There’s something special about fresh flowers during the holidays, and this centerpiece came together with a little help from a talented friend and a lot of trial and error.

• A love of flowers inspired this festive DIY centerpiece
• Our friend Tammy (a pro florist!) taught us simple, effective tips for arranging
• Hydrangeas, red tulips, and greenery made for a beautiful, wintery combo
• The first arrangement was a hit (until the vase broke and it had to be redone)
• It’s not florist-level yet, but this post will inspire your own holiday flower project

If you want to put a smile on my face there are two guaranteed ways: feed me or give me flowers. There is nothing like having a fresh arrangement to brighten any room. When I was a little girl, I remember there were these Robinson crabapple or magnolia trees, which would bloom pink flowers every summer. Those trees lined the block and I would pick flowers to give to my mother. Our living room needed a bit of holiday cheer, so I put together this holiday flower centerpiece.

Last winter we had our friend Tammy visit from California. She is professional when it comes to putting arrangements together. Legit she’s a professional at this.  She did all the flowers at our wedding. We definitely hit the friend lottery with her. Last year, she gave Brian and I a lesson on putting together a few types of holiday arrangements. Tammy made putting together arrangements seem effortless, but it definitely takes practice and a creative eye. My arrangement couldn’t hold a candle to hers. Now I have the basics down and can put together a decent arrangement now.

Putting Together the Holiday Flower Centerpiece

I knew I wanted to use hydrangeas because my vase was wide they would fill it out nicely. I used Tammy’s tip and cut the stem so they fell just over the edge of the vase. Using that tip, I was able to fill the vase with only three hydrangeas. I knew hydrangeas would not last too long in the winter, but I really wanted to use them. If you’re looking for an arrangement to last more than 2-3 days, I would suggest using a different flower to fill.

I had no clue what other flowers I wanted to use. So when I went shopping, I decided to choose them based on their looks alone. I saw these bright red tulips and I knew it would pair perfectly. But tulips, you ask? Yes, they’re spring flowers, but these were so gorgeous. Lastly, I needed to add some greenery. I needed to pick something not too leafy and overpowering because most of the vase was now filled up.

I headed home and put the flowers together. I surprised myself on how quickly finished. When I went to fill the vase with water, I dropped it and I had to start all over again! I liked my first arrangement so much more, but I was too frustrated to put the same effort into the second try. However, the second one was just as beautiful.

I still need a little more practice, so I will not be opening up my flower shop anytime soon. I hope this gives you some inspiration to try your hand in flower arranging this holiday season! For Tammy’s tips, check out our full holiday flower how-to!

See those gingerbread cookies in the photo above? Check out our last post to see how we made them!