How to Make a Holiday Centerpiece
What is the best way to create a holiday centerpiece that will wow your guests? When I create my arrangements, I like to think about 4 overarching things: texture, shape, color, and vessel.
Texture! I love arrangements with lots of interesting textures, because they are more interesting to the eye than an arrangement that lacks texture. I try to use something sturdy, something soft, and something light and airy. The best way to create texture is through greenery, grasses, and berries. In the arrangement above, the berries, acacia, and Christmas bush are doing most of the heavy lifting in terms of delicate and soft textural elements. The juxtaposition with the smooth Ti leaves, snapdragon, and bells of Ireland make this arrangement a delicious treat for the eyes.
Shape! Next, think of the shape of each flower and try to choose one in each variety of shape: round/focal, spire, and some filler. For instance in the arrangement above, the roses are the focal flower, the spires are the delphinium, orchids, and eucalyptus, and the filler are the tulips, limonium, and greenery. In addition to the shape of each flower, it is important to think about the shape of the entire arrangement. Since this arrangement is a table centerpiece, it is kept low and long so guests can see each other over the top but it still takes up a nice amount of table space.
Color! When picking your blooms, try to keep the colors in a cohesive conversation. I like to stick to no more than three colors that all have similar undertones (either cool or warm). In the arrangement above, the colors are red, white and pink- all with warm undertones. The pink silk peonies act as a bridge between the contrasting white and red tones. Make sure each color has at least two flowers with different shapes and weights- so there is texture and variety while still feeling whole.
Vessel! Finally, a vessel. A vessel could be a classic vase, bowl, pitcher, or urn. You can get creative here! For a table centerpiece, you will want to choose a low and wide vessel for your arrangement. Think of how it will sit on your table, and how it will best be appreciate by your guests. If you are creating a statement entryway piece, choose a vessel that will wow your guests as much as the flowers inside. Or, you can choose a vase with some character- like the sweet country vase in the image above. Paired with this mostly greens arrangement, the vase adds to a “homey” feel- as if these flowers were just cut from a lush country garden and brought into the kitchen to be enjoyed.
