Let me start by saying fresh flowers will elevate the ambiance of any room. It’s such a great way to bring brightness and nature into your home. In the picture below my flowers are 2 weeks old and look even better than when I purchased them.

Contrary to what people may think fresh flowers don’t have to be expensive. You can pick up a bouquet from your local grocery store for under $10. It’s all on how you style them that makes the difference.

So you have purchased your fresh bouquet of flowers, your back at home…what’s next. Let me share some of my best tips to help you maintain your flowers. Following these few steps will have your flowers looking beautiful for weeks!

1. Once home remove flowers from packaging and trim each stem about 1 inch. I prefer to cut the stems at an angle because it’s aesthetically pleasing but you can cut straight across if you like.

2. Fill your vase with water at least halfway to 3/4 full and if your flowers came with a flower food packet you can add that at this time, making sure to stir it in until completely dissolved.

3. Next arrange your flowers. The trick to having a beautiful arrangement is using tape. Yes! I said tape! You will use the tape to make a grid at the top of your vase.

Now you can arrange your flowers and they will remain in the same place without falling over or spreading apart. This will keep the bouquet looking full.

4. Once you have your bouquet all set place them where they will get some sunlight. The key to keeping flowers looking fresh is to make sure you keep clean water. Change out the water every few days. But wait!!! This is my secret to making your flowers last longer. I’m talking 2-3 weeks! Are you ready? The secret is ice! Yes ice!

I add a cup of ice each morning to the water. The cold water helps to preserve the flowers. Warm water will encourage flowers to bloom and cold water will help to keep flowers at bloom longer.

5. Extra tip! It’s good to trim the stems back about a half inch each week making it easier for the flowers to absorb the water.

I hope this will help you maintain your fresh flower longer. If you give at least one of these tips a try please let me know in the comments how it worked for you.