"All you need is a love of flowers and a little imagination to create a look that perfectly suits your modern lifestyle". Jane Packer, 'Fast Flowers'

There are so many flowers that can be arranged to suit your home it can often be hard to know which are most appropriate. This gallery of the best flowers for your table may help you to choose flowers that are perfect for your particular entertaining needs…

Narcissus

These cheerful spring flowers range from the most delicate cream to the deepest gold. Arrange them in a large bunch for a riot of yellows or mix with other spring flowers for a splash of colour. Often sold without foliage, their long, regal stems create a beautiful focal point, and its sweet smell makes the narcissus absolutely perfect for a smiling complement to breakfasts or light lunches. Use them in spring and summer to reflect the sunlight, or to bring a drop of colour to winter dreariness.

Availability: Winter to spring
Fragrance: Medium
Lifespan: Medium

For uses of this bright and airy flower see the Narcissus Topiary Tree or Instant Effects with Narcissus.

Hyacinths

With their heady perfume and dense spike of flowers, hyacinths make a statement however you arrange them. Tones of lilac, pink, white or apricot range from the dainty to the shocking, and you can always find a shade to suit your colour scheme. Not only versatile, hyacinths last well; a solid investment for your table arrangements.

Availability: Winter to spring
Fragrance: Strong
Lifespan: Long

Freesias

In many ways similar to hyacinths, freesias are also favourites at weddings. They exude a heavy scent, with the triumphant trumpet-shaped flower available in a wide spectrum of fresh colours. You could experiment with a variety of these shades, or opt for the striking effect of a single-colour bunch, which is both a dazzling addition to the colour palette of your table, and extra-fast to prepare.

Availability: Winter to spring
Fragrance: Strong
Lifespan: Medium

For uses of this fresh, open flower, see Hanging Freesias.

Tulips

Graceful and versatile, tulips have long been a favourite of flower enthusiasts. They have been cultivated in a huge range of colours, shapes and sizes, so you can nearly always find a style to suit your needs. Look out for unusual shapes and colours that have been developed. When making your choice, remember that a strong, firm leaf is a good indication of quality, and that tulips will generally grow 2 inches (5cm) when placed in water, with their heads inclining towards the light.

Availability: Winter to spring
Fragrance: Light
Lifespan: Medium

For uses of this traditionally triumphant flower, see Tulips in raffia and Instant Effects with Tulips.

Ranunculus

Often likened to ladies' ball gowns, these flowers, with their dense tiers of petals, look best when 'full-skirted'. Its wide variety of colours makes ranunculus exceptionally versatile. Creating looks from contemporary chic to conventional charm.

Availability: Late Spring and autumn
Fragrance: Light
Lifespan: Medium

For uses of this elegant flower, see White Ranunculus and Ranunculus Displays.

Peonies

Full bodied creations of early summer, peonies range from the deepest crimson to pale shell pinks, peaches and whites. Single, semi-double or double, peonies are showy and romantic. They are ideal to fill our bouquets and pedestal displays, or a single-colour bunch makes a beautiful posy.

Availability: Early summer
Fragrance: Light
Lifespan: Short

For uses of these lavish summer flowers see Full-headed peonies and Country Garden Jugs.

Roses

The traditional basis of so many flower arrangements, roses are now available in absolutely thousands of varieties. Double, cupped, rounded, rosette-shaped flower-heads range from miniatures the size of a thimble to those the size of a saucer! Romantic, delicate, festive, opulent, fresh… The looks and feels that can be created by these beautiful flowers are virtually endless, so have fun experimenting!

Availability: All year
Fragrance: Strong
Lifespan: Medium

For uses of these floral majesties see Instant Effects with Roses.

Dianthus

Carnations, pinks and sweet Williams are all part of the Dianthus family. Beautifully scented, varieties include patterned, rippled or serrated petals. Sweet Williams can be found in white, pale pinks, or even the deepest magenta. It is easy to transform carnations into fanciful arrangements while pinks and sweet williams evoke dreamy thoughts of country gardens.

Carnations
Availability: All year
Fragrance Light
Lifespan: Long

Pinks/sweet williams
Availability: Summer
Fragrance: Medium
Lifespan: Medium

Sunflowers

These flowers epitomise those hot summer days, and are a perfect way to make a statement on your table. Explore variations of the traditional shape and size, and guarantee a good mood all day.

Availability: All year
Fragrance: Light
Lifespan: Short

For uses of these floral giants see Modern Sunflowers and Sunflower Displays

Dahlias

Available in varying sizes, dahlia flower heads can be found in shapes such as pompon, water lily, or decorative cactus. Dahlias are so versatile they do not need to be mixed with other flowers but can create a range of looks by themselves, from the conventional (try a stoneware or enamel jug) to the modern (in a colourful plastic vase for example).

Availability: Late summer
Fragrance: None
Lifespan: Short

For uses of these naïve flowers see Fruity Dahlias and Dahlia Displays.

Lilies

Exotic, showy, colourful, fragrant; lilies have a supreme grace that sets them apart in floral displays. Flowers come as bowl, funnel, Turk's cap or trumpet-shaped with petals that can be striped or dotted. The only drawback is the pollen that clings to the lilies' stamen and can stain its petal, as well as clothes and carpet. The stamens are, however, easy to remove without detracting from the beauty of the flower itself-most florists will oblige.

Availability: All year
Fragrance: Strong
Lifespan: Long

For uses of these beautiful exotic flowers see Oriental Lilies and Lily Displays

Gerberas

These daisy-like flowers are becoming increasingly popular, and the number of varieties is growing; single, double and fancy flower heads with colours from very pale to bright and zingy. Its simple shape gives the gerbera a modern, even architectural style, where a single stem in a clear glass vase can steal the show. Alternatively, a few well-chosen blooms can instantly update a more traditional arrangement.

Availability: All year
Fragrance: None
Lifespan: Long

For uses of these instant eye-catchers see Instant Effects with Gerberas.

Fruit and Vegetables

Exotic or ordinary, fruit and vegetables can bring something different to your arrangements. It is not just colour that counts - look for an unusual texture or radiant sheen for a really striking effect.

For uses of fruit and vegetables see Fruity Dahlias.

Foliage

The importance of foliage cannot be underestimated; its shape, colour and texture can dramatically alter the appearance of your floral displays. Take the rose for an example. Combined with upright, glossy foliage, roses look exclusive and elegant, but with trailing foliage, have a soft and feminine feel. Where possible, use seasonal foliage to complement seasonal flowers.

Now you are more familiar with the flower options for your displays, you can start deciding on a style. Try experimenting with these quick and easy displays for your table to achieve a polished, cohesive look in minutes. Use these ideas as a springboard for your own creations, remembering that even the simplest design concepts can have a tremendous impact.

Narcissus Topiary Tree

Create an unusual look for these fresh spring flowers by arranging them as a topiary tree, contrasting the signature colour of the petals to a strong, dark container. The effect is quirky, fun, and above all easy.

You will need:
5-6 bunches of narcissus
Glass jar
Large terracotta pot
2 handfuls of moss

1. Starting with one stem in your hand, add stems one by one in circles around it with the heads facing outwards, creating a dome effect. Make sure that none of the stems are twisted.
2. Tie the stems with raffia just below the heads and trim the stems
3. Place the stems in the glass jar half-filled with water and position the jar in the terracotta pot. Press moss around the stems at the top of the pot to finish. Top up with water as required.

Instant Effects with Narcissus

Massed flower: for a dynamic effect, contrast a mass of pale flowers with a strong vase.
Country look: Use a vase in the same shade as the foliage you choose to accentuate its hue.
Modern simplicity: Cut two varieties of blooms down short and pack into a contrasting blue vase.
Simple stems: Two stems of delicate flowers look pristine when place in a simple bud vase.

See the lazy weekend breakfast or children's party table decoration ideas for tables to suit narcissus. Click here for more details.

Hanging freesias

Freesias look best when simply displayed, and there are few more effective ways than this. It is a versatile idea, perfect for subtle touches around your home, especially round an eating area when entertaining; try hanging several tubes across a window to catch the light or tie to a tree for a novel Christmas decoration.

You will need:
3 glass tubes
Silver wire
1 bunch of freesias

1. Wind the wire around the top of the glass tube to make a cuff then twist to secure it. Make sure you have enough silver wire left at the end to hang the tubes at the desired height.
2. Fill the tube with water and place one or two freesias into it.
3. Position the tube where you want it by either pinning or hanging.

Tulips in raffia

This is a luxurious display that will become the focal point of any table. You could use the colour of the raffia to match the shades of the tulips or you could try clashing oranges, reds and pinks for a stunning and dramatic display. Alternatively, for a more natural look, fill the tank with pebbles, shells, wool in neutral tones or textured tissue paper.

You will need:
Large glass tank
Small glass vase
Bundle of raffia
4 edged tulips
6 pink tulips
10 purple tulips

1. Fill the small vase with water and place inside the large tank. Put the raffia into the gap between the two containers so that it completely hides the inner glass. Arrange it attractively.
2. Position the purple tulips in a ring around the outer edge of the vase, softening the look by draping the heads over the edge. Then arrange the pink and edged tulips in a loose ring (so they don't appear too formal) inside the purple flowers.

Instant Effects with Tulips

Vases are key here, so be sure to consider colour and form, and don't be afraid to be bold…
Strong statement: A bright cerise vase is a shocking match for pink tulips.
Soft pastel shades: A pale yellow vase will enhance lemony tulips' tinge.
Contrasting tones: Juxtapose fiery orange tulips with a green vase for a lively modern display.
Low wide bowl: Cut down tulips for a low, compact display.
New ways with foliage: Change the rules by wrapping ivy leaves around the outside of a small square vase containing orange tulips. Secure with copper wire.

See children's party table decoration ideas for a perfect setting for bright tulips Click here for more details.

White ranunculus

Cool and airy, these heavy-headed blooms look stunning draped opulently over a flared vase. Evoke memories of sunny days and sandy beaches with shells and pebbles, while complementing the colour of the ranunculus, raising and supporting the stems.

You will need:
Flared glass vase
White shells and pebbles
30 stems of ranunculus

1. Half fill the vase with shells and pebbles, pulling the more attractive ones to the front; polished shells shimmer in the water for a particularly interesting effect. Fill the vase with water.
2. Feed the ranunculus between the shells and pebbles, working in a ring around the edge. Then add stems to the centre of the display. The flowers should extend well beyond the edge of the vase.

Ranunculus displays

Pure and simple: Mass white ranunculus together in small aluminium pots and place them on a silver tray around a chunky cream candle. Alternatively, you could put one of the aluminium pots at each place setting on your table for a personal touch, perhaps combining it with a namecard as an innovative system of place setting.
Fiery bright: Stick to yellows, oranges and reds. Start by positioning the flowers around the edge of the container then build up to the centre, resting them on each other. This display would also work with blooms such as marigolds or asters.
Glass tubes: Single ranunculus in glass tubes draw attention to the beautiful stems.

See cool classic dining for table decorations perfect for ranunculus displays Click here for more details.

Full headed peonies

Luscious peonies take on a contemporary look as a single colour bunch in a brightly coloured vase, held in place by a hidden secret…

You will need:
Flared vase
12 mid-pink peonies
3 dark pink peonies
4 pale pink peonies
Sticky tape

1. Fill the vase with water. Position strips of sticky tape horizontally and vertically across the top of the vase, leaving enough space in the grid to insert the stems.
2. Starting from the outside, place one peony in each small corner hole of the grid and two in each of the larger holes. Position them so that foliage surrounds the flowers, and that an outer ring of foliage hides any sticky tape and frames the flowers. Leave the stems in the centre of the arrangement longer than the outside ones to create a domed effect.

Country Garden Jugs

Peonies are ideally suited to an old-fashioned country look and these weather-worn rustic jugs are perfect. Arrange vibrant pink peonies in groups of 5 in the display with the stems cut to different heights to give a natural, uncontrived look. Combine with lime-green lady's mantle, spikes of pink astilbe and astilbe foliage to frame the flowers.

See the rustic autumn table decoration set for further inspiration.
Click here for more details

Instant effects with roses

The ultimate in versatility, try arranging roses in new and exciting ways…
Colour saturation: Float a yellow rose in yellow glass container for a vibrant drop of colour. You could even add a few drops of yellow food colouring to the water
Symphony in white: A pillar candle and white roses sit well in a galvanized steel container.
Test-tube display: Stagger the height of the flowers for this modern look in various sizes pf tube, and do not fill every tube.
'Boudoir roses': Cut strong pink roses low and balance them on the edge of a cream trophy vase, cramming their heads together. Cut the stems at different heights to make the display look casual and use a few leaves to add colour contrast.

See cool classic dining and cocktails and canapés for arrangements that roses suit Click here for more details.

Modern sunflowers

Sunflowers are always an eye-catching addition to the table, and never more so than in this striking and dynamic riot of yellow.

You will need:
Cylindrical glass vase
Large bundle of raffia
5 large sunflowers
10 small sunflowers

1. Starting at the bottom wind the raffia around the vase. When you come to the end of a length of raffia tie the next length to it and continue.
2. Fill the vase with water. Place the sunflowers in a ring around the edge of the vase, slanting the stems so the heads rest on the rim. Fill the centre with slightly longer stems and use any spare leaves to fill the gaps. Perhaps you could try replacing the yellow raffia with gold cord for a more sophisticated alternative.

Sunflower displays

Glass tubes: Glass tubes resting in wooden blocks set off a long sunflower stem beautifully.
Terracotta pots: Mix bronze and gold with decorated terracotta for a Mediterranean feel.

See the lazy weekend breakfast or the Mediterranean table for an ideal setting for sunflowers Click here for more details.

Fruity dahlias

This is an innovative fun-filled look ideal for those autumnal celebrations. Rich oranges and reds are set off by jaunty foliage for a rustic beauty.

You will need:
Coloured vase
5 tangerines on sticks
9 dahlias with foliage

1. Fill the vase with water then place the tangerines round its outer edge.
2. Add the dahlias between the fruit, filling the gaps with foliage stripped from the flowers. Then place another ring of slightly taller dahlias and foliage in the centre.
3. Place the vase on a low table so it can be viewed from above. You could vary it using apples, limes or lemons with matching flowers.

Fruity dahlias perfectly suit the rustic autumn table decoration Click here for more details.

Dahlia displays

Simple but sweet: Proof that quantity is not everything. Choose the colour of your flowers and bowl carefully and use a few leaves to fill out just two flowers in a bowl. Clustered flowers: Use various different colours of dahlia to create an intense burst of late summer colour. Group each colour together in clusters of two or three, rest the heads of the outer circle of flowers on the rim of the bowl and make sure inner blooms have slightly longer stems for a domed effect. Use foliage to frame and fill out the flowers.

Oriental Lilies

Just a few lilies are needed for this sculptured display that is modern, ethereal and elegant. The minimalist style is perfect for simple dining, and would look fantastic in an uncluttered, airy room. From white to pink to yellow, lilies are an absolutely stunning decoration on any table.

You will need:
Glass tank
Stones
2 stems of twisted willow
3 lily stems
A few strands of pink raffia

1. Place the stones carefully into the glass tank and fill with water. Position the willow stems in the stones, making sure they have enough support to stand upright.
2. Push the lily stems deep in between the stones. Use raffia to tie the twisted willow to the lilies in a few places.

This look is very versatile, but see cool classic dining, Mediterranean style, and Asian style dining for looks to especially suit sculptural lilies. Click here for more details.

Instant effects with gerberas

Double strength: Keep vase and flowers the same colour for maximum impact.
Two colours: Add a contrasting shade to bright yellow flowers in a yellow glass jar.
Long-stemmed gerbera: Use a bright green glass to highlight the purity and freshness of this white flower.

A children's party is great for this bright look See Table Decorations

Planted orchids

Orchids provide a subtle, delicate taste of the exotic. With bleached colours and tropical blooms, this display suits a modern, airy environment and would undoubtedly become the focal point of a simple table.

You will need:
4 potted phalaenopsis orchids
Wooden trug lined with plastic sheeting
Selection of shells and pebbles
2 terracotta pots
A few handfuls of sand
3 handfuls of moss
4 shells on raffia

1. Position the potted orchids in the trug and surround them with pebbles and shells to wedge them in place.
2. Add the two small terracotta pots with more shells and pebbles. Fill the empty pots with sand and trail moss over the edge of the trug. Tie the shells on raffia to the orchid stems.

Try this with cool classic dining, Mediterranean style or Asian style dining.
See Table Decorations

Sometimes a large flower arrangement seems too ambitious and all you want are those little floral touches to complement your table. That doesn't mean you have to tone down your creativity though - try these subtle ideas

Napkin rose

This is the ultimate subtle touch to bring beauty to your table. Roses bring a sumptuous sense of romance and delicacy. This is perfect for a Valentine's Day dinner or a summer lunch, but can be customised with seasonal flowers to suit any event. You could accentuate the look by scattering rose petals across a clean white linen tablecloth…

You will need:
Lengths of ivy
Pink striped roses
Petals from pink striped roses
Cream or white linen napkins

1. Roll the napkin and loosely tie a length of ivy around it. Trim the ivy, but make sure that the ends are long enough to drape over the edges of a side plate.
2. Cut a rose stem to about 10cm and strip off all the leaves. Tuck a sprig of these leaves into the ivy and then push in the rose. The pink will be set off beautifully by the pristine napkin and the deep green foliage. Sprinkle a few of the petals across the table to carry on the look.

A taste of the Pacific

Oriental dining is becoming increasingly popular, and there is nothing to stop you paralleling this trend in your table decorations. Ginger flowers not only comply with this look but bringing a striking gorgeousness of their own to your table; an instant talking point amongst your guests!

You will need:
4 ginger stems
2 ginger leaves
2 anthurium leaves
Pink string

1. Strip the ginger stems of foliage and, in two pairs, wrap a ginger leaf around the stems and tie with five lengths of string.
2. Place on the table on top of the anthurium leaves.

Classic Christmas napkins

If you prefer the traditional Christmas celebration, full of festive reds, greens and golds, this subtle touch is perfect for your seasonal table.

You will need:
Stems of red gerbera
Gold tags on strings
Forest green linen napkins

1. Loosely fold the napkins into a rectangular shape.
2. Place a gerbera stem on top of each napkin and tie it round with the gold string, leaving the tag showing.
3. Use the gold tag as an alternative way of labelling place settings

Other Christmas ideas

Pure snow white: Hyacinths, ranunculus, Christmas roses, mistletoe, eucalyptus, variegated ivy. Highlight prominent leaves with a dusting of silver spray paint. Present in a crystal or silver vase or pot.

Berry red: Dark winter foliage and autumn berries massed together in a berry red vase.

Gerbera Mantelpiece

Mantelpieces are a difficult area of your living room to decorate; they can easily look either too cluttered or too bare. This display is guaranteed to brighten up the dullest lounge! Having said that, it would equally stunning on a table or in any other room of the house.

You will need:
Gerbera stems in assorted colours
Assorted glass containers, different sizes and shapes

1. Fill the glass containers with varying amounts of water
2. Place the gerberas in the containers. You can have one or two in each one, the stems should be cut to varying lengths to give the impression of spontaneity, and long bendy stems make a great feature.
3. Arrange the glass containers across the mantelpiece, or whatever surface you are wishing to decorate.

Anemone Mantelpiece

This original idea is brilliant if you are feeling inventive, and want to try something a little bit different. Again, it should not be confined to the mantelpiece; each individual arrangement would be excellent to mark each place setting at a table. Perhaps you could even write place names in marker pen on the laurel leaves for an especially personal touch.

You will need:
Laurel leaves
Bunches of anemone in whatever colour suits you
Gold string
Glass tumblers

1. Wrap laurel leaves around each tumbler and tie with the gold string
2. Fill the tumblers with water and place in the bunches of anemone so that their heads drop over the edges. You shouldn't be able to see the glass at all.
3. Trim the laurel leaves so that the arrangement can stand up easily and arrange on whatever surface you choose.

Whatever designs you decide to try, it helps to have a few techniques and skills to help you when dealing with flowers. Once you have these basics under your belt, you are free to experiment, and your floral displays will be longer lasting and healthier.

• Spiralling stems. Hold the first stem and add the next at a diagonal angle; continue in this way until they form a spiral pattern. When finished, cut the stems to the same length and drop them into the vase, letting them fall into place naturally.
  
• Preparing stems. Strip the stems of all foliage that would fall below the waterline. Gently scrape each stem with a knife to remove any thorns and imperfections. Cut the stems on a diagonal; the larger surface area will allow more effective water absorption.
  
• Straightening stems. This can give your displays greater height ad elegance. Wrap the stems in brown paper and secure with tape or similar. Then stand the stems in warm, fresh water overnight, or until they straighten.
  
• Water. You could add 2 aspirins to the water to prolong the life of your cut flowers. If using a clear vase, add 15ml of liquid bleach to each 2 pints of water, which will combat cloudiness.
  
• Lengthening short stems. Slip the stems into plastic drinking straws before placing in the water. Make sure there is enough water to reach up to the stems, and be aware that this may affect the look you want if using a glass container.
  
• Reviving wilted flowers. Snip off the ends of the stems then stand in a little bit of boiling water for a few seconds. Then stand the flowers up to their necks in cold water for several hours.
  
• Tall vases. If your vase is too tall to display your flowers effectively, stuff the base of it with newspaper, paper towels or similar.
  
• Positioning blooms. Attach plastic hair rollers together with sticky tape and place in the vase to keep your flowers in place.
  
• Centre flowers. Use crumpled chicken wire in wide-based vases where flowers in the centre of an arrangement need to be held securely in position.
  
• Containers. Experiment with unconventional containers such as old teapots, wine goblets and milk jugs.
  
• Sticky tape… Stick vertical and horizontal strips of sticky tape over the top of a vase and position blooms in the holes of the grid. This will allow you to organise the display much more effectively.
  
• Dried flowers. Good blooms include delphiniums, larkspur, and African violets. Pick them when they are just open, tie small bunches with string and store upside down, somewhere cool and dark. Leave until all the moisture has evaporated, normally a few days.
  
• Silk flowers. To clean, place in a plastic bag with 30g of salt. Shake well and the dust will cling to the salt. To dust, use a hairdryer on a warm setting, but be careful not to blow dust onto the walls.
  
• Colouring flowers. Add a little food colouring to the water to change the colour of the flowers it holds. Use pale coloured blooms, and don't overdo it on the amount of colouring you add!