Handy Tips

1. Avoid steel or iron containers.

2. Ensure the vase is leak-proof and has enough room for your flowers and water to fit comfortably.

3. For some flower arrangements you may want to utilise a brick of floral foam to hold flowers in place. Soak the foam in water containing flower food - allow the foam to soak up the water at its own rate - cut to fit the shape of your container leaving room for water (foam cuts easier when wet).

4. The height of your vase should be between one third and a half as tall as your stems - this will maximise the chances of your flowers remaining in an upright position (you can always create a grid on top of your vase with clear tape to aid placement of your flowers)

5. Flowers too short for your favourite vase? Simply add pebbles, marbles or some crumpled cellophane wrapper to the bottom of the vase.

6. Handle with care! Some flowers and foliage may be toxic or cause skin irritation. Take care when handling them (washing your hands afterwards) and keep them away from children and pets.

7. Decoration - Some arrangements may contain fresh fruit or other decorative items. These are intended purely for display and fruit should not be eaten.

8. Candles - Should only be lit if all flowers and foliage are clear of the flame - lit candles should never be left unsupervised.