Selecting Containers

• 1). Choose containers that suit the flowers. A broad, open basket works well with greenery and plant filler that will spill over the sides and fill up the inside. Narrow top opening rose bowls work well for displaying large quantities of single flowers like carnations or roses.
  
  
• 2
  A low profile arrangement works best for this kitchen table
  
  Select a space for the arrangement before creating it, if possible. Kitchen or dining room tables are popular for flowers, but can pose a problem if the arrangement blocks the view of diners. Keep arrangement heights in mind to enjoy flowers, family and friends at the table.
  
  
• 3). Soak floral foam in container at least 15 minutes to make sure the foam is saturated before using. If not using foam, fill the container about two-thirds full with water.
  
  

Selecting Flowers

• 1
  Lilies are long lasting cut flowers
  
  Cut flowers allowing enough stem to display the blooms well above the top of the container. Autumn flowers may include anything still blooming in the garden, such as sunflowers, zinnias, black eyed Susans, asters, Joe Pye weed, helenium, lilies, and goldenrod, all good choices in North America.
  
  
• 2). Look for autumn color more than a particular variety when shopping for flowers at florists or other flower retailers. Combine a variety of colors, red, yellow, orange, following nature's fall palette in your local area.
  
  
• 3). Recut any flowers after bringing them home from shopping and prior to arranging them.
  
  
• 4). Alter the height of flowers for a loose arrangement, keeping taller flowers in the center and shorter ones around the perimeter. Add greens, including ferns or evergreen branches, for textural interest and color contrast.