1. Single sensations. Instead of placing mixed bouquets around your house, group two or three vases in the same room, each with one type of flower. And use different-size bud vases to add variety and really make the scene pop. The consistency of these vignettes adds an element of coziness and personality to any space. Hint: Don't cram multiple stems into a vase. A single flower, like a tulip, rose, or poppy, often commands more attention.
2. Potted genius. Utilize potted flowering plants en masse. Put five little containers of pansies on a windowsill, or place primroses in a single large basket. These displays are inviting and reflect one of our favorite seasons -- spring.
3. Old-school beauty. Banish your inner flower snob (we all have one), and revisit the carnations and baby's breath that are often snubbed as being generic. When used alone (and not as floral filler), they are gorgeous and cost-efficient. Baby's breath can be transformed into fluffy, dream-like clouds of white, and look best in tall, skinny vases (done in the picture above). Mounds of carnations become lush carpets of color when arranged in bulk. Try 20 or more blossoms cut short enough so that just the buds sit atop the vase. Trust us -- it's gorgi!
4. Fancy fruit. While grocery shopping, skip the floral section and take a walk down the produce aisle, where you can stock up on seasonal fruit. Bring them home -- resist the urge for fruit salad -- and artistically arrange them in glass bowls or large vases for a bright and modern display.
In spring, look for lemons and limes; in summer, try peaches and strawberries while they're in season; in the fall, display a single or multi-colored grouping of apples; and during winter months, stockpile tropical fruits to brighten your mood and remind you of warmer days.
5. Wicks a plenty. Treat candles like bouquets of flowers and fill your home with groupings of them in varying heights, widths, and colors. Just make sure you avoid strong scents (the same with flowers) if you're serving food. You don't want to overpower the meal.
6. Season pass. Each season yields items to add to your arrangements. In winter, mix pomegranates with bowls of pinecones and nuts (with their shells still on). For spring, potted bulbs will last longer than cut-flower arrangements. Summer's sunflowers and dahlias are less expensive if purchased from a farm stand rather than a store. And in fall, arrange pumpkins and gourds to reflect the vibrant foliage that surrounds you.
Check out David Stark's new book on gorgeous napkin arrangements, Napkins with A Twist, Artisan (July, 2006).
-- The Nest Editors
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