Ever swooned over the beautiful bouquets at your local supermarket or flower shop? The combination of flowers, the choice of filler, and the eye-catching mix of colors command attention. Even the heights of all the different blooms seem so perfect, right?
If you’ve always been curious about the secrets to creating picture-perfect floral arrangements at home, you’re in luck. I recently had the chance to meet celebrity florist Jeff Leatham (he’s worked with everyone from the Kardashians to Cher) at an Amazon press event, and he revealed some of his top tips and tricks. His advice will come in handy, whether you simply enjoy having fresh flowers around the house or need to make a special bouquet for a loved one’s birthday.
Have the right supplies
Even if you’re just a beginner, Jeff says there are certain supplies that can make it easier to assemble a stunning bouquet. “When I’m creating a floral arrangement, I always want to make sure I have the right essentials on hand, from floral shears and chicken wire to floral tape and so much more,” Jeff shares. “If you’re just getting started, you can even ask Alexa for Shopping what you need to create a beautiful floral arrangement. It’s a great way to get ideas and make sure you have the basics covered.”
Settle on the perfect color palette
Jeff swears by monochromatic palettes for an elevated look. He’s especially drawn to shades like cream, orange, and deep red for the fall season. But if you’re looking for holiday inspiration, follow the same approach. “Choose two or three shades and carry them through your flowers, candles, linens, and decor; it instantly makes a holiday table feel intentional,” Jeff says.
Go for repetition
When in doubt, Jeff says aim for repetition, as embracing this principle can take your arrangement to the next level—even more than a large bouquet. How to get it right? “Try lining the table with several smaller arrangements of the same flower or alternating florals with candles at different heights,” he suggests.
Know when to experiment with height
When you’re hosting a dinner at home, do you prefer floral arrangements that allow guests to see over the table or not? Jeff says your dining room setup dictates the height of florals for your gathering.
“It really depends on how far the person is sitting,” Jeff shares. “If it’s a smaller dining table, where you can have a civilized conversation without raising your voice, keep your flowers low. If you're having to scream over the table, and there's loud music, go high because you're not going to talk [to someone across the table] anyway.”
Embrace no-fuss vessels
Believe it or not, Jeff doesn’t go overboard with vases. He prefers to keep the focus on the blooms, so stick with simple designs. “I'm a classic guy. I don't go too trendy,” he says, adding that he’s partial to square- and bubble-shaped vases that are either black, taupe, or a ceramic color.
He says transparent vases work beautifully, too, but there’s one caveat: You have to commit to changing the water. “I’m a true believer in putting flowers in a vase and letting them go, so I like vessels that don’t show the water as much,” he says.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
