Look beyond blooms for modern centrepiece

Not everyone loves flowers. So when it comes to creating an ideal centrepiece or arrangement for areas such as tabletops large or small, there are some alternatives.

These days, many flower districts and floral stores make arrangements using natural elements that serve as an alternative to flowers and in many cases last longer and for some homeowners may be viewed as more modern.

Here are some dos and don’ts of natural arrangements:

Do

• Consider organic elements such as wild grasses, moss or succulents. • Incorporate elements such as vegetables into your decor. Potted cabbages are a great choice and are hearty and longlasting. • Incorporate elements such as herbs and branches; they are a wonderful alternative to traditional flowers. • Use interesting vessels for your arrangements. You don’t just have to place an arrangement in a vase; elements such as clay pots and wood bowls are a creative alternative. • Use vignettes. A lot of times, you can make your most powerful statement using minimal decor in a grouping.

Don’t

• Mix too many elements together. Typically, natural arrangements are most successful with one type of element such as solely branches or succulents. • Forget to water your natural arrangements. Many still need to be exposed to moist environments. • Forget to experiment with size and scale. • Ignore fragrance. In many instances, fragrance will be added bonus experienced through the use of your natural decor. • Forget the power of dried or preserved natural arrangements. Many natural elements can be easily dried. Drying or preserving decorative elements is easy to do and serves as a way to preserve your decor.

A large vessel filled with moss and succulents creates a simple yet memorable arrangement.

Dried flowers hung from a hook creates interesting wall decor.

Aritifical succulents can look very realistic.