Simple Summer Flower Arrangements

Real Simple posted an article with eight simple flower arrangement ideas. The main tip is to use a unique container with one or two different types of flowers. My favorite from their bunch is the gerber daisy table runner with wheat grass - very simple and summery. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
I also like the idea of using beach pales or terra cotta planters as containers too. These are things you have lying around the house - why not put flowers into them to give them new life! Click here for some more ideas.

Home from Vacation!

We have arrived home.  So, we will be back to our regularly scheduled program next week!  We had a wonderful trip and saw many exciting sights!  Here is one lotus flower picture that I took from our first stop in Siem Reap, Cambodia.  I love how they folded the flower petals!

Brights - Yellow and Pink

Here are some beautiful arrangements from the summer issue of Martha Stewart Weddings!  I love the bright colors, especially the yellow.  Click here for more pictures and arrangements.

Real Simple Flowers

I have already featured two arrangements from this Real Simple Flower slide show, but I just could not resist a few more. Check them out!

Click here for some more.

July 4th! Patriotic Flowers

Can you believe that July 4th is tomorrow!?! Hope you have some nice plans to celebrate the day with friends and family.  Here, many Atlantans celebrate by running the Peachtree Road Race - so if you are running, GOOD LUCK! :)  And don't forget to have some fun!

After the race, if you are going to a barbeque, think about taking a nice arrangement of red and white flowers in some blue vases.  Or just a few small blooms - one of each color to use in a small bud vase. 

Enjoy the fireworks displays!

[image from Rachel Ray]

Orchid Details

Orchids, orchids, orchids. Delicate, elegant, and interesting. For a small wedding or even a bridal shower, I love the idea of using these orchid cones as escort or place cards that double as favors.  Just add the guest's name to the ribbon or cone with some more ribbon and a little piece of paper. A water tube is placed inside each of the cones to keep the orchids hydrated.  [via Martha Stewart]

 

Flag Arrangement - 4th of July

Here is one floral arrangement idea you could use to celebrate July 4th!

Take 6 or more small, short cube vases, a bunch of red and white flowers (roses, carnations, or tulips) and your favorite blue flower (dyed blue roses, hydrangeas, cornflowers, anemones, or even irises).  Line up all the cube vases in a rectangle on your table.  Fill one cube with the blue flowers and put that in the top corner, and then fill the other cubes with alternating rows of red and white.  Final result - flag of flowers!  You could even sprinkle in a few small white blooms to make the stars for the blue cube.  You could also due this with a box, glass baking dish (with short stems and floral foam), or whatever else you think of!

Similar to this, but on a smaller scale!

[photo by Neil Rickards]