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Kim Montenero is a freelance writer and craft designer. Her work has been featured in many publications including Reloved Magazine, Parade.com and The Huffington Post. She blogs at www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com where she encourages individuals to feather their nests with super easy and elegant DIY and craft projects regardless of their skill level. She can be contacted through her website. |
| Summertime is party time! Graduations, showers, weddings and seasonal celebrations abound and there's no better way to decorate than with flowers. Unfortunately, professional arrangements can be pricey, so I always make my own. Now I know that arranging flowers without the help of a florist is not a new idea. It's just that when I mention DIY bouquets to friends, I generally hear skeptical groans and comments like, "They never look the same." I tend to disagree. Today’s floral designs are much more relaxed, they are very easy and very forgiving to make. With a little thought and a few grocery store blooms, you can make your tables sparkle, even if you have no artistic or DIY skills of any kind. I promise! Here are a few tips: Purchase your flowers at the food store, look for the bonus bouquets or buy one get one sales. Mix those with posies from your yard to pump up the volume and interest of each arrangement and to keep your cost down. Choose one type of flower and include it in every vase to unify your look and remember, you don't need a ton of flowers to pack a punch. Just a few gathered together in the proper sized vase make quite a statement. Mason jars, old bottles, pitchers and watering cans are great containers for casual settings. Mixing vase styles, for a collected look, will add to the relaxed feel of your celebration, think outside the box. If your party is more formal, crystal is an excellent choice. You can pick up some neat options at the thrift store for next to nothing. To give your arrangements a more finished look, wrap a hydrangea leaf inside glass vases, to conceal the stems and add a ribbon or some twine to the outside. Baby's breath, wildflowers and grasses make excellent fillers. Anything and everything goes, don't be afraid to add a random branch with leaves or frankly, without…a bare twig can add loads of interest to your table. One of the most creative centerpieces I have ever seen contained a few delicate flowers and an actual goldfish! Unexpected and unforgettable. So I say raid your garden, get creative and play with flowers. You’ll end up with fabulous party decor. And I guarantee you, it won't cost $150 per table. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 