Summerland Homes & Gardens: Thanksgiving centerpiece tutorial

Yesterday afternoon I put together this floral arrangement for our Thanksgiving table.

I knew I wanted to try using artichokes (first time!) and had picked up the red alstrameria while at the market. From there I headed over to my local florist to see what she had available. Here's what I came home with...

Alstroemeria

Lotus pods and Kangaroo Paw

Silver Brunia

Eucalyptus and feathers

I brought in some bittersweet from our yard.

I chose my antique ironstone piece for the container.

Please ignore the kitchen mess in the background...it was project central here yesterday!

The only tools & supplies I used were florist foam, shears and florist picks with wire. Oh- and a knife to cut the artichoke stems.

After soaking the foam in water, I started placing the eucalyptus branches around the perimeter of the bowl, allowing them to drape over the sides.

Since the artichokes were the largest item, I added them next. I trimmed the stems, then inserted the florist picks into the base of the stem.

Two of the artichokes went in front, and the third I placed in the back. I inserted them in on an angle so that the top of the artichoke was facing towards me, instead of standing straight up.

Next I put in the alstroemeria, placing them (mostly) upright and in the center of the arrangement.

The stems on the pods were very short, so I extended them by using the florist picks & wire. I used four lotus pods.

I love these silvery blue brunia...they have a wonderful texture and are a nice contrast to the other elements and colors. And they are almost the same shade as my dining room curtains!

I added little clippings of the kangaroo paw in front, and then a longer piece off-centered to give a little height.

After placing both feathers off to the left side, the bittersweet went in last, tucked in around the bottom. After a little tweeking here and there...voila! I wished I had a few more stems of the red alstroemeria to fill in some minor gaps. But otherwise I was happy with the way it turned out. It got put together fairly quickly...I had a 30 minute break in between piano lessons. But with my daughter Michaela taking the photos, I was able to get it done!