The Lowly / Lovely Carnation
In Celebration of the Lowly Lovely Carnation
Often thought of as the wallflower of the florist's selection, this simple bloom may carry the stigma of being cheap or rather ordinary. As a single flower in a vase they can be less than impressive, but when bunched together in a tight arrangement they have a gorgeous ruffled look of rather whimsical elegance.
I remember seeing a bed of pink carnations in a Martha Stewart magazine years ago that had seating cards arranged over it. I thought it provided the most amazing effect and I have used this bunching technique for carnations in various applications ever since.
Make a Simple Arrangement of Carnations
Solid-coloured vessels work best and silver julep cups are definitely among my favourites. They are neutral but have a nice bit of shine to compliment a wide range of decors and occasions. Start by filling your container 3/4 full with lukewarm water.
Remove all leaves from each stem. Gather about 5 flowers in one hand and begin adding additional flowers to create a tight bunch. Continue adding stems until you have a bunch that seems appropriate to the size of your vase or container.
Cut the stems so that the flowers will sit just above the top of the container. You don't want to see any of the stem - just all that glorious colour. Place your carnations in their container, adding a few additional blooms as needed to create a nice, full look.
Make a Bed of Carnations
Less thorny than their rose cousins, carnations have a great visual impact used as a base for cakes or a long, thin centerpieces placed down a banquet table. Cut blocks of floral foam (be sure to use the one for fresh flowers) to the size and shape you desire. Soak them in water overnight so they become thoroughly saturated. Note that hurrying this process by weighting them down may result in dry spots within the foam which isn't going to help with keeping the flowers hydrated.
Place wet foam into your containers or vessels. Cut carnation stems, at an angle, about 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) long. Insert stems into floral foam keeping the carnations close enough to one another that you cannot see the foam. Continue to insert flowers until all of the foam block is covered.
Another advantage to carnations is that they are a very long lasting cut flower which makes them great candidates for do-it-yourself brides or busy hostesses. If you are sure the flowers you are buying are fresh you can do up the arrangements a day or two in advance leaving more time for taking care or other details on the big day. Keep pre-made arrangements in a cool place and be sure to check water levels daily.
Often thought of as the wallflower of the florist's selection, this simple bloom may carry the stigma of being cheap or rather ordinary. As a single flower in a vase they can be less than impressive, but when bunched together in a tight arrangement they have a gorgeous ruffled look of rather whimsical elegance.
I remember seeing a bed of pink carnations in a Martha Stewart magazine years ago that had seating cards arranged over it. I thought it provided the most amazing effect and I have used this bunching technique for carnations in various applications ever since.
Make a Simple Arrangement of Carnations
Solid-coloured vessels work best and silver julep cups are definitely among my favourites. They are neutral but have a nice bit of shine to compliment a wide range of decors and occasions. Start by filling your container 3/4 full with lukewarm water.
Remove all leaves from each stem. Gather about 5 flowers in one hand and begin adding additional flowers to create a tight bunch. Continue adding stems until you have a bunch that seems appropriate to the size of your vase or container.
Cut the stems so that the flowers will sit just above the top of the container. You don't want to see any of the stem - just all that glorious colour. Place your carnations in their container, adding a few additional blooms as needed to create a nice, full look.
Make a Bed of Carnations
Less thorny than their rose cousins, carnations have a great visual impact used as a base for cakes or a long, thin centerpieces placed down a banquet table. Cut blocks of floral foam (be sure to use the one for fresh flowers) to the size and shape you desire. Soak them in water overnight so they become thoroughly saturated. Note that hurrying this process by weighting them down may result in dry spots within the foam which isn't going to help with keeping the flowers hydrated.
Place wet foam into your containers or vessels. Cut carnation stems, at an angle, about 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) long. Insert stems into floral foam keeping the carnations close enough to one another that you cannot see the foam. Continue to insert flowers until all of the foam block is covered.
Another advantage to carnations is that they are a very long lasting cut flower which makes them great candidates for do-it-yourself brides or busy hostesses. If you are sure the flowers you are buying are fresh you can do up the arrangements a day or two in advance leaving more time for taking care or other details on the big day. Keep pre-made arrangements in a cool place and be sure to check water levels daily.
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