Posted in Flowers, Uncategorized, tagged Carnations, Flowers on June 25, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Carnations are thought of as kind of tacky; I usually try to avoid them altogether. However, now they can provide an inexpensive way to enjoy fresh flowers.
I recently saw these arrangements; they’re a ton of carnations gathered together into a large glamorous poof and tied together with a clear rubber band. It’s a simple way to make these flowers with a bad reputation finally look chic.
Posted in Cheat Sheet, Farmers Markets, tagged Cookies, Flowers, Hawthorne Valley Farm, Union Square Greenmarket on April 29, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Most people like the idea of a farmers market, but I don’t think that many people, especially young working people, actually shop there. It’s overwhelming, especially for someone who isn’t super comfortable in the kitchen or familiar with the vendors. And, in all fairness, sometimes a ready-made salad and a frozen enchilada from Trader Joe’s are just more convenient. However, you can still take advantage of the market, just focus your shopping on a few approachable, fail-proof items and you really can’t go wrong.
Look For…
Things to Put on Bread or Crackers: Farms make really unique spreads, jams and dips from their fresh produce.
Meats and Cheeses: Look for cured meats and cheeses, especially the unexpected ones, like duck salami.
Baked Goods: A no brainer. Try oatmeal raisin cookies from the Hawthorne Valley Farm stand if you are at the Union Square Greenmarket.
Flowers: If you don’t have a vase, try a drinking glass, you can put them literally anywhere in your house or give them as a gift.
And Finally, Fruit: It really is better than store bought.
Posted in Flowers, tagged Cheap Finds, Flowers on July 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Flowers can transform a space… a obnoxiously dramatic statement, but true. They make a difference. For my graduation party last Saturday my parents wanted to fill the house with as many flowers as humanly possible. We made about 11 arrangements for around $15 each… and we used all roses!
Make Flower Arrangements Damn Near as Good as Martha Stewart’s but for a Lot Less
Where to buy?
1. GlobalRose.com–flowers grown on in South America are shipped FREE with FedEx to your house two days before your event (though note, you must order them 6 days before the event). I bought 250 stems of assorted colored roses for only $130! (Neither flowers.com nor your local florist can top that) The colors were beautiful and the flowers have lasted for six days and counting (though they are starting to wilt).
2. Costco… yes Costco. I was there last week and they had a great selection for around $15/ a bouquet. However Costco is not always a guarantee, so just be ware.
How to arrange?
I needed a few vases that were identical so I went to AC Moore and picked up some for around 6 bucks each, and while I was there I also got some bricks of floral foam for about $4/package.
1. Cut a cube of floral foam, place in vase, and fill with water
2. Grab some fresh leaves from the closest tree (it doesn’t matter what kind, we even used Holly leaves) and place all around the vase to cover the foam.
3. Cut rose stems at an angle and stick into foam to make your desired arrangement (in my opinion, it’s hard to make roses look bad)
For a few of the arrangements I made rose-puffs using about 22-25 roses in a fish bowl vase, but your options are endless. I hope this is useful for your next soiree!
