by Tracey Schabel

Created on: June 23, 2009

Interior decorators know the secret to making a big impact in a room. Large, unique accessories make a statement and bring in that "wow" factor. The most used accessory is, of course, fresh flowers. The pages of a glossy magazine have gorgeous arrangements and stylish settings, which you can also do! Here are some easy tips for arranging flowers from your garden, a florist, a home store, even your supermarket!

TIP: Remember- use fresh, warm water and your flowers will last much longer.

Flowers from your garden will be the freshest, most fragrant options that you will be able to find. But, I know, it's hard to cut down that clump of tulips in your front flowerbed. So plan ahead a bit and work a flower cutting bed into your landscape. Fill it with bulbs like Tulips and Daffodils, annuals like Zinnias, Cleome, and Cosmos, and perennials such as Autumn Joy Sedum. Don't forget the greenery- Hosta leaves and Ivy are workhorses in arrangements! When working with garden flowers, clean any stray dirt and always cut on a diagonal to ensure that the flower will draw up the most water. Place like type flowers in vases and enjoy! Be abundant and group the vases together for major impact on your dining table or foyer.

TIP: Daffodils have a substance that is poisonous to other flowers, so never mix them with others.

Flowers from a florist are luxurious and can either be arranged by them or by you. The florist will be able to broaden your flower choices by having things flown in from Europe, South America, and other parts of the United States. This is great for special occasions and events, but will be a bit pricier for the unique flowers that they carry. When ordering flowers, be specific about where they will go and what the event is.

TIP: Let your florist know that you are flexible with certain things like shape or color and they will hunt down the best seasonal flowers to fit your needs.

Flowers from a big box home store- what would you do with that? Flowering plants like hydrangea and lilies are a gorgeous centerpiece or on a foyer table. Usually they will carry flowering plants on a seasonal basis- so check out their offerings now and again. When you get the plant home, take the foil wrapper off and put it in a decorative container. Cover the soil with a top dressing of seashells, marbles, even aquarium gravel, and enjoy the instant impact of the blooms!

TIP: Poinsettias at Christmastime are best on a lower level, like a hearth, since they are rather branchy

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