LET THE FLOWERS BLOOM
MEET FASHIONABLE FLORIST: YI LIAN NG

Spruce things up with some simple floral DIY.

It’s no secret – flowers can easily inject life into any occasion and instantly take your soiree to the next level. The best part? It’s not tricky to recreate yourself. Arranging your own flowers can add a personal touch to your décor and make your guests feel welcome.

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With the holiday season around the corner, we spoke with former fashion editor, Ng Yi Lian, founder of Yi Lian Ng Floral Atelier to suss out flower arrangement tips that make them last longer with a professional touch for your next party.

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Remember – there’s no right or wrong when it comes to aesthetics, so fret not even if you don’t have green fingers.

“You don’t have to know floral arrangements to understand aesthetics – anyone is capable of that.” – Yi Lian Ng

Tip 1: Start from Basics

As Yi Lian puts it, “Use colours as your starting point because that’s the main aspect that will stand out the most—not the type of flowers. Colours are also good ways to create themes for parties. Next, work with the different shades of that particular colour.

For example, pink— there are flowers that are in bright fuchsia, pastel pink and soft dusty pink. Putting them all together gives the arrangement depth while keeping to the theme.”

Tip 2: Make your own rules

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.

“I never have such strict rules. I know it sounds abstract but good floral arrangement skills are the same as good oil painting or good fashion styling skills—it takes practice to cultivate your own eye and aesthetics. When you know something is done, you just do. You shouldn’t add another stalk or remove one—it’s just right.”

Tip 3: Extend Shelf Life

Refresh the water of the vase daily and trim the stems in a diagonal cut so there is a fresh surface that absorbs water better.

Overexposed stem ends rot and that will affect the health and shelf life of flowers.

The last-minute conundrum

Have a party to host in a mere few hours’ time but have yet to start on the floral arrangement? Here are some handy tricks you can try:

1. Use any container that’s in sight

If time is not on your side, simply grab containers of any sort – even your cups and bowls can be used as well! Don’t limit your creativity, as long as it is a receptacle capable of holding water and flowers, you’re all good to go.

2. Create one centrepiece to save time

An eye-catching centrepiece, where skilfully placed, can still enliven the atmosphere. Place it in the part of the room where most eyes are drawn to – typically an area with wide space around it including a dining or coffee table.