Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
AP-Pavel-2021-39 (2).jpg

Stories From Your Realtor

 

Welcome to my blog!

Here I’ll share resources and information for all things home, family, and lifestyle.
Some blogs are educational and some are just for fun.
You’ll find recipes, personal stories, as well as my favorite tips and tricks with the home buying and selling process.

Take a look around and reach out if you want to learn more! I love connecting with my community.

 

Floral Arrangements for Your Home

 

Bringing fresh flowers into your home provides color, interest, beauty, and joy!

There are countless ways of showcasing beautiful blooms indoors - cutting stems from your garden, ordering from a florist, or grabbing a bouquet at the grocery store.
This blog outlines some ways in which you can best display the flowers like a pro! Learn how to choose the correct vase, how to arrange the stems like a florist, and get some tips on how to extend the life of your flowers indoors

 

VASE SELECTION

Of course the primary focus of a bouquet is the flower, but second to that is the vessel in which it is displayed. Vases are works of art themselves - with so many varieties of color, shape, and size. Here are some of the popular vase options you could choose from:

  • Bud Vase – Small and narrow, designed to hold a single flower or a small bunch.

  • Chalice Vase – Wide and bowl-like at the top, creating a luxurious and abundant look.

  • Square/Rectangular Vase – Modern and geometric, perfect for minimalist or contemporary decor.

  • Pitcher Vase – A jug-like vase with a handle and spout, giving a vintage, homey feel.

Most likely, you have dozens of containers at home already that could be considered vases. Even a simple mason jar is considered a flower vase! There are many cost-effective ways to get the vase you’re looking for - like shopping at thrift stores for hidden gems or using spray paint to change the color or texture.

 

ARRANGING YOUR FLOWERS

 
 
 

Check out the video above for an excellent, beginner-friendly tutorial on how to arrange a beautiful bouquet using simple flowers from the grocery store.

You may not be able to find speciality flowers (although sometimes you can!), but learning how to place the stems correctly for best height and volume can really create an impact. In general, you want to start with your greenery as a base, designate your primary and secondary flowers, create different heights to show off each bloom, and check for balance.

Remember - floral arrangement is an art form, and you’re allowed to be creative and play! You can break the rules and make something that feels good to you! Simply take time to enjoy the process.

 

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR LONGEVITY

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR LONGEVITY •

 

You’ve selected your vase, arranged your stems, but it’s day five and they’re starting to wilt!
Here are some ways you can increase the indoor life of your beautiful bouquet.

 

Add Flower Preservative or DIY Solutions

  • Most store-bought bouquets come with a flower preservative packet—use it!

  • If you don’t have one, make your own with:

    • 1 teaspoon sugar

    • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or bleach

    • 1 crushed aspirin - yep! Asprin!

Keep Flowers in a Cool Spot

  • Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts.

  • Store flowers in the fridge overnight for extra freshness.

TRIM THOSE STEMS

  • Cut stems at a 45-degree angle before placing them in water.

  • Re-trim the stems every 2-3 days to keep them fresh.

Remove Extra Leaves

  • Take off any leaves that will sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.

Use Clean Water & Change It Often

  • Replace the water every 2 days to keep it fresh.

  • Rinse the vase with soap before refilling it to prevent bacteria buildup.

 

I just know your home will be filled with beautiful bouquets this spring!

I love showing homes this time of year - the pops of color and sweet fragrances always make a home more appealing. If you’re proud of your floral arrangement and would like to share, I’d love to see a photo! Send to sarah@smpavelrealtor.com.

 
Sarah Maier