Take Away Bouquets
Published July 19, 2012
Next time you host a ladies luncheon or dinner party why not make the centerpieces play a double role? These cute little take away bouquets make wonderful centerpieces for a table decoration and at the end of the event the attendees can take them home as a small parting gift.
If you are lucky enough to have some spring flowers sprouting in your garden this season then cut a few to make these easy bouquets. Guests will appreciate fresh flowers from your garden. Alternatively, local florists are carrying a number of beautiful flowers for you to choose from to create your own stylish arrangement. A typical hand-held bouquet holds 20-22 flower stems. Wrap each bouquet in clear cellophane or coloured tissue to match your table décor.
Materials
- A small assortment of fresh flowers (hydrangeas, roses, tulips, and others)
- Coloured Tissue paper (available at drug stores and craft outlets)
- Sharp pruning scissors
- Floral wire
- Tape
- Coloured Raffia or ribbon
- Small table containers
- Personalized name tags
Begin by cleaning your flower stems of any leaves. If you are using roses then be sure to clean the stems of all foliage and thorns. Roses are a nice choice for this type of bouquet because of their sturdy stems.
To achieve a dome-shaped arrangement, begin by placing a single stem rose (or other flower) in your left hand. Place the second stem beside this flower on a 45-degree angle. Continue to do this for the next 5 flowers until a fan shape is established. Use your right hand to twist and turn these stems into a dome shape and continue to add the remaining stems of flowers on an angle.
Once the dome shape has appeared, tie off the bouquet with some coloured raffia or ribbon. Cut the stems of the flowers to the desired length and wrap each bouquet in the clear cellophane or tissue. Be sure to leave 2 inches at the end of all the stems to place the bouquet in water.
Fill each floral container with 3 inches of water and place the hand-held bouquet in the container with only the flower stems immersed. Tie a nametag to each bouquet identifying each recipient and arrange on your table.
