Like keeping hydrangeas and lilacs from wilting, getting peonies to open up and even getting ranunculus to stand tall. And I thought I would share a few with you.

Fresh Cut Flowers that last

It seems no matter what your favorite type of flower to have in the house is- there is probably some tip or trick to get them to last longer. I have shared several over the years- and those posts are always some of my top one. Which tells me- that you love fresh cut flowers as much as I do. And you probably would love for them to last much longer than they usually do too.

Wild About Flowers

I am absolutely Wild about Flowers all year long. And I started to share the Wild About Flowers series last year- but it kind of dropped off and I apologize about that. But I am picking it up again and planning on sharing all kinds of different inspiration. From inspirations for arrangements and flowers to add to your garden, bespoke arrangements, to tips and tricks and tutorials and more. Next week will be sharing a post about a flower that is in season right now and is inexpensive- those little bursts of sunshine – daffodils.

Fresh Cut Roses

Stop by your grocery store flowers area- and see what they have. Bring all the dozens of those 1/2 priced or even less roses home with you and enjoy them. Sure they won’t last as long as they might had you bought them last week- but often -they will last longer than you think. A tip is to pass on the roses that have ‘smooshy’ blooms- or slippery looking stems. They are already not soaking up that water as they should be and won’t look good for too much longer.

Tip: A tip with roses is to trim off that extra foliage- you want the roses to soak up as much water as possible- pretty leaves are great but I will take pretty rose blooms over them any day.

Fresh Hydrangeas

Those beautiful full hydrangeas that look amazing at the grocery store- but not so amazing after you bring them home. Yeah. We have all been there. And after being burned by wilted hydrangeas one too many times- I found out a few florists secrets. I do one of two things first with hydrangeas. Often times- I don’t cut the stems at all after bringing them home. Hydrangeas are usually cut fairly short and will fit in a vase- and then I don’t have to worry about them wilting. But if I do decide to cut them- I use a spice called Alum. Just cut the stem and dip it right into the alum before placing it in the water. It will help to keep it open and let that water reach the blooms.

More Tips for Keeping Hydrangeas from Wilting Here

Cut Lilacs

Lilacs are some of my favorites- right up there with peonies, ranunculus and garden roses. Lilacs are another flower that will oftentimes wilt after you cut them. So when I have lilacs in the house- I make sure to have a hammer nearby. When you cut the lilac- take your stem and smash it with a hammer. It helps keep it open to allow water to soak up.

More Tips for Keeping Lilacs from Wilting Here

Florist tip for Ranunculus

If you have ever brought ranunculus home- you know the struggle with some of those delicate blooms and stems. They are often broken just under the head -and add that to the ranunculus issue of getting a tad ‘slimy’ for lack of a better word.

Todays tip is one that is easy to do And it works. Simply cut those stems every couple of days- at a 45 degree angle. You don’t have to cut a ton off- just a bit will do to revive the flowers. And when you re-cut the stems- change the water that the ranunculus is in at the same time. It makes a world of difference in keeping them lasting.

Fresh Peonies

Peonies are notorious for not wanting to open sometimes. Maybe it is just a batch of them here or there but anytime a peony doesn’t open is a bummer in my book. I have heard that those pesky ants that you can find on them often are needed to help them open- but not sure if that is just a rumor. Regardless though- when you get a big beautiful bunch of peonies that stall out and instead of opening fully start to turn brown- it is super frustrating. I have found a couple things that help encourage them.

1. Place them in warm water. Not hot. Not too much- but just a bit warmer than you normally would.

2. Place the vase of them in a sunny window. Again- I think it is the warmth that encourages them.

3. Trim their stems after a day or two to encourage them.

Wrap up

The wrap up here- is that with those beautiful spring blooms on my mind- and those beautiful blooms in the house this week- I am going to be playing with flowers, sharing snippets here and there and will be working on some fun things that are coming your way in the next few weeks- stay tuned for more info on how to join in.

AND for more of this simple floral arrangement and all about how to create it – you can find that HERE (including a how to video)

I hope this helps give you some ideas for making those spring blooms last a bit longer. If anyone has any other tips they would like to add- would love for you to leave them in the comments.

Shop the Look

You can also pick up a copy of my book Inspired Gatherings for more florals and ideas for them- (and if you already have my books and enjoyed- don’t forget to leave a review at Amazon to let others know what you thought. You can also find my first book- French Country Cottage here.

Happy Friday Favorites everyone.

(affiliate links)

The post 5 Tips for Fresh Cut Flowers that Last Longer appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Have I mentioned that sometimes I get a little ‘moody’?

I do.

Sometimes that mood is just all me-and that creative energy process… and other times it is reflected in my decor and flowers too. Instead of soft and subtle by itself- I add in a bit of rich saturated hues like you might find in dark velvet pillows and burgundy candles, mood filled paintings and lots of ‘drama’.

I love them and might be a bit of a drama queen. I have quite a bit of saturated moody colors in the house actually- I find that the perfect balance to all that soft and simple white palette that I love to decorate with -is to add something deep and rich to the mix. Bring in a bit of brass and dusty greens too- and you basically have summed up what I love in the house right now.

And I have another confession. This floral design wasn’t all planned out. It wasn’t on purpose. It was one that just sort of came together.

Where it started

Did you know how this moody arrangement started? With a design for Christmas. Yes. Christmas. You saw a sneak peek in The Weekend View yesterday… and there is more on that design that will be coming your way soon. But when that was wrapped up- I gathered up the blooms and put them all together and brought them in the house. And they were perfection with the raw wood armoire and brassy golds. So sharing a bit more about this gorgeous bucket of blooms today.

The Flowers

Blush & White Peonies, Burgundy Dahlias, Chocolate Lace, Baby’s Breath and spiral eucalyptus. All beautiful by themselves- and together – they create a charming arrangement.

And one that is full of French style charm.

Tip: Start with your favorite neutral color flowers and add a bit of mood with dramatic colors. I started with blush and white peonies- and the burgundy dahlia was the perfect rich accent.

I started by simply gathering up each of the blooms and placing them in the bucket just as they are. They mostly fell into place and created a bit of of a moment without any tinkering. But I did position a couple of the peonies and Chocolate Lace to fill in a few areas.

Don’t sweat the unruly look

You will notice it is a wonky arrangement- not perfectly symmetrical or designed. My favorite flower arrangements are ones that feel that they just came together as they are – no rules and regulations for making sure that they are perfectly placed.

These cane back chairs are vintage from The Bella Cottage when we were working on my new book. They are absolutely so charming and my husband and I both love them.

Giveaway

On that same note- there is just 1 more day to enter to win the $500 Shopping Spree to The Bella Cottage– it is so easy to enter- find all the details in this post.

What do you think about adding a bit of a moody look to the dining room?

The post French Country Moody Florals in the dining room appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Today I am sharing the secret to these buckets of blooms… any idea what it is?

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The post 5 minute Secret to these Buckets of Flowers appeared first on French Country Cottage.

My husband cooked one of our favorite dinners- zoodles & vegetarian chicken parmesan and we sat and enjoyed our special anniversary dinner up by the barn this year.

Graduations, birthdays & anniversaries are among many special occasions that are being celebrated a bit differently this year. While big parties & travel or the usual go to ways to celebrate might not be on the agenda – we can create a special moments and memories right in our own backyard to celebrate those occasions.

Think Outside

A special occasion might make you think of balloons, confetti and a overindulging in delicious desserts. I tend to think of flowers, twinkles and ambiance- and the great outdoors.

Set a table up in the backyard, under that big oak tree or that quiet spot by the garden. In my new book- that was the idea behind it- creating an inspired gathering. Finding inspiration everywhere and pausing to soak it up- to set a table or a picnic in the middle of anywhere and enjoy.

Gather from the garden

If you don’t have fresh flowers on hand- you can order something special to be shipped- many stores are delivering flowers.

But you can also just look outside your door & see what is growing and blooming in the garden. Of course any beautiful flowers you might find- but also look at greenery. Mint, rosemary, branches from a tree- all things you can use to create a charming arrangement. And then put those clippings in a unique container for a special touch or even scatter on the table.

A bit of Magic

Twinkle lights, twinkle trees, twinkle anything… those twinkle lights add that magic. I like to run the string lights above a table- but if you are doing something without branches above- you can string lights along a fence, in a tree in the distance or even right on the table.

Candles

Layers of ambiance is what I am talking about with candles. I love to use candles on the table -and a tip with candles is to vary the heights. While a dozen of the same type of candle can make a beautiful impact on the table- staggering those candles at varying heights and styles creates interest and sends more warm light. Always be mindful of safety when using real candles- and use faux if it isn’t safe.

Mood Music

I am a big fan of Sonos – those little speakers that have huge sound and play anywhere and everywhere. So I love to grab one of them for a little music where ever we are. But you can also simply put a favorite play list on your phone and tuck your phone right by the table somewhere. One of our favorites currently on repeat is Best of Mumford & Sons playlist on Amazon Music. So. Good.

Get your fancy pants out

I wore a black dress, my denim jacket and a favorite pair of boots while setting the table. And my husband put on his fancy shoes (aka- not tennis shoes or flip flops) and a button shirt. And we felt darn fancy for the first time in a couple weeks as we sat down at the table.

Just because you are at home celebrating doesn’t make it a robe, slippers and messy bun event. I mean, no judgement if that is what makes you happy. But just putting on something other than my jeans and workout clothes and getting dressed up for dinner made it feel like it was more special.

Simple Moments say a whole lot

Those simple moments- the ones where you put an extra amount of thought or energy into creating- those are what make the memories and last. It isn’t about the gifts – it is about the gift of making someone feel special. And those (some would say) old fashioned ways of celebrating that we have been doing more of recently- are really wonderful in so many ways.

Whatever occasion you are celebrating- it is still a special occasion to be celebrated. Set up a zoom call with friends and family, cook a favorite meal and set a special table & create beautiful memories for someone special. You might find a new favorite way to celebrate everyday occasions as well.

Happy Thursday All.

Pre-order my new book on Inspired Gatherings here

The post 7 Tips for Creating an inspired special occasion dinner at home appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Have you ever just wandered out to the garden or yard to see what inspires you?

The other day I did just that. 

I needed something for our table… and I didn’t buy anything or spend any money

 but I did shop… the yard.

And found 5 things to create this spring arrangement. 

Our wisteria isn’t blooming again this year. 

The buds came on early- and then we had frost and they shriveled up. 

I have almost resigned myself to the fact that this wisteria is probably never going to look like those beautiful houses covered in wisteria. 

And while we have roses leafing up and getting ready to bloom- nothing to clip just yet.

And when you are not going to the store- and you need something for your table- 

you get creative. 

But actually- gathered and wonky -ish arrangements are some of my favorites. 

While I love vases full of perfection and blooming flowers- my heart loves the ones that are imperfect and a bit ‘wild’ looking the most.

The ones that might not have perfect symmetry on each side

a few falling leaves and smooshy flowers that are dropping petals 

and that just might have been clipped and put together in a few minutes.

For this garden gathered arrangement- I used things that were blooming in the yard- things like:

Cherry blossom branches

Rosemary

Catmint

Spirea 

Hellebores

I just clipped a few of each and put them together to mingle in a vase 

and called it good.

On the table in the barn- they were perfect paired with gold glasses

simple blush dishes

and our velvet napkins.

Vintage glassware is always a favorite for me and I might have several different collections of it. 

I have picked up sets of 8 and 12 at thrift stores several times over the past few years and while I love them all-  I am actually thinning some of them just a bit right now- and trying to keep just the ones I use the most.  

The brass candlesticks are something I am always asked about as well- they are vintage and collected here and there- but you can find reproductions like these. 

(affiliate link)

 And I put together a little video showing how I ‘shopped’ the garden and how this arrangement came together. I am off to work on a project involving work space- that doesn’t necessarily mean ‘office’ Have a beautiful Wednesday everyone.

The post Creating a garden inspired floral arrangement appeared first on French Country Cottage.

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The post French Country Fridays- Real vs faux flowers appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Today it is all about French market flowers and 

 baskets full of pretty.

French countryside flowers brings to mind

fields of lavender,  armfuls of fresh greens like olive branches 

and lots of pretty white blooms 

It is a mix of those wildflowers, and buckets and baskets full of fresh blooms in Parisian flower shops 

 that inspired this collection with Balsam Hill.

And I am pretty obsessed with how they turned out.

You might remember the French Market Wreath that I designed for Balsam Hill

that came out last spring.

It sold out completely within a couple of weeks.

And to build on that wreath and the collection- 

they added the most charming floral arrangements, lush garland and

 a basket full of flowers.

I will be sharing a few 5 minute decorating ideas for these tomorrow- 

but also wanted to share a quick bit about  each of them today.

The Door Basket

The cutest basket full of flowers is perfect for your front door to welcome guests

and add a lovely French cottage style.

With long jute ribbons and a charming bow-

 it instantly adds a quintessential charm anywhere you place it.

It is probably my favorite in the collection- I am obsessed with it. 

Basket Arrangements

I love these arrangements- they are chunky in size and the basket adds the 

perfect touch of rustic to the arrangement.

The Garland

Because, garland is always a favorite thing on the table-

I used that as a centerpiece here to show how the olive branches and leaves vine out 

and create a beautiful look.

One thing that I love about the Balsam Hill florals is that they are full 

and really make a style impact wherever you use them.

This is just a quick introduction to these new pieces in the collection-

come back for a couple of 5 minute decorating style ideas for 

these florals tomorrow.

And you can Shop the look here

 (all of these are in stock and SALE priced currently) 

Door Basket

Basket Arrangement

Garland

Wreath 

What do you think of these? 

Do you have a favorite?

 * I work with Balsam Hill and designed this collection but all love of them and their products is my own.

The post New French Market Floral Collection appeared first on French Country Cottage.

And a few insider tips:

The post 7 tips for using grocery store flowers for a custom bouquet- & video appeared first on French Country Cottage.

Flowers just add that certain something and finishing touch to a room.  Whether in a big showy arrangement or a small and simple one.
And sometimes- those flowers might have a secret.

The post 7 Ideas for decorating with faux flowers appeared first on French Country Cottage.