Learn how arrangements for every occasion are the perfect mix of décor and florals.
Have you ever seen a unique vintage tin, jar, or some other sort of container and wondered how you could creatively style it? For Lisa Horton, thinking outside the box—or container—is the inspiration for her creation of beautiful and unique arrangements. A former wedding coordinator, Lisa’s creative spark was passed down from her grandmothers’ collections of trinkets, figurines, floral china, and holiday décor. “One of my grandmothers was an avid gardener, she always had a summer garden with flower beds filled with assorted florals,” she says. “There were always fresh cut flowers on our kitchen counters.”
From Parties to Peonies
Aside from her role as wedding coordinator for family and friends, Lisa has a heart for entertaining and has hosted parties for every occasion, including wedding showers and baby showers. These parties presented opportunities for her to hone her creative skills, as hosting involves creating an atmosphere with florals and other fun pieces that reflect the celebration and those involved. “I was always looking for a way to be creative. I often used pieces of the décor that I already had for the floral arrangements,” she says. “I love the unexpected. It adds a touch of whimsy, tells the story of the event, and brings arrangements to life.”
Creative Containers
One of the unique features of Lisa’s arrangements are the fun, and oftentimes, unusual containers that hold her masterpieces. These flea market treasures set the tone for each piece and gives every arrangement a one-of-a-kind feel. “Almost anything can house flowers,” she says. While she can’t choose a favorite type of container, she particularly enjoys snagging vintage tins. “They are usually in fun colors with great graphics, and when filled with coordinating florals they make beautiful centerpieces. They are always a great conversation starter, too!” When asked what comes first, the florals or the container, she says the theme dictates the container, and then the florals follow. She chooses flowers that complement the colors and theme of the occasion. While she loves to create pieces that can be styled year-round, admittedly her favorite pieces are seasonal. “I love bringing a theme to life through décor and florals,” she says.
Smell the Roses. Vintage rose prints complement a vintage vase filled with roses in this summery vignette.
opposite: Delightful Daisies. A vintage glass biscuit jar adds a bit of southern charm and serves as the perfect vessel for summer daisies.
1 •• Summer Fun. This metal urn serves as the perfect holder for fresh garden flowers, with flower frogs to keep stems in place.
2 •• Cherry Delight. “Cherry red zinnias pop inside an old vintage cherry jar repurposed to hold florals,” says Lisa.
3 •• Pitch In. A cheery pitcher and glasses set do double duty in this welcoming vignette.
4 •• Perfect Peonies. Teal takes center stage in this arrangement featuring a vintage tin and fresh peonies.
5 •• Just Peachy. A vintage straw handbag holds peach-toned florals and fresh fruit.
6 •• Seaside Florals. For a year-round coastal theme or beach party, consider a seashell stuffed with florals as a centerpiece.
7 •• Notion for Nostalgia. Using jars and tins with vintage graphics adds such nostalgic charm to any vignette.
8 •• Bee Mine. Fun and whimsical, this display features a vintage honey tin.
9 •• Double the Pleasure. “Using everyday pieces, such as pitchers, make great containers or ‘vases’ to hold florals,” Lisa says.
10 •• Sally’s Seashell. “Making a container to hold florals with collected seashells is a great way to cherish those vacation memories,” says Lisa. “This one was store bought, but would be a fun end-of-the-summer craft to make at home.”
11 •• Off to the Races. “Vintage trophy cups are a fun way to add flower arrangements to tables for various sporting events and Kentucky Derby parties,” says Lisa.
12 •• Sun Kissed. This arrangement was inspired by a lemonade party. “I used drink dispensers to hold summer florals,” Lisa says. “It is a great way to add a fun touch to backyard barbecues and parties.”
13 •• Pin Striped ‘n Pink. A charming vintage tin is the perfect vessel for a bouquet of pink roses.
14 •• Basket of Love. Roses and chocolate alongside this vintage basket create a sense of romance.
15 •• Shabby Chic Romance. Peonies and a pastel, floral ribbon gives a soft and sweet touch to this vintage lamp vase container.
Build Your Own Bouquet
If you’re looking to create your own flea market florals, Lisa says that there really is no wrong way. “It is whatever is appealing to your eye. Be creative and mix things up,” she says. To get started, check out her tips below.
- Choose Your Container. Flea markets, thrift stores, and even garage sales, are perfect places to find unique and charming containers that can serve as the vessels for your creativity. If styling for a particular season, try to find colors that fit the theme.
- Prep Your Container. Vintage pieces can present problems for holding water if you’re using live florals. “I use different kinds of containers inside vintage pieces; for example, a clear zippered bag,” says Lisa.
- Fill Your Container. Here is the fun part—bringing it all together! Look for florals and décor pieces you can add that fit your theme, season, or room inspiring your creation. “Use products like floral oasis so flowers won’t wilt, or flower frogs to prevent florals from falling over,” says Lisa. “I find that simply keeping fresh water in your containers helps prolong the life of your florals.”
