We recently spotted an arrangement from this year's Salone del Mobile by Milan-based shop owner and designer Rossana Orlandi, and I immediately sought to replicate it.
Orlandi arranged six different jars and glasses on a glass serving tray and filled each with different flowers. The result is an appealing color clash with an artful Italian feel. It's a look that feels very off-the-cuff and easily replicable with props from around the house and out in the garden.
Photography by Aya Brackett for Gardenista, unless otherwise noted.
The Inspiration
Above: Orlandi's composition showcases each individual flower and is the perfect centerpiece for an impromptu party. Photograph by Catherine Dash for Lonny Magazine.
Above: I started with a Heath Ceramics Coupe Serving Platter in Onyx ($87) and set a circular marble trivet just off center on the tray, to create different heights. A similar trivet is Fort Standard's White Trivet for $84. Next I added water to five different glasses and placed them around the tray.
Above: I used two of my favorite tools I had available: Pallarès Solsona's Professional Kitchen Shears ($155) and their Navaja Folding Knife ($82); I use them both constantly in and out of the kitchen. I prefer a knife for cutting soft stems, but you can use just about any garden tools or kitchen scissors that you have on hand. I cut a few wild roses from the garden: two in a deep orange tone (with red rose buds) and two white roses edged in pink. I also used a trio of poppies from the local San Francisco flower market and a group of just-bloomed green hellebores.
Above: I topped the composition off with a bearded iris in white and peach.
Above: The key to the arrangement was not to over think it: keep it simple, group flowers together, and move them around until you find something pleasing.
Above: Drinks are served.
For more inspiration, sift through all our favorite Floral Arrangements. To get the look of other spaces and table settings see our previous posts: a Dry Garden Tablescape from Local Milk, A Simple House Plan Vignette, and a Late Spring Picnic.
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