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STEPBYSTEP GUIDE TO ARNGING THE PERFECT BOUQUET The best part about building your own arrangement is that it's customized to your taste. You don't have to be an expert in flower design to know what you like, but these steps are sure to help you find your perfect match. STEP ONE: PICK YOUR PETALS Visualize your design and select three to four types of in-season flowers with varying but complementary colors and textures. Choose blooms with long stems so you can easily adjust the height, and always buy more than you think you need. Also, remember to grab greenery for a finisher. STEP T WO: CHO OSE A CONTAINER Pick a vase that'll accommodate your arrangement's location, aesthetic, size, volume, and height. Almost any material or shape goes; just make sure the container is thoroughly cleaned and can provide adequate support. For example, long-stemmed flowers with heavy heads work better with tall, cylindrical vases. STEP THR EE: PREPARE THE STE MS It's tempting to jump right into arranging your new flowers, but preparing the stems is a crucial step. Remove thorns or damaged petals and strip away leaves that'll sit below the waterline. Then, trim your stems to your desired height at an angle under running water. A good rule of thumb is that stems should be about one and a half to two times as tall as the vase. STEP FO UR : ADD WATER To avoid messes, fill your vase three-quarters of the way full of water before adding flowers. If you're using a wide, shallow vase, place a smaller container with water in the vase instead of filling the receptacle directly. Don't forget to add the flower food, too! STEP FIVE: ARR ANGE YOUR FLOWER S Start by adding your biggest flowers to your prepared vase. After crafting your base, slowly layer in your smaller, taller picks, rotating the vase as you go and staggering the stems to produce depth and texture. If you want your arrangement to really look professional, use tape to make a grid on the top of your vase before adding flowers to keep everything in place. STEP SIX : DECOR ATE Finish off your arrangement by filling in bare spots with foliage and greenery to create interest. Eucalyptus smells great and stands the test of time, colorful berries give a seasonal touch, and branches are an excellent accent that you can find in your own backyard. 21