A “Red Velvet” Bunch to BRING ON BLISS

Add a dose of holiday delight to any space with this luxe and lovely arrangement — it’s guaranteed to wow your crowd!

WHAT’S NEW

This New Year’s Eve, top florists are elevating supermarket roses to sophisticated celebration-ready status by showcasing blooms in lush beds of foliage. “Here, the verdant greens allow the velvety red roses to pop,” says floral pro Eileen Johnson. “And scarlet berried sprigs echo the bright blossoms while offering a natural nod to the spirited season. Plus, the arrangement is an ideal height for cross-table conversation.”

GET THE LOOK

Start by filling a 6-inch cachepot with soaked floral foam. Then to create a base of greens, cut about two dozen 7-inch sprigs of holly and laurel. Insert the foliage into the foam to create a soft, full mound. Next, cut 1 dozen red roses and about 6 assorted berry sprigs to 8 inches. Insert the rose stems, evenly spacing throughout the arrangement. Finish by filling in any empty spaces with berry sprigs.

FLORIST’S SECRET

The simple trick to keeping your rose dome fresh for a week (or more!): Swap your watering can for a turkey baster! Its nozzle makes it easy to get in between the roses while its bulb offers precise control over how much water you dole out. Another expert tip: Since the roses will fade before the foliage, you can save the dome of greens and add in fresh blooms to keep the floral joy going into the new year.