Fresh Flower Arrangement No. 3

I’ve been trying to incorporate fresh flowers into our decor but I have no idea how to arrange flowers in a vase.  My solution? Single bud vases – there’s no thinking necessary.  I’ve put buds in super cheap vases from IKEA and in an antique decanter.

So although I’m not a huge fan of roses, it was only natural that I bring some in from our four rose bushes.  To do it on the cheap, I found these vases at the thrift store – three for $1.

Simple way to spice up the coffee table for a week!

What will I do in the fall when there are no more fresh flowers?

Past Party: Decorating a Graduation Party

This spring my cousin graduated from the University of Utah and I wanted to throw a party with all things red.  (Go Utes!)  Without much time to prepare, I kept this party pretty simple.

I spiced up the beverage container with just a little ribbon and a description of the graduate’s degree – atmospheric sciences.

I turned these dollar-store vases upside down, shoved glittery garland inside, and topped with candles.  I wrapped each candle in University of Utah paper I found at the local scrapbook store.  It was a great centerpiece for the food table.

I used more University of Utah paper and diecuts from the scrapbook store to spruce up this beer bucket.

I also spruced up the beer bottles with a little ode to the graduate.

I used red and white carnations – perfect for the University of Utah.  And ya’ll know how much love I have for single bud vases.  A little graduation cap diecut and graduation confetti tops off the table.

This wood U was easy to paint and a cheap way to incorporate the traditional cap letter logo.

This was a pretty simple party and I think the graduate enjoyed it.  How else can you incorporate collegiate elements?

Savor the Summer: Another Fresh Flower Arrangement

Our house is under construction.  Where there once was a dated fireplace there now stands a bunch of drywall and screws . . . but soon there will be a sleek new mantel and tile surround.  Stay tuned for the big details!

With furniture stuffed against the walls and with wires strewn about, I am craving a sense of normalcy.  Maybe it just looks silly amidst such chaos,  but I’m trying to savor summer as long as possible by bringing in fresh flowers on the cheap.

As I told you here, I use single bud vases that provide total support for a stem or two of a pretty flower.  And as I told you here, I had a great time at the antique mall.  I showed you a lot of pretty goods but not the one item I bought:

I’m totally diggin’ milk glass these days and this wine decanter caught my eye immediately.  The price tag? $12.  Sold! It wasn’t until I got home that I realized it would be perfect for a single-bud bouquet.

Look at these pretty buds! When I think about how the new fireplace is still under construction, I look at this exotic flower and pretend I’m on an island somewhere where people don’t need fireplaces.

Has anyone tried my single-bud vase tip? I’ll have more flower displays to reveal soon.  In fact, I just got word that a fancy-schmancy corporate building downtown totally subscribes to my theory.  I’ll be sneaking in soon for pictures!