Design Happens

If you haven’t gotten your mother a gift, then right now, it is time to discover your inner florist. Don’t be scared. I know, attempting to replicate complicated professionally-designed flower arrangements can be intimidating. Then again, finding budget-friendly flowers and skillfully arranging them into an artful bouquet seems like an impossible feat (for me at least). For this Mother’s Day, however, I’m determined to put together a fresh, spring-style flower arrangement that Mom will love. So can you. (And who doesn’t love flowers?) With less than an hour’s effort, you can present your mom, or the mother of your children, a “handcrafted” arrangement made from simple materials and affordable, in-season flowers. (Keeping in mind that even if your bouquet is far from perfect, she’ll love it no matter what.) Here are five lovely designs with links to easy-to-follow instructions:

Grab a plain pitcher and arrange lilacs, lady’s mantle (alchemilla) and lavender into a charming country-style arrangement. The varying shades of purple and green look stunning together.

This simple sweet pea arrangement is ideal for beginner florists. Various hues of sweet peas and hosta leaves create a fragrant and stunning display. If you’re running especially low on time, put your arrangements in antique wine glasses for a look that that exudes whimsy.

This tiered flower arrangement is a perfect centerpiece for Mother’s Day brunch or dinner. Simple tea light holders top a cake stand to display blooming flower heads, from hydrangeas to peonies. Arrange the flowers in a random yet natural way, allowing blooms of various sizes and colors to peek through on each tier. Lovely, yes?

Create a vibrant spring bouquet by combining orange tulips, blue hyacinths, orange ranunculas, blue grape hyacinths and scattered salal stems. This seasonal arrangement would look stunning in a clear or colorful vase. Perfect for a centerpiece or for brightening up the living room mantle.

This striking and colorful iris display is actually easier to pull off than you might think. All you need is three bunches of irises, some dogwood stems and a clear glass bowl. The modern arrangement would look especially lovely on a round table to mirror the shape of the vase.

If you are truly floral impaired, check out these simple-to-make crafts just for Mom. (You can have them done in a snap if you start now!)