The Fashionable Hostess

May 16, 2012

Step-by-Step Leaf Wrapped Flower Arrangements

One of my biggest goals for summer is perfecting my floral arranging skills. Aside from signing up for a few NYC classes, I have scoured the internet for “Floral Arrangements for Dummies” books and articles featuring ‘step by step’ instruction manuals. One of my favorite sites that I came across has instructions for every floral arrangement imaginable (SaveonCrafts.com, you are amazing!!). I realized that putting together an arrangement can be done in millions of ways, not to mention have endless details making them even more decadent! Thus, this week’s project was born: creating ‘leaf wrapped arrangements’. So, here we go!

What you will need:

fresh leaves (you can simply use the ones you pull off your flower stalks)
glass container/vase (I have been on a square kick, but round is nice as well)
double stick tape
Raffia (twine or ribbon will do)
Floral Foam
Flowers
Floral Clay

Directions:

1. Make sure your container is completely dry then wrap your container with double stick tape.

2. Press the leaves onto the tape with the sides overlapping. Put the leaf bottoms straight across so they meet the surface of the table in a square way. If your leaves are taller than the container, you can cut the bottoms off after attaching them.

3. Take a length of raffia, twine or ribbon and wrap it around the vase twice (over the leaves). Tie a small knot.

4 . Place the floral foam or a Styrofoam ball tightly in the container. If the foam does not fit tightly into the container, attach an anchor pin (or foam prong) to the bottom of the container with floral clay, then put your floral foam in it.

5. Arrange your flowers.

Directions for Version 2:

Wrap leaves around floral foam and place in clear glass vases. Be sure to moisten the foam if you are using fresh flowers. ‘
Square vases are the best to use for this technique.You want to cut your floral foam so it fits snugly in the glass vase. Roll the leaf around the foam and secure with floral tape.
Then add your flowers to each. Several of these placed around a table look great!

* For the full article, reference here!

Ubiquitous Tie Dye

Nothing screams summer like Tie Dye… so what better way to get in the mood for sunshine and patio parties than incorporating Tie Dye into every facet of your daily life. So, from your outfits to your decor, here are some of my favorite Tie Dye pieces that fit every FH’s needs….

Strut into your next summer beach party in a Tie Dye dress… {I am loving So Low’s Double Layered Shift Dress only $88.00}

Carry your beach duds in this easy Hobo Bag {I love this Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Shopper Tote $85.00}

Thought it was impossible to incorporate Tie Dye at the gym? Think again! {I love these Bop Basic Tie Dye Hair Ties $45.00}

Throwing an outdoor dinner party? Decorate your table with these home-made Etsy placements! {Etsy set of 4 for $16.00}

Whip up some delicious sangria for your next fiesta and serve them in these fun Tie Dye-ish glasses. {I love this Horchow Cobalt and Confetti Glassware set of 6 for $65.00}

Want to give your entire apartment a summer facelift? Incorporate a Tie Dye rug! {I heart this understated one from CB2 – Tie Dye Rug $249.00}

I am feeling a post for multi- colored foods or cocktails to match on the horizon… stay tuned!

Peachy Keen

Last night as I began packing for our weekend trip to Philly, I started day dreaming about all of the fun and colorful outfits I plan to strut around in this summer. But, when I went to open my closet doors, I realized my closet is bursting with a rainbow of colors that are all screaming to be worn. So, to avoid looking like a tie-dyed hippie, I decided that sticking with one color story each day would be the best way to go about wearing color in a tasteful way.

Today’s choice: Peach (one of my favorite summer fruits!). I picked a peach top as my base, a deeper/richer version of peach for my handbag, and topped it off with some rosy-peach accessories with my watch and bracelet! And, Tada ready for summer!

Tank: Theyskens’ Theory Franky Bruna chiffon blouse $230 at Net-A-Porter