An Enchanted Morning

I've just returned home from the most fun Christmas party! My friend Mary-Kay hosted a get-together/floral arranging lesson. Not only is this a most useful art to learn, you don't have to clean your house to host this soiree! I went stressed, thinking of all the chores I needed to do today, but I left enchanted.

We gathered at an amazing floral designer's studio/shop, Cindy Glover's Fireflies in Jacksonville. After catching up with old friends, Cindy gave us a lesson in making a sweet nosegay type arrangement using grocery store flowers. Instead of a bottle of wine, Cindy recommends taking this as a hostess gift.

Here are the tips:

1. Starting with 3 flowers (we used carnations), hold the stems together, close to the top-pinching them with your left hand (or if you are left handed, with your right.)

2. One by one, add each stem to the bunch, turning or "twisting" the bunch away from you as you add another, so that they are added in evenly all around the bunch. You are done when you have a nice full, round ball (much like a bridesmaid's bouquet.)

3. Add leaves to the bottom if you desire or carefully insert them in between the stems. You are the judge on what looks right.

4. Tie the stems tightly with a ribbon or secure with a rubber band, twisted around enough times to hold securely.

5. Trim the stem ends evenly at first so they are all the same length, then go back and cut the stems in the center a little shorter. The stems should be able to stand up on a tabletop once they are cut evenly. They create a self-tripod effect.

Cindy said in Europe, arrangements like these are put directly on the table, without water. I prefer mint julep cups and small glass vases.We used carnations, a much under-rated flower. Cindy says they last over 2 weeks but I've had them last longer!Cindy ended with a lesson on big bows, which is another artform where there is wrong way to go about it. We all swapped our experiences, good and bad.

Mary-Kay, thanks for a wonderful day! I left with a giant bow, a pair of clippers, a festive arrangement and a lot of Chritsmas spirit. What a great party idea! All the time spent selling invitations for Paper Concierge must have inspired you! Check out MK's page and see her favorites from their cute stationery and gift offering.