BRING ON SMILES

with a bright bucket of blooms

WHAT’S NEW

This month, designers are taking grocery-store roses from simple to stunning by styling them in bright hanging “welcome” buckets. “Here, peach and pink roses pop against the cool green container to create contrast, and the tight arrangement of the flowers adds modern pavé texture,” says floral pro Lori Worthington. “Plus, hanging the display lends an element of whimsy. It’s a fun bouquet to brighten an entryway!”

GET THE LOOK

Spray-paint a 7"-tall bucket (or you can use an empty paint can!) green and let dry, then fill halfway with water. Cut 6 to 8 deep-pink roses and 6 peach roses to 9 inches. Insert flowers into the bucket, alternating colors, to form a tight bunch. Let some leaves hang over the edge, creating a collar. Wrap purple cord around the bucket and tie into a bow, then tie another cord around the handle to hang.

INSIDER’S SECRET

Roses are known to have a short shelf life, but a few simple tricks can make yours last longer, promises Worthington. Her advice: Every other day, refresh the water and recut the stems on a sharp angle so they continue to draw water. Also smart: Add 1 tsp. of apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp. of sugar to the water as a DIY floral food. It will nourish the blooms and eradicate bacteria.