Have you ever thought your Thanksgiving table was boring? Do you want to jazz the table up a little? If you follow these simple steps, you can have a colorful floral centerpiece. First, buy a brick of “aqua foam” and a short round or square container at any craft store. Aqua foam is a sponge like foam that holds the flowers in place and soaks up water. Bring it home and place it in a bowl of water. Don’t force it under the water as this can cause air bubbles in the foam. If you get an air bubble, the end of the stem will not be able to soak up water. This will cause the flower to wilt. The aqua foam will soak up the water on its own. Next, you will need to go to the grocery store and pick out some flowers that you like. Remember to get some “greens”. This is usually fern but can be leaves also. When you pick out your flowers, make sure to get different sizes and types. This includes a variety of colored flowers and some tall flowers too. This will add interest to the arrangement. I suggest roses, chrysanthemums, carnations or mini carnations. For the tall flowers, I suggest snapdragons or larkspur. Since it is for “turkey day”, I recommend getting fall colors. This includes, rust, yellow, orange, purple, red and brown. Yes, I said brown not brown flowers but wheat stalks or mini cattails. Bring your flowers home and cut the plastic bags and rubber bands off. You will then cut the bottoms of the stems off and put them in a bucket of fresh water. The foam should soak for at least 4 hours before beginning the arrangement.
When you are ready, cut the foam to fit snuggly into the container, this will help hold the arrangement in place. Next, you will put in the greens. Putting the greens in first will hide the foam. Cut pieces of greens and stick them into the foam until you can longer see the aqua foam. Next, decide what flower you want to be the focal point. A rose or larger flower is best for this since it will be the center of attention. Cut the flower at about 6-8 inches tall. If you make the flower any taller, you will not be able to see across the table. Sometimes however, not being able to see across the table is good thing. This is particularly true if a relative you do not like is sitting across from you. Firmly push the stem into the center of the foam.
Since this arrangement is a centerpiece, you will be able to view it from all directions. Next, you will take the tall flowers and cut the stems at about 12 inches long. You will then stick 3-4 tall flowers on each end in a slightly sprayed out fan shaped pattern. The flowers should be sticking out on each end of the foam, horizontally. This adds length and interest to the arrangement. After you do this, start sticking the flowers in random places and at random heights. However, make sure the flowers are shorter than the center flower. Continue to put the flowers in until all the empty places in the aqua foam are filled in. There should be at least six large flowers on a small arrangement. If you bought filler flower such as baby’s breath, tuck small pieces in between the flowers. Continue to tuck the filler flowers in until the gaps between the flowers are gone. Remember don’t stick too many flowers in. Every once in awhile take a step back and look at the arrangement. In this case, less is more. It the arrangement looks crowded take a few flowers out of the foam. Finally add water to the container and set it in the center of the table. Step back from the table and enjoy the view. If you follow these steps, you will have a festive arrangement for your dinner table.
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