Celebrating Galentine’s Day: A Floral Workshop Experience
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!I recently had the most delightful experience that I just have to share with you!
Galentine’s Day is just around the corner, so when I saw that my favorite local floral shop, The Flower Alley, was hosting one of their signature design classes, I knew I had to attend! I’m so glad that I did because it was a charming celebration of friendship and creativity that left me feeling inspired and full of joy.
Have you ever attended a flower arranging workshop? If not, I highly recommend seeking out a local class. It’s so helpful to learn how to create your own bouquets and arrangements, a skill that will undoubtedly come in handy whether you are hosting a gathering or simply looking to elevate your home with gorgeous, stylish blooms.
Come along and join me as I share more about the class along with helpful hints and etiquette tips you can use to elevate your everyday!
Picture This: an intimate gathering of twelve fabulous women, bubbling with excitement and laughter, sipping sparkling wine and mocktails while indulging in decadent artisan chocolates and a beautifully crafted charcuterie board. Wish you were there? I do, too! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a perfect backdrop for what was to come — creating our own stunning cottage-style flower arrangements!
Kaila’s expert example and a glass of TÖST n/a bubbly!
Under the expert guidance of Kaila and Lee Ann, owners of The Flower Alley, and their team of designers, we learned the art of floral design with step-by-step instruction and insider knowledge of how to take a flower arrangement from basic to blooming.
With our timeless white urn vases, floral sheers and an incredible array of fresh blooms, we each crafted a unique arrangement that reflected our individual styles while following Kaila’s decadent Galentine’s Day recipe. It was such a fulfilling experience, not only to create something beautiful but also to meet new friends, rekindle acquaintances (I shared a table with my former Pure Barre instructors! LTB girls!) and, of course, support an amazing locally owned business!
Now, inspired by this lovely evening, I’d like to share some simple tips for choosing and arranging your own flower arrangements at home. Whether you’re decorating your space or preparing for a gathering, these tips will help you create something truly special.
Tips for Choosing & Arranging Flowers
CHOOSE SEASONAL BLOOMS: Flowers are typically imported from South America, Holland, Australia and California among other markets. While you can get ahold of almost any bloom at any time, opting for seasonal blooms will give you the best options for the freshest blooms and best pricing. Seasonal flowers are often more vibrant and abundant and depending on your location and the time of year, can open up opportunities to support local farmers.
MIX TEXTURES AND SHAPES: Combines different types of flowers, greenery, and fillers to create interest and depth. Experiment with varying heights and shapes for a more dynamic arrangement. For our arrangement, we used a combination of hydrangeas (great for filling out the bottom of the vase to add volume and depth), a variety of roses, stock, Japanese carnations, ranunculus, spray roses, calla lilly and the PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE - a gorgeous orchid for a dramatic touch.
SELECT A FOCAL POINT: This is a really important part of creating your arrangement and one that is overlooked. Before you begin designing, think about where the arrangement will live. Will it be on a coffee table? If so, the focal point should be on top, as you and your guests will be looking down on the arrangement. Will the flower arrangement be on the dining table? You’ll want to make sure guests have a visual treat at eye-level. Will it be showcased in a corner or against a wall? Keep the WOW flowers front and center where they will be seen and enjoyed. Understanding where your arrangement will live will help you identify the focal points for one or two standout flowers and provide a visual anchor for your design.
USE A VARIETY OF COLORS: Yes, monochromatic arrangements are gorgeous and timeless, but don’t be afraid to let your creative side go wild and choose a variety of colors. To be honest, I don’t think I would have every chosen the same color of flowers on my own, or had been brave enough to include so many different varieties. And the chartreuse orchid? I had to drum up some courage and step outside my comfort zone but guess what - I LOVE IT. So be bold, be brave and let your creative self explore all of the gorgeous shapes, colors and textures flowers can provide. You might just surprise yourself and discover something new!
MIND THE VASE: Your choice of vase will significantly impact your arrangement. A timeless urn or a vintage jar can add charm, while a sleek glass vase offers a modern touch. (ok secret tip just between us: I keep Bertolli pasta sauce jars on hand because they make great vases for gifts of bouquets from our summer garden) To help create structure in the vase, you can use a variety of tools such as floral foam, a frog, or even tape across the mouth of the vase to help keep flowers in place.
KEEP IT BALANCED: Aim for balance, but don’t put too much emphasis on symmetry. This means distributing the flowers and greenery evenly throughout the arrangement without making it look too uniform, or producing “alien antennas” (iykyk).
TRIM & REFRESH: When working with your flowers, always remove leaves, and cut the stems at an angle to allow for better water absorption. One thing I learned in the class, was that roses in particular seal up quickly, meaning that you only have a few seconds after cutting to get them in fresh water. Be sure to add about a cup of water into the vase and refresh regularly to keep blooms lasting longer.
Etiquette Tips for Flower Gifting
Of course, this wouldn’t be Details & Decorum without sharing a few etiquette tips to keep in mind when it comes to flowers! In addition to creating beautiful arrangements for your own home, sharing the joy of flowers with others is a lovely gesture, especially when invited to someone’s home.
Here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind:
BRINGING FLOWERS TO THE HOSTESS: If opting to bring flowers as a hostess gift, you will want to present them in a lovely vase opposed cut stems wrapped in paper. This not only shows appreciation for their hospitality, but also saves your hostess the trouble of arranging them as other guests arrive.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOWERS: Consider the occasion and recipient’s taste. Red roses are a classic choice for a romantic partner, while cheerful zinnias represent ever-lasting friendship, and a mix of seasonal blooms from your own garden will always be well-received.
FLOWERS AT THE TABLE: If you are creating a flower arrangement to serve as a centerpiece for your dining table, you will want to be careful to avoid flowers with an overpowering scent (hyacinth and lilies are two to avoid). This ensures your flowers will not clash with the fragrant aromas of the dinner about to be served.
CONSIDER PRESENTATION: Whether as a gift or as a piece of home decor, consider the presentation of the flowers and how it will enhance the overall effect. Fresh flowers will always brighten up the home, and a beautiful vase, or a jar wrapped with a beautiful ribbon, can add a touch of elegance while reflecting your personal style.
As I reflect on the wonderful Galentine’s Day workshop, I am reminded of the power of creativity and connection. Whether you’re gathering with friends or exploring the art of floral design on your own, take the time to appreciate the beauty around you.
Flowers have such a lovely way of brightening our spirits and enriching our lives, and I encourage your to embrace this timeless art in your own way.
Do you enjoy arranging flowers? Have you ever taken a class? If you have questions about flower arranging or social etiquette, leave your question in the comments. If you’re looking for more inspiration, follow The Flower Alley on Instagram!
