We’re already halfway into January and I’m starting to feel those winter blues wanting to rear its ugly head. I’ve been really focused on staying balanced and I have to say I think its whats keeping those blues at bay. I’ve been carving out time for work, home, family and exercise each day and I’m amazed at how much I can actually get done with I keep focused. Another way I love to fight the winter blues is with fresh flowers. They’re a little extra awesome during these cold gray days. One of my favorite bouquets this month has been a very simple winter floral arrangement of tulips and cedar that I threw together in minutes.
This arrangement probably doesn’t require a tutorial but I wanted to share the process of how I put it together just in case you’re new to creating your own bouquets. It’s super easy. I promise! One of the best things about the flowers I use in my home is that they’re all under $10. There’s no going over budget on these affordable guys. I purchased two tulip bouquets for $5 a piece and I used cedar sprigs from garland I used this past holiday season for this arrangement. I have also used cedar from the yard in the past. I always say check your yard first before you buy a filler. I like to use not only a pretty vase but I also use jars, tea pots and vintage bowls. You can take simple flowers and create a beautiful arrangement with an uncommon vase.
I use floral tape to keep the flowers in the spot that I want them. Tulips have a tendency of flopping over and the tape helps keep them in place. You simply make a grid pattern on the top of the vase. I like to give each stem a fresh cut before placing them in the case. I start by filling the outside in first followes by placing flowers in the center.
Last, add a filler. I used cedar in the bouquet for a winter touch but there are tons of greenery options you could use for a winter look. You really don’t need much. I used about eight small springs in my bouquet.
It’s simple, cheap and oh so pretty! Every time I walk into the kitchen the winter blues fade. It’s such a simple thing that really helps kick the bad moods.
My favorite place to pick up fresh blooms is Trader Joe’s. Every week when I get groceries I grab a bundle or two. It’s just a little something I enjoy and I think it makes life a little sweeter. With a house full of boys a girl needs some flowers!
What’s your favorite flowers to decorate with? If you’ve got something you do to kick the winter blues I’d love to know! I’ve been trying different things this year to keep my spirit up and so far so good. Its amazing how far more exercise and a balanced scheduled can go. I hope you all are doing just was good. Until next time, have a great week friends!
Nancy Battaglia says
I love your ideas…your home is so beautiful and inspiring! I too, need fresh flowers in my home in the winter months (oh such long winters in Minnesota!).
I’m a floral designer and just a few notes about your pretty bouquet. The vase shown would be best lined with a smaller glass vase inside. The finish on most mercury glass vases is not sealed and will come off when exposed to water for too long.
Trim the stems of the flowers every other day or so (just a small trim) and change the water at the same time. Make sure there are no leaves below the water line as they will rot and your flowers will not last as long.
Lastly, tulips will grow after being cut–seems strange but they do. Don’t be surprised if they are taller the second day !