Dear Mom, How Do I Make It Look Like I Know What I’m Doing with Flowers?
Cut flowers from Trader Joe’s
Dear Darby,
You’re going to love how simple this is. You don’t need a ton of flowers or a big plan—just a few basics that work every time. Once you know what lasts and how to make it look nice, it’s easy.
And just so we’re clear: flowers aren’t only for company. You deserve them just because it’s Tuesday.
Vessels for Orchids and Potted Plants
If you want something that lasts, start with orchids. They seem fussy, but they’re not. They’ll bloom for up to three months with barely any effort. Just put them in a low, good-looking vessel—something you can leave out all the time and still use on the dinner table. (You know the one. I already picked it out for you.)
When you want to switch it up for a party, just take the orchids out and drop the individual plants into smaller cachepots around the house. You’ll probably want flowers in a few other places anyway when people are coming over—like the guest room, bathroom, or your bedside table.
Versatile Arranging Vase
Other times, you’ll want something looser and seasonal. That’s when the grocery store flowers come in. In fall and winter, I’ll drive to Trader Joe’s just to get my hands on something fresh. Their bundles are usually better—and cheaper—than most florists.
The vase matters more than you think. Stick with something low and narrow that won’t get in the way. The one I sent you for Easter? Still my favorite. It just works.
A few tricks that make a big difference:
Start with greenery. It holds everything in place and usually lasts longer than the flowers. Sometimes it’ll even stretch to a second round of blooms. Honestly, it’s pretty enough on its own.
Change the water every day. Add the flower food if they give it to you.
Cut the stems every time you rearrange. Just a little. It helps them last.
Hydrangeas are the drama queens. If they wilt on the way home, flip them over and put the flower heads (not the stems) in a bowl of hot water for about 30 minutes. They’ll perk back up.
You really only need three vessels to handle flowers and plants inside.
One for a statement arrangement — think an urn or large planter that can hold several potted plants at once.
One cachepot for a single potted plant, so you can drop it right in and have it look finished.
And one vase that makes arranging cut flowers easy and beautiful every time, no matter what you bring home.
Here’s what I recommend:
After dinner, don’t toss the whole arrangement. Break it up and move the pieces around. One in the bathroom, one on your desk, one by the bed. A little goes a long way.
So, Darby, that’s my game plan for getting every bit of beauty out of your vessels and your flowers. Store them where you can grab them quickly, and don’t let a single bloom go to waste. Stretch them, rearrange them, and enjoy them until the very last petal falls. I promise, with the right vase and a few tricks, you’ll look like you have fresh flowers all the time — without spending like you do.
Every good hostess needs a few tricks up her sleeve!
I love you and have a great week,
Mom
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