Chrysanthemums are the ideal flower to bring warmth and colour to your home. Use rich creams, glowing russets and fiery oranges to create striking arrangements in golden, autumnal tones.
Autumn leaves
Attach some leaves to a glass with double-sided tape, and secure with a raffia tie. Fill with water and add a single mini pom-pom bloom for a seasonal place setting.
Funky flower balls
Secure a pre-soaked florist-s foam ball to the top of a tinted glass vase (use floral tape). Fill with single heads of spray or pom-pom chrysanthemums, packing closely. Use contrasting colours for a funky design.
Hot pot
Place some pre-soaked florist-s foam inside an earthenware casserole dish (line the container with plastic if it-s not waterproof). Choose single or double chrysanthemums in rich, warm colours, and cut down to size. Arrange in groups of colour to form a soft dome. Add apples, small squash or other autumnal fruits and vegetables on strong wooden skewers.
Simple garland
Curve pre-soaked twigs or vine around the inside of a circular glass bowl. Weave them into a garland to support the flower stems. Fill the bowl with water. Cut five to six stems of spider chrysanthemums and place among the twigs, ensuring their stems are in the water. Try using just one colour for a simple, clean design.
Care tips
Unwrap your flowers and cut 3cm off the bottom of the stems with a sharp knife or scissors
- this helps them to drink water. Add the sachet of flower food provided to 1 litre of fresh water in a clean vase - the food helps to open the flowers and keep the water clean. Remove all leaves that would be below the water level. Change the water regularly to extend the life of your flowers - we guarantee them for two weeks.
This article was first published on Waitrose.com in September 2004.