Simple Micro Flower Arrangement | Oak Leaves, Paperwhite Bulb & Cabbage

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6_DiRct2IdpLs5DNYSmxFlrSdycF1lylRHhmUgm1vck4EzO8yDT2po1R69YRr0PbGU14zdgKH1MZ3CBGMXDHAqXDb1y4CbhM-w8AGK9jrBC6GeZ3A1WnBDa6l-YC81Ais1kkjwHyzPMy/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6_DiRct2IdpLs5DNYSmxFlrSdycF1lylRHhmUgm1vck4EzO8yDT2po1R69YRr0PbGU14zdgKH1MZ3CBGMXDHAqXDb1y4CbhM-w8AGK9jrBC6GeZ3A1WnBDa6l-YC81Ais1kkjwHyzPMy/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br />Last weekend Emma and I tagged along with Mike back to the Boston area for a work trip.  He travels there often, but we haven't been back since we moved back "home" last year.  We had a fabulous time visiting some of our friends and old favorites - Concord, Beacon Hill and Back Bay.  We also took a little trip out to Nantucket for the night - the one place we never got to go that was on my list.  I'll be sharing more (a lot more...) photos later this week, but first I wanted to share this little tiny arrangement inspired by our trip.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEnvM0KUg5qxxCn-URmcZ8WSws7b_31QFCDxgLpl8-psBHeRUJp-7ccKLgSScBWxxQxGzruM4akoK2bo6oWw5YcVYRpTN9ME1NZJ9tAqrKoLLWPyaEXTT4vIUsesQGQFvveytAf7nUyP7/s1600/IMG_3893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEnvM0KUg5qxxCn-URmcZ8WSws7b_31QFCDxgLpl8-psBHeRUJp-7ccKLgSScBWxxQxGzruM4akoK2bo6oWw5YcVYRpTN9ME1NZJ9tAqrKoLLWPyaEXTT4vIUsesQGQFvveytAf7nUyP7/s1600/IMG_3893.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEnvM0KUg5qxxCn-URmcZ8WSws7b_31QFCDxgLpl8-psBHeRUJp-7ccKLgSScBWxxQxGzruM4akoK2bo6oWw5YcVYRpTN9ME1NZJ9tAqrKoLLWPyaEXTT4vIUsesQGQFvveytAf7nUyP7/s1600/IMG_3893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>My Mother-in-Law is a fabulous traveler and always does a ton of shopping on their trips.  Their house is filled with pieces of art, blankets, pottery, china, etc. that all have special meaning and were collected along the way - not gift shop type souvenirs, but beautiful things that they love from specialty boutiques, inns and farms.  I recently noticed a new engraved pewter champagne bucket at their house - apparently, they ordered it while at Blackberry Farm this last Fall on a trip for their anniversary.  Now every time she walks by it she's reminded of their special weekend.  <br /><br />In the past I'd never been one to stock up while away, but I have found that the "souvenirs" we buy always bring such great memories back to us when we get home.  So, I started taking cues from Joy and buying treats on our trips we can use in our home that will take us back to those special moments. <br /><br />One afternoon, Emma and I went out to our old town, Concord, Ma, for a visit.  We had coffee with an old friend and stopped by all of my favorite shops.  The first on my list was <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/around-our-town-winston-flowers-in.html">Winston Flowers</a>.  You might remember my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/around-our-town-winston-flowers-in.html">posts about Winston's</a> when we lived there.  It is in the middle of the quaint town center and filled with really inspired, lovely flowers.  Once a week I used to stroll Emma there to pick out flowers.  They have the most beautiful things - and most are very simple and common items, but are designed in special ways.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2dspexIADBdW7r551p0K0RUNRFmGW-3cXhhbl6XHJ3aq61s2z6g0YcZy-7VafHh39t5D6DmnEPK33kJ2R93yt2WcNB-8dzVCUkgtLI8q8DqYhpdRBOZTbC8-PyBS0vqpxC6eV5NmmVSj/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2dspexIADBdW7r551p0K0RUNRFmGW-3cXhhbl6XHJ3aq61s2z6g0YcZy-7VafHh39t5D6DmnEPK33kJ2R93yt2WcNB-8dzVCUkgtLI8q8DqYhpdRBOZTbC8-PyBS0vqpxC6eV5NmmVSj/s1600/IMG_3912.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />When I saw this arrangement I knew it would be the perfect "Joy-style" souvenir to take home with us.  It is a cabbage rosette (the center of a cabbage, stripped of most of the big leaves), mini preserved oak leaves, rosemary sprigs, white hydrangea and a paperwhite bulb.  I love that all of the elements are so seasonal, but presented in a unique and modern style.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiQi5fALlFxI0etwFaK4TO9P2IIC7H68HqbQNV8aBoapT6iX32Q59rP3ppQWhIrO9tgYC1QLC5vg7ik32uB6JWpWTytS6PlZJRsdQcOy67arO82swjuIe6qpiuAJZMXPPS9tAZKJNEDM6/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiQi5fALlFxI0etwFaK4TO9P2IIC7H68HqbQNV8aBoapT6iX32Q59rP3ppQWhIrO9tgYC1QLC5vg7ik32uB6JWpWTytS6PlZJRsdQcOy67arO82swjuIe6qpiuAJZMXPPS9tAZKJNEDM6/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I asked them to deconstruct two arrangements for me so I could carry them on the plane, then reassemble them when I got home. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabqKY1GpeYk_GDwHwCs9I6gelqYcG-4f25ZMZkeGr3btGXxRhUgwvp0T64HuEOvlo4_4z7zEIFZmJcm9BcdvBG-S8xR3fDGOvtZKb6LjzwoRMiymnF5LJPNi8XUa_Sg7pMC0Tvuf6GbWC/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabqKY1GpeYk_GDwHwCs9I6gelqYcG-4f25ZMZkeGr3btGXxRhUgwvp0T64HuEOvlo4_4z7zEIFZmJcm9BcdvBG-S8xR3fDGOvtZKb6LjzwoRMiymnF5LJPNi8XUa_Sg7pMC0Tvuf6GbWC/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />It starts with a small sprig of hydrangea broken off from a larger bloom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapfnw7b3HXUDCU9Kx3fnlfBYBirJaklOMQGXYOThhr7hMIhIWUo9BdXUGJRuAFWE2kQa0iTpjDSbaOC7hJXwCL18-y7vEZVSccrdkvup_AeUMFbeMA6EcPHh9OnRfaspYfCzWQMk_I09f/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapfnw7b3HXUDCU9Kx3fnlfBYBirJaklOMQGXYOThhr7hMIhIWUo9BdXUGJRuAFWE2kQa0iTpjDSbaOC7hJXwCL18-y7vEZVSccrdkvup_AeUMFbeMA6EcPHh9OnRfaspYfCzWQMk_I09f/s1600/IMG_3918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Then I added the cabbage. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJ2Db-8NPKximn6pHnq-2Rjv6EU6u4fVRaznaNoU6-e1tqgBG7WYm8i_F2_fC-kp8nva5SJEgjspO7h1e4si7YeZImfjDHVb612MF1W1lLgZvYJaoCx1VVDIg2FlsIXWey2gNmvyXpGJ2/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJ2Db-8NPKximn6pHnq-2Rjv6EU6u4fVRaznaNoU6-e1tqgBG7WYm8i_F2_fC-kp8nva5SJEgjspO7h1e4si7YeZImfjDHVb612MF1W1lLgZvYJaoCx1VVDIg2FlsIXWey2gNmvyXpGJ2/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Next, I tucked in the oak leaves on one side, then added the paperwhite.  Keeping the colors together makes it very natural and gathered looking. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWggQBhaGV8kICJEKUIw_dPLANo78dBjyTzX3Lx_EQVIaYN4ivmp6pl-CC-i6HOtnGM38nHFtcua7ycTBkuillMpZeIDmbxidYqZmOIDS6fYDUfrk6a5aUQSATe7YGkBK8L0XAnWyC3DZj/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWggQBhaGV8kICJEKUIw_dPLANo78dBjyTzX3Lx_EQVIaYN4ivmp6pl-CC-i6HOtnGM38nHFtcua7ycTBkuillMpZeIDmbxidYqZmOIDS6fYDUfrk6a5aUQSATe7YGkBK8L0XAnWyC3DZj/s1600/IMG_3922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD7wOV-v80_8wWeB7m7UoXtnoT0yel3iL6yMMAAe7MD1LbL2KR1BnBeiC6IkW_nU5CD3jIQ9iv0-VVUiguEt7USh12Lc49EXcYHEwznj4V74j-B_hUdNn98osgTs41yIzjX7PaVgiwswY/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkD7wOV-v80_8wWeB7m7UoXtnoT0yel3iL6yMMAAe7MD1LbL2KR1BnBeiC6IkW_nU5CD3jIQ9iv0-VVUiguEt7USh12Lc49EXcYHEwznj4V74j-B_hUdNn98osgTs41yIzjX7PaVgiwswY/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>I just love this arrangement.  My rosemary plant isn't looking as good as it was when we left, so I still need to add some of that when I make it to the store later today.<br /><br />The best part of this arrangement is that it will keep for weeks, all I have to do is replenish the hydrangea after it wilts with a new one - the other elements are really long lasting.<br /><br /><br />I've included other photos of Winston's below - enjoy!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3dGsBJNPKbTz5_9HrR1VjZYJmeVrP3piNfXg_P1YkGA6waQAG4CC3igZVwXaQL6I4flxW1V4weiuFN8KDHS8UCYsWyGLTbgaBzWoCTw3HpHLGrWeL6jmZvgpAtBDyGXTdaf1G0wjk1fX/s1600/IMG_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3dGsBJNPKbTz5_9HrR1VjZYJmeVrP3piNfXg_P1YkGA6waQAG4CC3igZVwXaQL6I4flxW1V4weiuFN8KDHS8UCYsWyGLTbgaBzWoCTw3HpHLGrWeL6jmZvgpAtBDyGXTdaf1G0wjk1fX/s1600/IMG_3887.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqShznL6WJRD3VS0syW27GIGcKRBL1nBcKC3c9XTFqIFF4KwpbCAiqTM02CaRElXg21fNc8qttQUuL2ej3JPxVt6vMjpHyVgM1sJQOyCSl75zYRrQCumTmURpdZD8_piF7MDl7z3yXvlle/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqShznL6WJRD3VS0syW27GIGcKRBL1nBcKC3c9XTFqIFF4KwpbCAiqTM02CaRElXg21fNc8qttQUuL2ej3JPxVt6vMjpHyVgM1sJQOyCSl75zYRrQCumTmURpdZD8_piF7MDl7z3yXvlle/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiOS0GRdZb3KS06-mIyb0nVvBoBkxPhE88VhSOLyNSHCD1AMa8rS0R6c2ymNK3pyupLruj24n5GlXElWd6eLLGPvtNANefMj_T7k0IR8SZKg_VsglabC0mjMSWDDPs4uMJUeeLrTFwYBQ/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiOS0GRdZb3KS06-mIyb0nVvBoBkxPhE88VhSOLyNSHCD1AMa8rS0R6c2ymNK3pyupLruj24n5GlXElWd6eLLGPvtNANefMj_T7k0IR8SZKg_VsglabC0mjMSWDDPs4uMJUeeLrTFwYBQ/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUs3Aof64T-tLMmGvQpE68G80UQsDB-d0cxjwyIaAmn1_iCbGWoewIcMxeGq-i_C72o6ex0OVHKejWknKeYo7lWM95qVSB13U5ywxAQlHvELvkzGk1s-BaVLBo927Wx69vMIxjIOgybMv/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUs3Aof64T-tLMmGvQpE68G80UQsDB-d0cxjwyIaAmn1_iCbGWoewIcMxeGq-i_C72o6ex0OVHKejWknKeYo7lWM95qVSB13U5ywxAQlHvELvkzGk1s-BaVLBo927Wx69vMIxjIOgybMv/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0_tgC3YJ3C0XfynbRpBID_am5R1gI5iExqVWuUrpjJ6p94Xz9rbseflN3t72G11pX25tq61qb5Y52AC10zO8ZqeZwtxpcwAbVlmF3cLzD47SefQAGeyZkjMFiZy5cUQ4LcX7vkP1ZqB8/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0_tgC3YJ3C0XfynbRpBID_am5R1gI5iExqVWuUrpjJ6p94Xz9rbseflN3t72G11pX25tq61qb5Y52AC10zO8ZqeZwtxpcwAbVlmF3cLzD47SefQAGeyZkjMFiZy5cUQ4LcX7vkP1ZqB8/s1600/IMG_3896.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51iZwmOX0j91mK1pq3Zxyl0FeZKw8lddaVXJm_si1TpSFru1_a6F74KnfnH7sqetrPLyfLWVxIMaSM-PeG09zhDiIJxjYNUqpfadwHiVl8MRxsYnGyqVhjPfmTVEqCjanJYhuN0BPusRA/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51iZwmOX0j91mK1pq3Zxyl0FeZKw8lddaVXJm_si1TpSFru1_a6F74KnfnH7sqetrPLyfLWVxIMaSM-PeG09zhDiIJxjYNUqpfadwHiVl8MRxsYnGyqVhjPfmTVEqCjanJYhuN0BPusRA/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is the Concord Town Center - the most charming little New England town.  <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/10/fall-foliage-in-concord-mass-new.html">Here is a link to my Fall Foliage post in Concord from two years ago with lots of photos of the town.</a>  I'll be sharing the rest of my photos from our trip this week and some new hostess ideas for Thanksgiving.<br /><br />I hope everyone had a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend!

Simple Micro Flower Arrangement | Oak Leaves, Paperwhite Bulb & Cabbage

  Last weekend Emma and I tagged along with Mike back to the Boston area for a work trip.  He travels there often, but we haven't been b...

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DIY Sweetheart Rose Arrangement | Coral, Peach and Pale Pink Roses

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesYVhyphenhyphen3UhWqhYPmIKxsQ3Pb9dIRGXawCG_NSj8nNFK_zdQTqfQnRCpu5iZiSAC86sBisti9KbQKg1gEyKQ9lC1li-gNv4XsZcC5OSkwPprC73sCmYR4jGavYkkk9wM5S1R7L1O1rnwLw/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesYVhyphenhyphen3UhWqhYPmIKxsQ3Pb9dIRGXawCG_NSj8nNFK_zdQTqfQnRCpu5iZiSAC86sBisti9KbQKg1gEyKQ9lC1li-gNv4XsZcC5OSkwPprC73sCmYR4jGavYkkk9wM5S1R7L1O1rnwLw/s640/IMG_0400.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k3Z59ELaCQ9mw62C1MK9rSKqaFA0X8089eRTJ2tWP4ZNbIIIhblWz5LvndKYhC89u6QvdDbuFSZJoRajzkQuK3dXGB79b1cGAsF9m77Zu7KEPAFEvGWbWm_UtIvevvkFXwnxZxQ1HVs/s1600/IMG_0443.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdiy-sweetheart-rose-arrangement-coral.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tRVi70ImwhY%2FURRaYmQIHqI%2FAAAAAAAAQrw%2FmwcJ-lB9Yxk%2Fs640%2Fvalentine-flowers.jpg&description=Tips%20for%20arranging%20flowers%20like%20a%20pro%20-%20easy%20and%20only%20%2415%21%20%20%0A%0A%23ValentinesDay%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdiy-sweetheart-rose-arrangement-coral.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am in love with this arrangement.  Not just because "love is in the air" because Valentine's Day is just around the corner, either.  I love the varied sizes of blooms, the complimenting but not matchy-matchy colors and I love that it cost me $15. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i8M_gHs4xOBlAqoGPWbkBELzlONOvqERVUPt2CWeXWj_lrxJsNLu4ol8Kr6caYx_qz4m-EMec9rCizgJqWaETJLrvx66Qmp93unUNwPmRow-ycaBm0vh5p_0SvnHFzbJyeKyYsej7Uw/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8i8M_gHs4xOBlAqoGPWbkBELzlONOvqERVUPt2CWeXWj_lrxJsNLu4ol8Kr6caYx_qz4m-EMec9rCizgJqWaETJLrvx66Qmp93unUNwPmRow-ycaBm0vh5p_0SvnHFzbJyeKyYsej7Uw/s640/IMG_0440.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love that it is not a "perfect" looking bouquet.  I strongly believe that flowers should look as natural as possible - they really are more beautiful that way.  The natural beauty of the flowers really comes out when they are arranged casually, instead of tightly constructed.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was shocked how beautifully these roses opened up.  The different sages of blooming give them a "real" garden rose look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKacVf2WchyVAXOd_SYboKoLbrxJO_2tcS4x-P-d3uUrCPty-hsbHfDNOj8UnOvE_C39EgK6tRswdL9mU3PvWR3AshwkRbFUWEhVe64mSgBMnpOtFe7n3jLet4bH2cs0osCBiGTAL7gcM/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKacVf2WchyVAXOd_SYboKoLbrxJO_2tcS4x-P-d3uUrCPty-hsbHfDNOj8UnOvE_C39EgK6tRswdL9mU3PvWR3AshwkRbFUWEhVe64mSgBMnpOtFe7n3jLet4bH2cs0osCBiGTAL7gcM/s640/IMG_0378.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is what the roses looked like when I got home from the store. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRpGT7OrSxfkqSjqCaCwZg2Ceu_9_J5plDbSvVLJdBK59Wn1uyyHNYlPz_1u5ISMzM6bjJJtkzLOeQjPM4zzCi0a91R4D9cnHl7pc1XtseAkI12jKsscICYVILUN4g860uz99HaDrCIg/s1600/IMG_0380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRpGT7OrSxfkqSjqCaCwZg2Ceu_9_J5plDbSvVLJdBK59Wn1uyyHNYlPz_1u5ISMzM6bjJJtkzLOeQjPM4zzCi0a91R4D9cnHl7pc1XtseAkI12jKsscICYVILUN4g860uz99HaDrCIg/s640/IMG_0380.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I trimmed each stem, then stripped it mostly of their leaves - leaving only a few at the very top of each. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblM2pNuI8iNDvZEKC2wUcoEkfwfGXFjPLRykr8dHaPuauFheU05dheaudopArj0r1S0aCt3vZo5CA9pCE6KFfuOgeWUyyqgK-2Vp0-rW0fDYr0FodrAkHnoqv4FdWSoOvWE1QZkytZuQ/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblM2pNuI8iNDvZEKC2wUcoEkfwfGXFjPLRykr8dHaPuauFheU05dheaudopArj0r1S0aCt3vZo5CA9pCE6KFfuOgeWUyyqgK-2Vp0-rW0fDYr0FodrAkHnoqv4FdWSoOvWE1QZkytZuQ/s640/IMG_0388.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here they are all trimmed up and ready to go. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJGEiHzivSYcs4he5u0rpfH9klnrgWSFg2g1c89cnMnckNikZn2w7KXMl8FbzAKsg7GOQyZrxnqfsdISKSwafc98lrkgGCebfftax5MTcm2ZCgVnw11WhjD1d_79-VyaWPFYx3_3Bj9s/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJGEiHzivSYcs4he5u0rpfH9klnrgWSFg2g1c89cnMnckNikZn2w7KXMl8FbzAKsg7GOQyZrxnqfsdISKSwafc98lrkgGCebfftax5MTcm2ZCgVnw11WhjD1d_79-VyaWPFYx3_3Bj9s/s640/IMG_0391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The rule of threes applies to almost everything in the design world - flowers are no exception.  So, I grouped the flowers in stems of threes, then put them together.  Grouping each color is a more pleasing look - you don't want the arrangement so homogenous that it looks polk-a-dotted.  You want it to seem like you gathered it in the garden. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykm6yeCKN80bAf66lzV5v1RdZYA5JHvgrUS4Kds-ZfaBTVP1W_nfKnpDycPkYPapn-tSmxBe5qnqvw5E0gBvoqfshN4nYmOsNllD6Uj6ePbTdXdPtEwf5ysxpMX0GC-bnIM8aXMNMOJU/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykm6yeCKN80bAf66lzV5v1RdZYA5JHvgrUS4Kds-ZfaBTVP1W_nfKnpDycPkYPapn-tSmxBe5qnqvw5E0gBvoqfshN4nYmOsNllD6Uj6ePbTdXdPtEwf5ysxpMX0GC-bnIM8aXMNMOJU/s640/IMG_0392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I add three more groupings around the first set - placing the unlike colors next to each other. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPIOyH0OV1ydxg2Nu4ThHNF6TRWDAcLkPuijll7gcxV6DMW-LUuyIBv8N6RU6rbT70GsW4H8Kut2BCHS0sOhdYz3HfbhlK_qhUqsPZ04TGcwJNrhBgiRDZhgboEb1QcnNV_YhKtQ_yU0/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPIOyH0OV1ydxg2Nu4ThHNF6TRWDAcLkPuijll7gcxV6DMW-LUuyIBv8N6RU6rbT70GsW4H8Kut2BCHS0sOhdYz3HfbhlK_qhUqsPZ04TGcwJNrhBgiRDZhgboEb1QcnNV_YhKtQ_yU0/s640/IMG_0393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One more set.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDaLmAuFXIZ51s7fmx_9rvMxRRHSWrCsqQ9akc62GZz8gVoeyjYJ47gNo6qGSu3LJfJFh9zA5SnTdoelmpWpvWBeLFVO18tPKy-O8eJW2Q0gXIKIeZrhi4sjbcAO_69KVwlSz0x4jKp8/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDaLmAuFXIZ51s7fmx_9rvMxRRHSWrCsqQ9akc62GZz8gVoeyjYJ47gNo6qGSu3LJfJFh9zA5SnTdoelmpWpvWBeLFVO18tPKy-O8eJW2Q0gXIKIeZrhi4sjbcAO_69KVwlSz0x4jKp8/s640/IMG_0395.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Trim the ends of the flowers.  They will need to be shorter than you think.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesYVhyphenhyphen3UhWqhYPmIKxsQ3Pb9dIRGXawCG_NSj8nNFK_zdQTqfQnRCpu5iZiSAC86sBisti9KbQKg1gEyKQ9lC1li-gNv4XsZcC5OSkwPprC73sCmYR4jGavYkkk9wM5S1R7L1O1rnwLw/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesYVhyphenhyphen3UhWqhYPmIKxsQ3Pb9dIRGXawCG_NSj8nNFK_zdQTqfQnRCpu5iZiSAC86sBisti9KbQKg1gEyKQ9lC1li-gNv4XsZcC5OSkwPprC73sCmYR4jGavYkkk9wM5S1R7L1O1rnwLw/s640/IMG_0400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, switch vases.  Oops!  After I made the arrangement, then set the table, I decided I wanted to change the vase to make it less modern and more romantic. Amazing what a little switch like that can make.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdiy-sweetheart-rose-arrangement-coral.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tRVi70ImwhY%2FURRaYmQIHqI%2FAAAAAAAAQrw%2FmwcJ-lB9Yxk%2Fs640%2Fvalentine-flowers.jpg&description=Tips%20for%20arranging%20flowers%20like%20a%20pro%20-%20easy%20and%20only%20%2415%21%20%20%0A%0A%23ValentinesDay%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdiy-sweetheart-rose-arrangement-coral.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" style="cursor: move;" title="Pin It" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFmxPE7cI8RSNTa0uYcbhMV__SEtm0EL-k761AN471787FWOZHzAC0WdEsPRi2K-dAIDPQ3626UIc2dicY0SOU5Vw4cAaCdpxzu6ksDHPMPHkSJIDoqu4kKcnE9kPvyPPgx_SwicdUv8/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFmxPE7cI8RSNTa0uYcbhMV__SEtm0EL-k761AN471787FWOZHzAC0WdEsPRi2K-dAIDPQ3626UIc2dicY0SOU5Vw4cAaCdpxzu6ksDHPMPHkSJIDoqu4kKcnE9kPvyPPgx_SwicdUv8/s640/IMG_0439.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I made this arrangment to be the centerpiece of our Barefoot Contessa "Foolproof" Valentine's Day Dinner - see the menu and more details, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/valentines-day-dinner-party-table.html">here</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3CTS6JGOgMuKILQInCfUtWHhVZsNl3DiDui3wvXlt6xAByiR78D97xYFXLWkbaaRvB6oVxKmsuxj5KZjOo5cY4HOG_0dwpGnjdjg6tVRnEl0uDmLvk1P4embmyEckWIxnxsAIgUuBtM/s1600/valentine-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3CTS6JGOgMuKILQInCfUtWHhVZsNl3DiDui3wvXlt6xAByiR78D97xYFXLWkbaaRvB6oVxKmsuxj5KZjOo5cY4HOG_0dwpGnjdjg6tVRnEl0uDmLvk1P4embmyEckWIxnxsAIgUuBtM/s640/valentine-flowers.jpg" width="162" /></a>Here is the easy-to-pin strip!  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdiy-sweetheart-rose-arrangement-coral.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tRVi70ImwhY%2FURRaYmQIHqI%2FAAAAAAAAQrw%2FmwcJ-lB9Yxk%2Fs640%2Fvalentine-flowers.jpg&description=Tips%20for%20arranging%20flowers%20like%20a%20pro%20-%20easy%20and%20only%20%2415%21%20%20%0A%0A%23ValentinesDay%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F02%2Fdiy-sweetheart-rose-arrangement-coral.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" style="cursor: move;" title="Pin It" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>

DIY Sweetheart Rose Arrangement | Coral, Peach and Pale Pink Roses

I am in love with this arrangement.  Not just because "love is in the air" because Valentine's Day is just around the corner,...

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Easy DIY Holiday Centerpiece : Pale Pink Amaryllis, Magnolia Leaf & Cedar Flower Arrangement

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAgVHOTJ1553kkyPaYWDP1wNnsC9CSiW8tlD8nNq4v4n-aaYdBGkQChJq4R9aK5BNk_0Agv3LP57jzJ5LEPyXUlNtIXvCcdh7ai0azPFSlunnbYKwDHtp8aJ0ZwoNltoob06PoCsGJmU/s1600/amaryllis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAgVHOTJ1553kkyPaYWDP1wNnsC9CSiW8tlD8nNq4v4n-aaYdBGkQChJq4R9aK5BNk_0Agv3LP57jzJ5LEPyXUlNtIXvCcdh7ai0azPFSlunnbYKwDHtp8aJ0ZwoNltoob06PoCsGJmU/s640/amaryllis.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kEDT-SogWK4%2FUM9ALGMqOiI%2FAAAAAAAAO94%2FhrAvq-LWq30%2Fs640%2Famaryllis-steps.jpg&description=Easy%20DYI%20Holiday%20Centerpiece%20%3A%20Pale%20Pink%20Amaryllis%2C%20Magnolia%20Leaf%20%26%20Cedar%20Flower%20Arrangement%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br />For Emma's party I wanted the create a very soft and feminine flower arrangement that would be fitting my soft and feminine little lady.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhKf545iFIqO8BmQW6jq9RKMcrJBU2OUZRBxnSNJDFWBtbBuSdOfiM8AJCMGk29WVeiS8aQmSis_jLfMlIJBioc9KLdb-LCbCFr_uWJyRYh7lIygjhlDu26k4zTfAgF7yPGL2TOfAVtI/s1600/IMG_8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhKf545iFIqO8BmQW6jq9RKMcrJBU2OUZRBxnSNJDFWBtbBuSdOfiM8AJCMGk29WVeiS8aQmSis_jLfMlIJBioc9KLdb-LCbCFr_uWJyRYh7lIygjhlDu26k4zTfAgF7yPGL2TOfAVtI/s320/IMG_8617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Just as I designed her invitation (<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/12/emmas-1st-birthday-invitation-diy-extra.html" target="_blank">here's the post about the invitation</a>) to just have a glimpse of Christmas, I didn't want the arrangement to be overly "holiday," but I wanted it to be appropriate for the season.  I think it is important to always decorate seasonally - arrangements seem to "fit" better when the seasonality is considered... not to mention flowers that are in season are easier to find and of a higher quality.<br /><br />I selected these soft pink amaryllis along with magnolia leaf and cedar sprigs.  The arrangement came together very easily.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vuoK4kcERPxo-J6r2X_l-1ynPdeqPHFpKSgHLFNoVm_fZIQhyphenhyphenf95YjXpXwwzb-8godq934lLBUWQBF36j_tS6vG3o2Bp0DRIdFhhXNfscqPBxLonJHIjqomnyXe0XsVP0WxmZ_Py7E4/s1600/IMG_9191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vuoK4kcERPxo-J6r2X_l-1ynPdeqPHFpKSgHLFNoVm_fZIQhyphenhyphenf95YjXpXwwzb-8godq934lLBUWQBF36j_tS6vG3o2Bp0DRIdFhhXNfscqPBxLonJHIjqomnyXe0XsVP0WxmZ_Py7E4/s640/IMG_9191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here you can see the shiny green and velvety brown magnolia leafs - my favorite.  They are so easy to use and seem to "make" any arrangement I use them in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxFll8TVzwTSl1uW1xfnwJRXirbv0u1KuxSaWr_xF_JUPt6TzJtcyHYuDjZnnl738XNt6ekMWiiNnVQUYKEIhJ10jTSuDwLWOB3ibjT5XnRDP-dGxHCxFseMDTef9NtAuDzq9h_Ebpls/s1600/IMG_9107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxFll8TVzwTSl1uW1xfnwJRXirbv0u1KuxSaWr_xF_JUPt6TzJtcyHYuDjZnnl738XNt6ekMWiiNnVQUYKEIhJ10jTSuDwLWOB3ibjT5XnRDP-dGxHCxFseMDTef9NtAuDzq9h_Ebpls/s640/IMG_9107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is the arrangement on the night of the party with the cakes in the center of the table. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQGHuItesuezzNR8nF7dyiMsnDmu_z1araJGnRM-sOPvJsdI0U95fMHTxehpet9y9HNS7NAek8hqpnz8L457FahK-m_VbdJj8HWWfy1ZkAxt_-sR_V0ZE2zKkdW7VkqAYONNQMvfGMNQ/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQGHuItesuezzNR8nF7dyiMsnDmu_z1araJGnRM-sOPvJsdI0U95fMHTxehpet9y9HNS7NAek8hqpnz8L457FahK-m_VbdJj8HWWfy1ZkAxt_-sR_V0ZE2zKkdW7VkqAYONNQMvfGMNQ/s640/IMG_9108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here are the Easy DIY steps.  You can certainly use red amaryllis for a more traditional holiday centerpiece for Christmas.  I think you'll see how easy it is!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8eLOlOysYQbFrnG9FIwOSq9MbryyaityXPF8LRcWXd06k6av0zJmliteKrs620eA3q_mkOblM_E5DvmDXpKx4zZkLBrHW6kyQL5rZ0Sion5qxczMdgpb2cwOousYG83cFrgmreZnLkw/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8eLOlOysYQbFrnG9FIwOSq9MbryyaityXPF8LRcWXd06k6av0zJmliteKrs620eA3q_mkOblM_E5DvmDXpKx4zZkLBrHW6kyQL5rZ0Sion5qxczMdgpb2cwOousYG83cFrgmreZnLkw/s640/IMG_9202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Start by placing the cedar sprigs in the vase that is filled with water.  Trim the stems before you put them in so they just drape over the sides.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHDgSns7RtvqLzc_jb8jOFwjyxdBRDarY6RhOTUrEb3yvsKqcdCsTXtNRcu19hCpH-ah05W7BZqABic1z-lsBmAHNhQkfX9YCcER7dgN9_MAu6r-JCt_f8E0C3ZYc-_42Oomc03Emi1k/s1600/IMG_9204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHDgSns7RtvqLzc_jb8jOFwjyxdBRDarY6RhOTUrEb3yvsKqcdCsTXtNRcu19hCpH-ah05W7BZqABic1z-lsBmAHNhQkfX9YCcER7dgN9_MAu6r-JCt_f8E0C3ZYc-_42Oomc03Emi1k/s640/IMG_9204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next, insert the amaryllis - I used three stalks that had 3 blooms each.   <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnujzvaJ8ioaYpLGZsdhqr5cSowoHEwVSqZJKLU56c3nbpbBIQE-7ifwbDuWldGrWq-_ZgvjfnpY2crZFXK93pztopGyH18KBArsR-lfzfmASnEWt5uUpH6FivCLlSUPjdiz0Wnev51Y/s1600/IMG_9188.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnujzvaJ8ioaYpLGZsdhqr5cSowoHEwVSqZJKLU56c3nbpbBIQE-7ifwbDuWldGrWq-_ZgvjfnpY2crZFXK93pztopGyH18KBArsR-lfzfmASnEWt5uUpH6FivCLlSUPjdiz0Wnev51Y/s640/IMG_9188.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Finally, insert the magnolia leaves around the base of the flowers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF536w38Q0jLhS9m97uTXDxeip7OcEAt3BugyQMwlcEMn59dk0tOsJ5wm7wFvWikDQoU43M8r6fWXtzklhz42y2GvxdNFlsdPFSFNyrf26mfhEiaEf2HLfV2K4yFMiGxz-Jm-bUjfzXE/s1600/IMG_9211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF536w38Q0jLhS9m97uTXDxeip7OcEAt3BugyQMwlcEMn59dk0tOsJ5wm7wFvWikDQoU43M8r6fWXtzklhz42y2GvxdNFlsdPFSFNyrf26mfhEiaEf2HLfV2K4yFMiGxz-Jm-bUjfzXE/s640/IMG_9211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPoYT8aAcqHO1ZJd1n96V2NC5NHhxMEje7_oom9_hAHYbke3-0uevedY_Is_QQElSDZ5hUXHmlPMlW1TvJaw40nUUBmxfNwSUEr1GAMifeZd8kKMpg1KnVR6cH1ZHVVWEhRUXaUG_lnA/s1600/amaryllis-steps.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPoYT8aAcqHO1ZJd1n96V2NC5NHhxMEje7_oom9_hAHYbke3-0uevedY_Is_QQElSDZ5hUXHmlPMlW1TvJaw40nUUBmxfNwSUEr1GAMifeZd8kKMpg1KnVR6cH1ZHVVWEhRUXaUG_lnA/s640/amaryllis-steps.jpg" width="164" /></a>Here is the easy-to-pin step-by-step!<br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kEDT-SogWK4%2FUM9ALGMqOiI%2FAAAAAAAAO94%2FhrAvq-LWq30%2Fs640%2Famaryllis-steps.jpg&description=Easy%20DYI%20Holiday%20Centerpiece%20%3A%20Pale%20Pink%20Amaryllis%2C%20Magnolia%20Leaf%20%26%20Cedar%20Flower%20Arrangement%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F12%2Feasy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Easy DIY Holiday Centerpiece : Pale Pink Amaryllis, Magnolia Leaf & Cedar Flower Arrangement

For Emma's party I wanted the create a very soft and feminine flower arrangement that would be fitting my soft and feminine little lady...

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Peonies | 3 Ways to Display Individual Blooms Around Your House

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_GVsrzcMlAnuZaRJsvDw_0T0WQbTjJPFgfTdlwvShBsOkzO430KVvWE9UKttNCt0BkezLIbZ0TKS0cSEFMqnS0jxMCTDvnUrjQf7aVfooCWbuEKmfWQ6XGIxIcoLA84cEIln4qPZatKa/s1600/IMG_6848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_GVsrzcMlAnuZaRJsvDw_0T0WQbTjJPFgfTdlwvShBsOkzO430KVvWE9UKttNCt0BkezLIbZ0TKS0cSEFMqnS0jxMCTDvnUrjQf7aVfooCWbuEKmfWQ6XGIxIcoLA84cEIln4qPZatKa/s640/IMG_6848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It is finally Peony season in New England.  I say 'finally' because I've been seeing the blooms on blogs from back home for what seems like months.  I have had complete peony envy.  Not only because the season is later here than it is in the Midwest, but because I have no bushes of my own.  Ugh.  I used to at our old house in Fairway.  It was not a mature set of bushes, but it was on its way, producing a handful of beauties every year.  Enough to keep a couple of flowers on my coffee table, bedside table, bathroom vanity and kitchen counter for a couple of weeks.  All a girl needs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGU9DCnQDiCIhA1sec38Xg1f7tQxV6yQN5b9Cj9LRrhCGO1ZpGclCl1kED6fVFhPvk9GFyhNoAOAeTYl5TIQ8XgNVaLlp4DilylcJSOxhyvvcK2r9eKkpZmXfWgsAtaU7ooPAMgdDoqhLj/s1600/IMG_6809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGU9DCnQDiCIhA1sec38Xg1f7tQxV6yQN5b9Cj9LRrhCGO1ZpGclCl1kED6fVFhPvk9GFyhNoAOAeTYl5TIQ8XgNVaLlp4DilylcJSOxhyvvcK2r9eKkpZmXfWgsAtaU7ooPAMgdDoqhLj/s640/IMG_6809.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />What's worse? Now that our time has come in the North East I have to walk by bushes with their blooms blowing in the wind every day.  You might think that someone who doesn't have peony bushes of her own might enjoy walking by bushes that are in bloom.  No.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYSN90GAIU1wDrah_mshmt0I2h1BNIxzOdZyASBlyPD3N8gBJfmN1jRPS8cZEcI-xx9hyphenhyphenA6K0qTrRK5VF5qrxdUNWZcCyk0S2DW1BVEaJWgrJagEGqzjF6pgRRrL-8TkZDRVlBjVanhdK/s1600/IMG_6837.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYSN90GAIU1wDrah_mshmt0I2h1BNIxzOdZyASBlyPD3N8gBJfmN1jRPS8cZEcI-xx9hyphenhyphenA6K0qTrRK5VF5qrxdUNWZcCyk0S2DW1BVEaJWgrJagEGqzjF6pgRRrL-8TkZDRVlBjVanhdK/s640/IMG_6837.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br />Here's why : Peonies are a cutting flower, people.  These ladies are meant for the stage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0a0UtcqoUefccHSxRiqfS7Nlg3Xo0oECNbtfdWjT5e5ii8yUBYNDSro7Q2IrpGzOd_3LUinxIBS4pxMCuJRyBEkpI4T2AdtmTg8i1FA2CKgZvx06rcM_NoJb03FUygm9xClWn9J1tqGdf/s1600/IMG_7085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0a0UtcqoUefccHSxRiqfS7Nlg3Xo0oECNbtfdWjT5e5ii8yUBYNDSro7Q2IrpGzOd_3LUinxIBS4pxMCuJRyBEkpI4T2AdtmTg8i1FA2CKgZvx06rcM_NoJb03FUygm9xClWn9J1tqGdf/s640/IMG_7085.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />If you are lucky enough to have a bush with big, lovely blooms- cut them!  Cut them in masses and bring them inside to enjoy.  I'll repeat: They are a cutting flower meaning they are grown for cutting.  They look best in when cut, not on the bush.  Another cutting flower?  Roses.  Roses on a rose bush are not nearly as attractive as when it is cut and placed in a container- alone as a single bud or in a group.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0F3ojj24QG6OV-86RasfASQMRTbrsZVxVAF3dkfsRq-6s0JZXEC2sKI4SU77ww1OQw1qf9ImiWaGYsVkLioeO1c5676h_Lhm8sIvcbq8FgyaUBC4UmnPmNEqcx5lXYGR-m_1Be83CHlL/s1600/IMG_6834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0F3ojj24QG6OV-86RasfASQMRTbrsZVxVAF3dkfsRq-6s0JZXEC2sKI4SU77ww1OQw1qf9ImiWaGYsVkLioeO1c5676h_Lhm8sIvcbq8FgyaUBC4UmnPmNEqcx5lXYGR-m_1Be83CHlL/s640/IMG_6834.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><br />I used to feel guilty cutting flowers and bringing them inside until I came to this realization.  Like all of us, peonies have their strengths and weaknesses.  These girls truly are at their best when they cut and brought inside... in fact they last longer when they are kept out of the bright sun and heat.  Do them (and me!) a favor and go outside with your shears and go crazy.  Cut them!  Put them around your house in every container you can find.  Group them in pitchers and bowls- even vases if you've got 'em  Give them to your friends and neighbors that are not as blessed with your bounty.<br />  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjellnkYaikm3WRfJ3aA6zlLqHv6ffmcjG7npnQVwVjTCxiZGpEvauKYFCrFPE90D_KjCEZ9_CvsXyixb9127uKBI1XJQUzDPsiA66hQ8X-U9si4BQJyOJwpjGlvUSYdInBp7xKZ6a47nAR/s1600/IMG_6843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjellnkYaikm3WRfJ3aA6zlLqHv6ffmcjG7npnQVwVjTCxiZGpEvauKYFCrFPE90D_KjCEZ9_CvsXyixb9127uKBI1XJQUzDPsiA66hQ8X-U9si4BQJyOJwpjGlvUSYdInBp7xKZ6a47nAR/s640/IMG_6843.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Me?  I have to buy mine- $5 each at the market.  So, instead of big masses on my center island, I've plunked single blooms in drinking glasses, bud vases and bowls.  I have to say, I really enjoy them as individuals.  It helps me to appreciate these gals and their utter and completely flamboyant beauty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS_8Ws5JGT4Lo8qvTI9wL-5vPetpxn7AFZyFOVSNMCUZl0gaMQ412oKvhZCzHfxwLxsiE-08PjZWirXzqyz957ync7plztQ3ihoE6f74263idzXFeUU_vKZVezROHADaDsm6MpuoYv1EK/s1600/IMG_7081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS_8Ws5JGT4Lo8qvTI9wL-5vPetpxn7AFZyFOVSNMCUZl0gaMQ412oKvhZCzHfxwLxsiE-08PjZWirXzqyz957ync7plztQ3ihoE6f74263idzXFeUU_vKZVezROHADaDsm6MpuoYv1EK/s640/IMG_7081.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br />Still stunning even as she falls apart... if we all were so lucky.<br /><br />

Peonies | 3 Ways to Display Individual Blooms Around Your House

It is finally Peony season in New England.  I say 'finally' because I've been seeing the blooms on blogs from back home for what...

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Lilac Centerpiece in Pewter Serving Bowl with Lilly of the Valley

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qs9IDtdJ42XsLqovS0W6SK3CKvj7vH_bY6_ECSkWlCLVt5raKuLOOR3UjuzYtJaUbGz6OQEj3bbtNjCv9Bkdlf4mRXrymQJtSflnvm3cWxl78-yS0hy_JVVJbKT7C3t2HZtC-tXSjbmG/s1600/IMG_5717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Qs9IDtdJ42XsLqovS0W6SK3CKvj7vH_bY6_ECSkWlCLVt5raKuLOOR3UjuzYtJaUbGz6OQEj3bbtNjCv9Bkdlf4mRXrymQJtSflnvm3cWxl78-yS0hy_JVVJbKT7C3t2HZtC-tXSjbmG/s640/IMG_5717.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Flilac-centerpiece-in-pewter-serving.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nP2SPxIqDoI%2FUYsZxdXQ8wI%2FAAAAAAAASOc%2FNrKoXLATuik%2Fs640%2Farranging-lilacs.jpg&description=How%20to%20Arrange%20Lilacs%20-%20Easy%20tips%20for%20flower%20arranging"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br />I’m not a huge fan of using stuffy, professionally design floral centerpieces when I’m hosting a party.  To me it always feels like a wedding or a catered affair when I have an arrangement that looks “too perfect.”  I prefer something that looks like it came out of my garden or my kitchen- it should to be something that compliments the setting, the menu, the occasion and the company. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DJbLid44w00Kpp1MEwBHn4XT5CrWd6gaMQifWTej5VpTetX_f_c44KF7bKT7nO_b5c0W5E_kWT_Gj7tsvEkc_080QjH4uFOfWcW6BTGTyG7XIKYyuNEapVZhBb89PIhquBu-ihtdvKrB/s1600/IMG_5693_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DJbLid44w00Kpp1MEwBHn4XT5CrWd6gaMQifWTej5VpTetX_f_c44KF7bKT7nO_b5c0W5E_kWT_Gj7tsvEkc_080QjH4uFOfWcW6BTGTyG7XIKYyuNEapVZhBb89PIhquBu-ihtdvKrB/s640/IMG_5693_2.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />A few weeks ago, I used this same serving bowl to create a centerpiece with planted pansies.  Here, I've used it with lilacs to create a really bountiful arrangement.  While most of us don’t have an expansive collection of large beautiful vases in which to create centerpieces, we do often have beautiful serving pieces that we’ve served food in for years.  So many times we feel limited by what we don’t have and forget to consider what we do have.   Beyond the practicality of using something you already own versus going out and buying something new, I like to use elements from my own kitchen to create centerpieces for my table. <br /><br />You'll Need...<br />    <br />    Large Serving Bowl<br />    Double sided tape<br />    Scissors or Gardening Shears<br />    Water<br />    Flowers<br /><br />Directions : <br /><br />Fill the bowl half way with water.  Create a grid on the top of the serving bowl with the double stick tape.  Place the flowers in the bowl, using the grid to hold them in place.  Begin by using the largest blooms and branches to create the shape of the arrangement, then fill in with smaller flowers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W53Kop1jOsYZs4pTILog96hINnDz7aWDgsLvWzbBnmQXaq8QoEElIXjy6inz_UPDcmICfk3X-bAoM466hsgEQGYAEzgkM_nbmbNFAdzKGcEnA_gYRFEPDCnNNu1-4UqEbzpmlU7EBP9u/s1600/IMG_5778_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7W53Kop1jOsYZs4pTILog96hINnDz7aWDgsLvWzbBnmQXaq8QoEElIXjy6inz_UPDcmICfk3X-bAoM466hsgEQGYAEzgkM_nbmbNFAdzKGcEnA_gYRFEPDCnNNu1-4UqEbzpmlU7EBP9u/s640/IMG_5778_2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHPgf8oXx8qVNSzTuwKCoGzKxeI4dN_oZ0mDlIluHaLpYzsNWFMM6qoUwKUZkxqUAI8Lyy-AOY5TOtAfnxZq9XInM-EWZoSLX5xx9UQWpvVTR4pWh3qju5VPmzI9FSXA4BRxhkTlLLcg/s1600/arranging-lilacs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHPgf8oXx8qVNSzTuwKCoGzKxeI4dN_oZ0mDlIluHaLpYzsNWFMM6qoUwKUZkxqUAI8Lyy-AOY5TOtAfnxZq9XInM-EWZoSLX5xx9UQWpvVTR4pWh3qju5VPmzI9FSXA4BRxhkTlLLcg/s640/arranging-lilacs.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>Here is the easy to pin strip!<br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Flilac-centerpiece-in-pewter-serving.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nP2SPxIqDoI%2FUYsZxdXQ8wI%2FAAAAAAAASOc%2FNrKoXLATuik%2Fs640%2Farranging-lilacs.jpg&description=How%20to%20Arrange%20Lilacs%20-%20Easy%20tips%20for%20flower%20arranging"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Lilac Centerpiece in Pewter Serving Bowl with Lilly of the Valley

I’m not a huge fan of using stuffy, professionally design floral centerpieces when I’m hosting a party.  To me it always feels like a wedd...

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