Design: A Mother's Day Gift that will WOW.

Azaela trees are in season, so many common grocery chains are selling them at a discount! I purchased one for $39.99 at Ralph's. Go grab one while you can!

What's great about this option is that it's more sustainable than a typical bouquet or vase arrangement you'd spend the same amount of money on. Those bouquets will unfortunately die faster. This tree may give your mom enjoyment in watering it each day and thinking of you - who knows!

Here are 4 super simple steps to spruce up your tree...

Step 1: [Optional] I removed the grocery store cellophane and covered my base in rope.

Step 2: Insert tiny flowers into the braided roots. We're going for an enchanted feel.

Step 3: Cover the soil with moss. You can purchase it at a craft store, or use any greenery you can find outside! Grass, weeds, shrubs.

Step 4: Insert additional flowers to the top. I used various shades of bougainvillea because I've seen lots of stray bushes around the neighborhood. I'm hoping you can find one to clip for free!

If you think of your tree top as a pie, mentally cut it into quarters and only insert bougainvillea to 2 of those quarters. If you cover the entire top, the variation won't be as special.

Note: Since the add-on flowers have no water source, decorate your tree the day-of gifting or presentation and inform your lady so she can remove as they wilt. Spray this with water to keep it lively in the heat.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Tips: Selecting Flowers

What makes those arrangements on your wedding Pinterest board look different than ones you find at the grocery store?

Can you accomplish this yourself at home?

YES!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so opinions will vary greatly. These are tid-bits I've learned to make arrangements look a bit more "professional".

#1: Choose Your Palette

Notice how some bouquets tend to group colors that don't complement? Choose a palette and let that guide your decision making. Some typical ones I use are neutral or jewel-toned.

Comparison pictures courtesy of google:

#2: Go for Blend

When selecting ingredients, pick flowers or leaves with multiple shades. This gives the arrangement a blended look that tends to be more captivating.

Image courtesy of google:

Image from me:

Notice the ombre petals? God's pretty creative...

#3: Sturdy to Start

As a beginner, I learned the hard way that some flowers are not as forgiving to work with. I would waste money on weak flowers that were gorgeous but useless as they would break at the neck. Allow me to save you by telling you to CHECK the stems! Some ranunculas, anemones, and tulips are prone to this. (Of course these are the more expensive flowers). I'm not saying all of these breeds are weak, but definitely check! When you start out, you'll probably poke and re-poke flowers to get your arrangement "just right". With weak-stem flowers, you're not allotted that grace. Roses tend to be the most consistent in terms of sturdiness.

Another reason I'm giving this tip is because droopy flowers are trickier to arrange. As you get better, you'll figure out how to be strategic with the twists/bends. If the stem can be cut and used like a chopstick - you're good to go!

Image of a ranuncula courtesy of google:

#4: Old versus New

This one might be common sense, but be aware that some flowers will be on sale because they are about to expire. Ask the seller about freshness and when a particular one will be in optimal bloom. I've definitely gone for the sale flowers if I want to experiment or enjoy an arrangement for only a couple days. The choice is yours!

And last but not least....

#5: Don't Go for the Obvious

You may have a friend say "My theme colors are blue!". This doesn't mean you are limited to the stark blue hydrangeas you are tired of seeing at Baby Boy Showers. Work the color into the arrangement. Use a hint of the color with mostly neutral flowers, for example.

Images courtesy of google:

Notice how the one on the right has blue thistle and an elegant silk ribbon?

I hope this goes without saying that all the arrangements and pictures featured on this post are beautiful. It's always a matter of taste and opinion! Flowers are magical things that you really can't get wrong.

Happy Picking!!

Spencer Mar Photography

Design: Fresh Yellow Centerpieces

I googled "yellow centerpiece" and found tacky versions of sunflower and mustard-rose combinations. So here's my take on "yellow"!

Step 1: Cut your foam to size. (I used Oasis brand that can be found here)

Step 2: Soak your foam and set-up your workstation.

Turntable: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, or DIY one using marbles and pie tins (idea here).

Vessels: White Stone Pedestals; $6 a piece at the LA Flower Market. Or these options at Amazon, Etsy & Craft Outlet.

Step 3: Start with Italian Ruscus.

Step 4: Stuff with Variegated Evergreen Shrub. (Or any variegated leaf)

Step 5: Add little white flowers with yellow centers. These are Achillea Ptarmica. Daisies or Chamomile work too!

Steps 6 & 7: Place white spray roses in front of the greenery, and 1 camellia on the front and back.

Step 8: Use daffodils to highlight, folded down the center. Look for pale yellow for a better blend.

Step 9: Add mini (under-ripe) lemons to the front and back!

Step 10: Finish off with 2 lemon leaves in each arrangement.

Enjoy!!

TIP: Because you are adding fresh fruit to the arrangement, this will cause the flowers to rot faster (similar to how bananas brown faster when touching). Add the lemons day-of or right before presentation.