Even short stems stand tall when placed in a lofty glass compote. Here, brilliant violet Muscari latifolium and tight blooms of Ranunculus get a boost in a lush, dense display.

Floral tape is the secret to the arrangement's structure: Taping stems in bundles produces an interesting, angular effect in the water while a grid of tape across the mouth of the dish keeps everything in place.

Tools and Materials
Glass compote
Floral tape
Floral knife
Ranunculus and muscari
Floral shears

Arrangement How-To
1. Place 3 evenly spaced lengths of tape across the opening, then another 3 perpendicular to those to create a grid. Run tape around the edge to secure.

2. Cut out grid's center with floral knife. Fill compote halfway with water. Using container's depth as a guide, cut flowers' stems at an angle with floral shears.

3. Arrange in bundles of up to 12 muscari and 12 ranunculus; tape stems together below blooms. Place bundles in grid, 1 per small opening; mass several in the center.

Check water level daily; if it falls, replenish using a watering can with a narrow spout. Arrangement should last 7 to 10 days if kept away from direct light and heat sources.

Arrangement Tip
Muscari and ranunculus also look fetching in a smaller-scale display. Bundle flowers, and secure stems with tape; then place in tumblers or other cylindrical glass vessels. Group a few on a tray to create a centerpiece.