How to Make Small Party Arrangements with Clearance Flowers
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One of my favorite ways to add a special touch to any party is by creating small flower arrangements from clearance flowers. Fresh flowers instantly make a space feel more inviting, festive, and pretty, but they do not have to come with a big price tag. Using discounted bouquets is an easy way to decorate for events like baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, or luncheons without spending a fortune.
I usually find my flowers at my local Kroger store, but I have also had good luck picking up marked-down bouquets at Walmart. Every once in a while, I can even find flowers on sale at Costco. My favorite finds are always the clearance bouquets, because they are such an affordable option and often still have plenty of beauty left in them. I love being able to give those flowers new life and turn them into something lovely instead of letting them end up in the trash.
You will need a few small glasses or containers for the arrangements. In most cases, one bouquet can be divided into about three pretty small centerpieces, which makes this idea even more budget-friendly. I have a collection of containers that I like to use just for this purpose. Some are simple drinking glasses, while others are glass jars or containers that I have saved and reused from food items. The dollar store is also a great place to find inexpensive options.
These smaller arrangements work especially well on party tables. They add a fresh and elegant touch without taking up too much space. I much prefer this style over one large centerpiece, because guests can easily see and talk to each other across the table without a big floral arrangement blocking the view.
The photos for this post are from a bouquet I got for flowers for my Easter brunch with my family. I found a nice-looking bouquet that was marked down to $3.50.
Small Party Arrangements with Clearance Flowers
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 bouquet grocery store clearance flower
- 3 small glasses or glass containers
- coordinating ribbon optional
Instructions
- Fill each container with water and divide the flower food between them.
- Trim the flower stems to fit the containers, starting a little longer and cutting more if needed.
- Divide the flowers between the 3 containers, making sure each one has a mix of at least 3 different flowers or greenery pieces.
- Adjust the flowers until each arrangement looks full and balanced.
- Add ribbon around the containers if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find clearance flowers?
Grocery stores are one of the best places to look for clearance flowers. I usually find them at Kroger, but Walmart and Costco can also have good options depending on availability.
How many arrangements can I make from one bouquet?
One bouquet can usually make about three small arrangements. The exact number will depend on the size of the bouquet and how full you want each arrangement to look.
What kind of containers work best for small flower arrangements?
Small glasses, jars, or repurposed food containers work great for this project. You can also find inexpensive options at the dollar store that are perfect for party tables.
How short should I cut the stems?
Start by cutting the stems a little longer than you think you need. You can always trim them shorter, but you cannot add length back once they are cut.
Do I need flower food?
Flower food is helpful if it comes with the bouquet because it can help the flowers last longer. If your bouquet includes a packet, just divide it between the containers.
How do I make the arrangements look balanced?
Try to include at least three different flowers or greenery pieces in each arrangement. Mixing different shapes, colors, and textures helps each one look fuller and more polished.
How long will clearance flowers last?
That depends on how fresh they are when you buy them, but many can still last several days with fresh water and flower food. Keeping them in a cool spot can also help extend their life.
Can I make these arrangements the day before the party?
Yes, making them the day before works well. Just keep them in water and store them in a cool place so they stay fresh for the event.
Do I need any special floral arranging supplies?
No, you really only need flowers, water, small containers, and scissors or floral shears. This is a simple project that does not require special tools.
Can I add anything extra to dress them up?
Yes, tying a ribbon around the container is an easy way to make the arrangements feel a little more festive and party-ready.
What kinds of parties are these arrangements good for?
These small flower arrangements work well for baby showers, bridal showers, brunches, birthdays, luncheons, and holiday gatherings. They are a simple and affordable way to add fresh flowers to almost any event.
Tips and Tricks
- Look for bouquets with a variety of flowers. A bouquet with different blooms, filler flowers, and greenery will make it much easier to create several balanced arrangements.
- Check the flowers carefully before buying. Even when shopping for clearance, look for bouquets that still have plenty of fresh-looking blooms. A few tired stems are fine, but you want most of the bouquet to still look usable.
- Remove leaves below the water line. Any leaves sitting in the water can make it dirty faster, so pull those off before arranging the flowers.
- Divide the flower food between containers. If your bouquet comes with flower food, split it between the arrangements to help them last longer.
- Mix colors, textures, and heights. Using a combination of blooms and greenery in different heights helps each arrangement look fuller and more natural.
- Make them the day before or the day of the event. This helps the flowers look their freshest for the party.
- Use repurposed containers. Drinking glasses, jars, and saved glass food containers can all work beautifully and help keep the project budget-friendly.
- Do not overthink it. These small arrangements do not need to be perfect. A simple grouping of flowers in a small glass often looks charming and beautiful.
