Think outside the bouquet

Unusual ways to display flowers can give any room a boost. Eriko Ono, a floral designer with online retailer ProFlowers, offers these tips.

Rethink centerpieces: Lay a series of mini arrangements (one or two flowers each) down the length of the table. It’s a modern look, Ono says, with greater effect than a single centerpiece.

Break up the bouquet: Pull sprigs from a bunch of flowers and place them in small vases scattered about. Your home gets extra splashes of color.

Try a different container: Arrange blossoms in cocktail glasses, champagne flutes, martini glasses, coffee mugs or ice cream dishes. Baby food jars can be charming.

Add surprises: Items from your home can make for a special bouquet. Incorporate foliage from your garden. Wicker balls, decorative rocks or small figurines are fun, and candles can be good. Stay away from fruit, which emits a substance that can shorten flowers’ lifespan.

Location, location, location: Put a vase on your nightstand or wherever you throw your keys; flowers will be among the first things you see when you wake up or walk in the door. Also a little vase in your office is recommended.