1. USE FLOWERS THAT ARE IN SEASON. 

They’re generally more wallet-friendly. Michael Smaye from Toronto florist Tonic Blooms suggests winter flowers like amaryllis, anemones, cymbidium orchids, ornamental cabbage, viburnum and tulips. (We admit, we had to Google some of these too. Just ask your florist.)

 

 

2. SKIP THE WHOLE MASON-JAR THING.

“We’re over the rustic farmhouse look,” says Smaye, who recommends matte-black glass vases. “They allow the flowers to really pop.” 

 

3. KINDA MESSY = GOOD. 

“We’re seeing a shift toward more asymmetrical or imperfect arrangements, which can bring a fresh take to the dinner table,” says Smaye. “Arrange your flowers with some bright tropical greens and you’ll have a unique piece that will leave guests talking.” 

 

4. STICK TO A BUDGET.

If you have $100… To add dimension to a dinner party table without blocking people’s views of one another, try lining a table with clear bud vases with a few stems in each.

If you have $1,000… May we recommend a flower chandelier? Or make your own DIY flower wall by stringing flowers through fishing line and hanging them horizontally from the ceiling down the wall. Very, very Instagrammable.

If you have $100,000… “You’re probably in Kardashian territory, so make an enchanted garden with imported cherry blossom trees,” says Smaye.

 

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2019 issue of ELLE Canada.