Orchids in Gold
In this Flower School How-To Video, a gold head vase sets the stage for elegant phalaenopsis orchids. Foam-free and fabulously luxe, the design features graceful orchid stems floating above a modern base. Simple mechanics, dramatic results—perfect for a statement piece that feels both classic and contemporary.
Video Transcription
So many years ago, the very, very first home I owned, my neighbor had an entire wall of head vases. Little did she know she was on trend. 40 years ago, today, let me show you an updated version of the head vase.
The head vessel still so on trend, going foam-free using floral netting. But I've gone into a nice comb, so it just sits right down in, wedging it tightly. Then adding fresh water pre-mixed with flower food. And then I can go back, and starting with my favorite bloom, the phalaenopsis, giving it a cut, and setting it in to start the arrangement.
You could stop right here. I mean, a beautiful vessel, fabulous orchids, but let's take it further. Adding in line, coming in with beautiful myeri, the myeri fern. So grand. And it can bring your eye upward in the design, and curling it back in, we'll repeat that line. Get that one in place. Then another. Enhancing the overall design by creating this movement coming through. Then once you have your line, adding in your emphasis, beautiful dahlias. Tuck down low, making sure they're into the water. Pulling out the orchid, and repeating. So now we have line and emphasis ready for a beautiful design.
To finish, adding in a little bit more of the myeri, coming out even a tad bit further, giving a little more movement. Then bringing in some lily grass. Curving it, giving it a cut, and then tucking it, so that it comes out. Giving a little bit of movement. Then to take away from the classic styling, give it a little more contemporary vibe, bringing in some beautiful ranunculus. Are these not amazing with the variegation? And letting them come up on the opposite side, adding movement and excitement. Then lastly, filling in with a bit of galax to cover the mechanics, and make sure that anchor everything visually, so it all ties together in a finished arrangement.
The recipe, floral netting for the vase, and one stem of Phalaenopsis Orchids. Then, I worked in threes. Three Myeri, three Dahlias, three Ribbon Grass, and three of the beautiful Ranunculus.
There are so many great vessels available to us now that flowers look fabulous automatically. As long as you know your elements and principles get the line and the emphasis, you know the drill. You'll find more information, inspiration, and education on the website, flowerschool.com. If you have questions, you can reach us through there. But now it's your turn. Gather your favorite blooms, find a head vase, take a picture, post it on social media, and #FloralDesignInstitute. That way we all can see what you do, as you do something you love.
