Spring is a very popular season for parties of all sorts and the quintessential time of year to spruce up your home décor. With all of the trees budding and tulips popping up everywhere, it’s hard not to want to bring some of the loveliness inside. While I don’t always have fresh flowers in the house (a girl’s gotta stay on budget), I try to get the biggest bang for my buck when I do. Here are some tips for great DIY arrangements that won’t break the bank.
Know Where to Buy. Grocery stores are typically a great starting point. Now that I shop at Kroger regularly, they send me coupons for $2 off a $10 floral purchase. At Publix, you can get three hydrangea heads for $12. You should also consider places like Sam’s and Costco and wholesale flower shops in the area. The trick is to stay away from the pre-mixed arrangements and get bunches of one type of flower. You can then mix and match to pull your own look together.
Pick Your Flowers. The type of flower you use is an obvious money saver or drainer. You get more bang for your buck with larger blooms such as hydrangea. The Publix deal I mentioned above can easily fill an average vase. Stay away from anything that isn’t in season at the moment. A few flowers that tend to be less expensive in the spring are carnations, daisies, Peruvian lilies, and tulips.
Make Nice with Those Green-Thumbed Friends. I haven’t quite honed in on my gardening skills yet. I hope to some day, but for now I turn to my mom who can typically offer up some homegrown varieties. Her forsythia bushes are in full bloom at the moment and she has an abundance of branches. These bright yellow beauties are gorgeous and free!
Embrace the Filler and Weeds. Weeds may get a bad rep in the garden, but in this case they are more than welcome. Thistle, Queen Anne’s lace, foxtail, and goldenrod are weeds that are more friend than foe. Greenery and filler flowers such as ivy, babies breath, stock, and dusty miller are perfect inexpensive accompaniments to your actual blooms.
Make Them Last. There’s nothing worse than spending money on a nice arrangement to only have it wilt within a day or two. When you’re shopping for flowers, look for blooms that haven’t fully opened yet. Cut the stems at an angle to allow more water flow and remove any leaves that are below the water line. Use the flower food and keep the water clean. Hint: if you don’t have the packets of food, you can combine 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar and sugar to the water. Some flowers are still beautiful once they’ve dried out, such as hydrangea and astilbe.
Get Creative. Arranging flowers is a type of art. Don’t get stifled by whatever’s trending on Pinterest. Go with what brings you joy and compliments your space. Bring in non-floral items such as lavender, rosemary, lemons, moss, and succulents. When choosing your vase, look around at your house or at the local thrift shop to find some unique elements. Pitchers, tureens, bottles, and crates are some perfect options.
If you are in the market for some new vases or planters, I’ve scouted out some good deals and investment pieces:
- Macy’s: this copper geometric one (under $10), this shabby chic cutie (under $15), and this white pitcher (under $22).
- Nordstrom: this earthenware planter, this trophy glass vase (a little more expensive, but very versatile as you can keep it out all year, but fill with seasonal items and/or flowers: ie pretty Easter eggs).
- Mudpie: this seaglass carafe, this galvanized tin pitcher (under $18).
- Houzz: these wooden crates (perfect for entertaining), these metallic planters, and these hanging pots.
Remember that sometimes less is more. A few small bud vases with a single bloom and greenery can be just as elegant a centerpiece as an elaborate rose and peony arrangement. Have fun with the creative process while making your home and pocketbook happy!
Any tips for inexpensive and cheerful spring arrangements?
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