Bring out the florist in you!
Where does one begin with flowers? The charm and beauty of the petals, or the fragrant aroma they exude? It is indeed very difficult to pick. Flowers are a wonderful addition to our lives; it is a simple yet brilliant way to incorporate a bit of nature to our surroundings and households. They are also therapeutic; many studies have proven that having fresh flowers in the house and workspace is beneficial for people suffering from depression and anxiety as they bring joy and pleasure to overwrought minds. The vivid colours and invigorating aroma of flowers brighten a dull room and uplift the senses. Using flowers to decorate indoor spaces is an ancient practice; the beauty of fresh blooms is instrumental in enhancing living experiences all over the world.
There used to be a time when local flowers such as roses, jasmines, and tuberoses reigned supreme in Bangladesh, particularly during weddings when many of these flowers hold special significance. Marigolds or gadaphool are essential for the ritual of gaaye holud, and rose petals are strewn all over the nuptial bed on the first night to ensure harmony and fertility for the newlyweds.
Nowadays however, things have changed a great deal. Flowers imported from all over the world jostle for space on florists' shelves. There is a wide range of different kinds to choose from. And while flowers are essential for weddings, they have become indispensable for other occasions all year round. Floral arrangements for household gatherings have become trendy, not to mention immensely significant. A smart, stylish hostess won't be caught dead throwing a lunch party without getting her flowers right these days! Aside from parties, beautiful floral arrangements add a dash of style and panache to living spaces. The delicate poise of roses add elegance and style to one's drawing room; colourful zinnias and gerberas bring warmth and delight to the living quarters. Choose sensual orchids or luscious lilies for the centrepiece of your dining table to delight your guests and to enhance their dining experience. They are a welcome respite from the clutter of furniture and other decorative elements, a sight for sore eyes. And there's a whole plethora of flowers to choose from!
Even though choosing flowers is highly subjective, it pays to keep a few pointers in mind while buying. Firstly, decide the place you want the flowers for. A small space (the corner of the drawing room, top of a chest that has other items, bedside table, etc.) requires an arrangement with small, delicate flowers such as tea roses, rosebuds, carnations and the likes. On the other hand, a wide space (centre table, console table etc) is likely to take on long-stemmed, big flowers such as hydrangeas, gladiolas, tuberoses, lilies and so on.
Next, consider the colour scheme in the space you are choosing flowers for. While it is advisable to prevent buying colours that clash with the interiors, you can always dare to be bold and adventurous if you are tired of the same old, same old. These days flowers of different shades in the principal colour are juxtaposed together to achieve an effortless, natural look. Gone are the days of stiff, uptight bouquets. Add texture by playing with lengths. Be sure to include enough add-ons such as long leaves, ferns, baby's breaths to provide dimension and definition to your arrangements. Again, choose according to size and length of your flowers. Small flowers such as zinnias, tea roses look pretty when done with sprigs of lavender, thin strips of leaves. The long ones such as gladiolas, lilies, and hydrangeas benefit from long leaves, ferns and other large leaves. You can also use other accessories such as dried flowers, ribbons, glittery flowers and tiny plastic or paper butterflies to add an element of surprise to your bouquets. These accessories are available in craft stores lining the streets in Gawsia and specialised florists such as Pushpo Nir in Gulshan and other florists in Banani.
Comments