this easy Spring bulb centerpiece to your Easter, Mothers Day or other Spring gathering tablescape and watch as each bulb opens up just as it would in your garden.

Begin by selecting the vessels and bulbs, for this table I am using gold accents therefore I am used several gold toned urns in varying heights and textures to add interest to the table. For the bulbs, I have picked up already growing yellow daffodils, purple hyacinth and white tulips – your local nursery, garden center or market most likely will have a nice selection of colors during the early spring months to choose from.

Once you have your vessel and bulbs are selected begin by place a small amount of soil in the base of the planter, then begin to add your bulbs on top. Nursery stock pots usually contain 3-4 bulbs in each, gently break them apart to fit in them in the container and spread out the colors as they would appear naturally in the garden.

Once the bulbs are arranged in the container add another layer of soil to secure them in place and to ensure their roots stay moist as they bloom. Complete your look by topping off the soil with green reindeer moss to cover the roots and add an additional texture to the spring bulb centerpiece.

When you have everything in its place bring the entire container over to the sink and give it a good drink of water – consider whether your vessel has drainage holes and if you need to protect the table surface as well as how much water the bulbs will rest in.

Group the gold urns together in the center of your Easter or Spring tablescape and enjoy the fragrance as they bloom just in time for your Spring gathering.

March 13, 2015March 18, 2015

Bells Of Ireland

One of my all time favorite green flowers, the Bells Of Ireland, is also one of the most unusual looking flowers you will see in your market or florists shop, but it is the perfect stand alone statement flower arrangement you can place on your table.

Also found under Bells-of-Ireland, and Shellflower or Shell flower – with the Latin name Moluccella laevis – is remarkably from the mint family, grows from seed and is an amazing addition to country gardens as well as more modern beds.

When you purchase your Bells Of Ireland be sure to remove a good inch or more from the bottom before placing them in your arrangement as I find the base of their stems break down before the top portion even starts to fade.

The flowering portion of the Bells Of Ireland are actually the small white buds inside the green bells but beware these spiky have mini thorns so look out when arranging them. These apple green beauties are a striking flower alone in a tall vase of glass or metal – I find tall slender shapes work best as they tend to spread out and their stems are frequently bare at the base.

Bells Of Ireland flowers are a wonderful design element for you dining table or hallway entrance table for the spring season and can be paired with minimal accents to allow the flowers to be the focal point of your arrangement.

February 14, 2015February 9, 2016

Pink Rustic Flower Arrangement

In this segment of An Appealing Plan TV I create a pink rustic floral arrangement perfect for a pink themed table, a girlfriends brunch or a romantic valentines meal for two.

Using a combination of pink flowers with various textures it is possible to create a romantic feeling centerpiece for your dining table or to be placed in any room of your home to add a natural beauty.

Allow the colors and textures of the flowers to dictate the feel of your arrangement rather than forcing it – this lends itself to an overall vintage tablesetting.

Using coordinating colors in your napkins, dinnerware and glassware brings a calm feel to the table and draws the eyes to the finer details and textures.

Add easy to make Ombre XOX sugar cookies to your table by placing them on a cakestand to add a visual interest.

June 13, 2014April 12, 2022

How To Make Your Own Nautical Centerpiece.

Did you know that the glass floats we love to use in our summer decor were originally used in the 1930’s by fishermen in many parts of the world to keep their fishing nets, as well as longlines or droplines afloat. In fact they were so abundant you can still find them floating in the seas today. Original Japanese glass fishing floats, as they are also called, are now popular collectors’ items and can be found in vintage stores or as reproductions in design stores.

Collect a few glass floats in different colors from your local vintage store and pair them with a handmade rope wrapped vase filled with flowers and use them to create your own nautical centerpiece.

Mixing in vintage nautical pieces with some items that you may find in your local stores is the perfect way to create a nautical centerpiece. For this particular tablescape, we are going to start with a singular clear vase. I like to use square or straight side vases, as this ensures the ribbon will go up smoothly. If your vase has a slight tilt to it, it may change the way the ribbon lies.

We’re going to begin by placing the rope ribbon around the edge and measuring for length. Once you have the ribbon wound around, about twice, then apply the glue. Apply the glue, just to the edges, as you won’t need very much. Press down the edges and ensure that they are secure.

Fill with water and place blue and white flowers in the vase.

To complete your centerpiece, top your table with either a large a fishing net or bunch it in the center for a more casual feel. Group the nautical glass balls around the floral and finish it off with coordinating nautical style votives.

This centerpiece is ideal for summer parties, beach weddings or simply to decorate the table for the summer season.

See more of my projects on eHow.com.

April 28, 2014April 30, 2015

A Classic Blue + Silver Centerpiece

One of my favorite entertaining tips is for every host to have a “go-to” centerpiece or arrangement that they can easily pull together in a moments notice when friends or family give the word that they will be stopping by, or simply to have on your kitchen table to welcome you home each day. This classic Blue and Silver centerpiece using Hydrangeas is at the top of my list as it is a fantastic combination of simplicity and elegance.

To watch this video click on the image below.

My favorite silver vase to use is similar to the mint julep cups found at the Kentucky Derby. I love to mix and match different sizes to create a centerpiece. For this centerpiece we’re going to use julep cups, one taller and one smaller as well as two different size Hydrangea.

SUPPLIES:

Low Silver Julep Cup

Tall Silver Julep Cup
2 Blue Hydrangea Blooms
Kitchen Shears
Water

DIRECTIONS:

Fill julep cups with water approximately half full.

Cut your hydrangea stems to the correct height by placing your cups on a table and measuring the height of the stem so the bloom will sit in the cup just above the rim. For this particular floral centerpiece you will want them to rest just above the top. Cut off the appropriate amount off the bottom of the stem.

Pull the two vases together to create small centerpiece or create a larger version by grouping several julep cups.

Silver and blue is a perfect classic combination for gatherings throughout the year but particularly during the spring and summer months, this arrangement is perfect for a Kentucky Derby gathering or Garden Party.

DIY Garden Themed Centerpieces

Garden theme centerpieces are perfect any time of the year as they can reflect what’s going on in your own garden so they can be used summer, spring, winter or fall.

To view the video click on the image or click here.

SUPPLIES:

floral oasis
fishing line
water
sheet moss
floral sticks
garden sheers
dried craft mushrooms
decorative butterflies
3-4 flowers stems

To cut the oasis, use the fishing line to draw a straight line down the center. Once you have this cut it will fit nicely into your container. If you need to take additional off the sides, just use your fishing line to make it the size that works for your container. Place the moss on top.

Once you have your moss in place use your floral sticks to place the mushrooms. Your floral sticks come in varying lengths. Cut them to size depending upon the height of your container. Place them in the oasis, leaving a little bit on top sticking out. Start to place the mushrooms on top of the sticks. The mushrooms should have a hollow center which allows them to sit right on top of the sticks.

Fluff up the moss as needed then continue to place the different colored mushrooms on top of the sticks. Push them down a little bit further if needed.

Once the mushrooms are in, use the floral sticks to create a hole to push your flowers into. The sharp end works really well. I also recommend using flowers that have a stronger stem. They will push easily into the oasis as opposed to a loose stem which will not. Start to place your flowers into the wet oasis and then move the box around filling in.

Create a natural look by grouping the flowers together. Once that is done you can start to bring in other woodland or garden items.

This garden inspired centerpiece will bring the garden into your home and table.

How To Make A Thanksgiving Showpiece {VIDEO}

In this video for eHow, I discuss how to make a Thanksgiving showpiece. This harvest display can be placed on your dining room table, your hallway, your entrance table, and will bring life and color throughout the entire season.

Click image above or Click this link to watch the video: How to Make a Thanksgiving Showpiece — powered by eHow

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Items you can bring in from your local farmer’s market or supermarket.

Artichokes
Indian Corn
White Mini Pumpkins
Gourds
Mixed leaves
Mixed Gourds in Various Colors
Acorns
Dried Tree Fruit.

Starting with the Indian corn, layer in using their husks to create a nice base and foundation for the basket. Next layer the leaves, I like to mix and match them with the red as well as the yellow so that it looks very natural. Preserved leaves work well, but if you have a great oak tree outside your house, go ahead and grab them from your yard.

Once your base is set, you can start with some of the larger items. Artichokes are first, Mix them in nicely, separate them a little bit, and then with the larger gourds, just starting to stack those in the base. Next mix in the orange and the white mini pumpkins.

Keep in mind, people may be able to see it from every angle, so create it to be seen from every angle.

Start placing some of the wheat and sticking those in. You will want about three or four inch lengths to tuck in.

Add acorns to continue to fill the gaps.

What one tip was most useful in this video? Let me know below in the comments and sign up to receive tips to your inbox!