Tips from a florist for everyone who loves flowers!
I’ve loved flowers and arranging them since childhood, inspired by watching my mother create arrangements in our kitchen. Over the years I’ve made and shared many centerpieces and DIY floral projects, but I also know when to call in a professional. Today I partnered with Malorie Orme of Petal + Fold, an Atlanta-based floral design studio and subscription flower delivery service, to bring you her top tips for creating effortless, beautiful arrangements at home.
Malorie focuses on arrangements that feel wild, organic, and full of movement—styles that are natural and visually captivating. Below she shares a favorite “recipe” for a whimsical centerpiece and eight practical tips to help you arrange flowers like a pro. Use these ideas to guide your next gathering or to brighten your home.
The Perfect Floral Centerpiece Recipe
- orange and yellow butterfly ranunculus
- pink scabiosa
- blush stock
- poppy pods
- eucalyptus pods
- blush and green lenten roses
- orange ranunculus
- carnations
- blue wax flower
- cornflower
- sarracenia (trumpet pitcher)
- mixed greenery
Malorie’s Tips for the Perfect Floral Arrangement
1. Start with a clear idea of your foundation—choose a color palette and/or textures before you shop. Having a visual plan helps you select complementary blooms.
2. When buying at a farmers market or grocery, pick at least three types of blooms in varying sizes and shapes. This variety creates contrast and visual interest.
3. Forage seasonal elements from your surroundings when possible. Locally gathered branches and foliage often last longer and introduce distinctive shapes and lines that make arrangements feel unique.
4. Always begin with a clean vessel. Rinse or refresh the container and fill it with fresh, lukewarm water to encourage absorption.
5. Process flowers promptly when you get home: remove plastic wrap and any damaged leaves, trim stems at a diagonal to increase water uptake, and for thicker stems or woody branches make a 1–2 inch slit and lightly crush the end to help water travel up the stem.
6. Use the counter or tabletop to “measure” stems visually before cutting. Hold stems at the intended height next to the vessel and trim accordingly—remember you can always shorten further, but you can’t lengthen.
7. Rotate the vase as you build the arrangement so you view it from all sides. Add greenery first to establish the base, then layer in one type of bloom at a time. Reserve special focal flowers to tuck in last once the structure is set.
8. Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from strong air conditioning drafts to prolong bloom life. Add small amounts of water daily and completely refresh the water every other day until the flowers begin to fade.
Photography: Amelia Lawrence
Floral design: Malorie Orme of Petal + Fold (assisted and modeled by Emily Vila)
Styling: Brittni Mehlhoff
If you’re in Atlanta, consider exploring Petal + Fold for floral design, subscription blooms, and local workshops. Thanks to Malorie for sharing these practical tips—whether you’re arranging flowers for a party or brightening your own home, these simple techniques will help you create arrangements that look effortless and alive.