Tips for Arranging Flowers

• Place the focal flowers, such as luscious peonies, in the bouquet first.
• Work with one variety at a time, concentrating on the large blooms first, easing into the medium-size blooms, and then to the smallest varieties.
• Shop in monochromatic color stories, only breaking away with an occasional pop of chartreuse green -- when the design calls for it, of course. Allow the flowers to breathe and dance about the arrangement, but group them in a cluster style so it feels refined, compact, and abundant.

How to Keep your Arrangements Fresh

• Remember that cut flowers thrive on fresh, cool water and cool temperatures. It's important to change out the water every day; flowers will last so much longer.
• Keep flowers away from the kitchen, heated areas, or bright lights that generate warmth.

Special Thanks
Special thanks to Belle Fleur owner Meredith Waga-Perez, who has translated Lilly Pulitzer patterns into floral combinations featured at the designer's stores and events. Taking the color palette, Meredith seamlessly creates her arrangements using a variety of feminine flowers, such as peonies, hydrangeas, and sweet peas. Get inspired by some more flower arrangements made on "The Martha Stewart Show."