DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Although the arrival of August somewhat signifies the nearing of fall, we have been having gorgeous summer weather here in Iowa and I intend to embrace every last bit of it! One of my favorite parts about this time of the year is being able to dine outside. There is something dreamy about gathering around the table to eat a delicious meal whilst sipping on a refreshing drink, and witnessing daylight turn to dusk. I love how summertime brings people together and has a way of just making us feel alive!
If you too enjoy entertaining and are looking for an effortless way to style a table setting these DIY dried flower arrangements might become your dirty little secret for adding a bit of elegant flair to any outdoor affair. Place an assortment of dried flowers or herbs into glass bottles and scatter them throughout your tablescape.
MAKING DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
The first step in making dried flower arrangements is obtaining an assortment of dried flowers and even herbs. If you wish to dry the flowers yourself, look for newly blossomed flowers that have just begun to open. Remove all leaves, stems, and outer petals that appear wilted. Bunch no more than 10 stems together and rope them as a group with twine. Keep the string relatively tight, but know that you may need to adjust it during the drying process due to shrinkage of the stems. Find a cool, dry place that offers air circulation and hang the flower bunch upside down for about 4 weeks. The main focus during the drying process is to prevent mold from growing; be sure the flowers are receiving adequate air flow and are not overlapping one another to the point of hindering the drying process. After 4 weeks, the flowers should be completely dried and the twine can be removed.
If drying flowers is not your cup of tea — no worries. There are many companies online that sell dried and preserved flowers and greenery. Another option to consider is looking at Farmer’s Markets for either fresh or dried botanicals; support those local businesses!
Now that you have your selection of dried botanicals, let’s start crafting. Determine the height of the glass containers you will be placing the flowers into. Cut the stems of the dried botanicals several inches longer than the height of the bottles or vases. I prefer to vary the heights of the stems slightly to add more dimension to the arrangements. Place several flower stems in the glass containers; the number will depend on the circumference of the container opening and how simple or abundant you prefer the arrangement to appear. If you desire a shabby-chic presentation, fasten twine or a burlap ribbon around the neck or base of the bottles for added texture.
Dried flower arrangements are excellent for weddings, too. When my husband and I got married last summer, I sought to create natural and simple ornamental pieces to place on the dinner tables following our ceremony. With these floral features, I did not have to worry about water spilling on the tables if they were accidentally knocked over nor did I stress about keeping the flowers alive before the big day as they were already dried. The centerpieces worked perfectly and subtly elevated the overall aesthetic of the table setting.
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS
DRIED FLOWERS
I often reach for my stash of dried achillea and lavender, but an array of dried botanicals and greenery can be used for the centerpieces. Consider dried eucalyptus, gypsophila, hydrangeas, pampas grass, peonies, roses, or sunflowers.
GLASS BOTTLES
Have old jam or pickle jars lying around? Reuse them! They make ideal containers to transform into vases for the dried botanicals. Old perfume bottles, Mason jars, or even empty amber glass bottles from carrier oils are a few other options to consider for the arrangements. I just recommend cleaning the bottles with warm soapy water to remove any food residue prior to use.
DIY DRIED FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Materials
dried flowers
scissors
glass bottles
twine or burlap (optional)
Instructions
Gather your selection of dried botanicals
Cut the stems of the dried botanicals several inches longer than the height of the bottles.
Place several flower stems in the glass containers; the number will depend on the circumference of the jar opening
Fasten twine or a burlap around the neck or base of the containers for added texture.
How to Use
Impress your guests at parties and gatherings by placing these DIY dried flower arrangements on the dinner table, serving areas, or even in the rooms in your home frequented by visitors. And when it is time to clean up, you can stow the arrangements away until the next get together because dried flowers can be used again and again.
