I love flowers, but when fall rolls around, I actually prefer making arrangements with fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s a great way to celebrate the bounty of autumn, and the centerpiece can be deconstructed — and used for cooking — after you display it. This arrangement also makes a welcome hostess gift for all your fall gatherings.
What you’ll need:
Vase
Rubber bands
Asparagus
Raffia
Herbs
Vegetables
Wood skewers
1. Line vase with asparagus spears
Place one or two rubber bands around the middle of a vase. (I used the thick rubber band that’s used to package a bunch of asparagus.) Line the outside of the vase with asparagus spears, using the rubber band to hold them in place. Then hide the rubber band with a raffia ribbon. Instead of asparagus, you can use other long, thin vegetables like celery stalks.
2. Fill the vase with vegetables
What you put in your arrangement really depends on what you find at the farmers market or grocer. I always use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme because I love the texture and irresistible aroma. Kale, chard and other leafy vegetables add fullness.
3. Use wood skewers as stems
For vegetables that don’t have a “stem,” wrap a rubber band around them and attach a wood skewer to the rubber band. The skewer then acts like the stem, which can be inserted into the vase. Radishes and green beans can be added in this way. You can also insert the skewers directly into bulkier vegetables like artichokes and bell peppers.
Jonathan Fong is the author of “Flowers That Wow” and “Parties That Wow,” and host of “Style With a Smile” on YouTube. You can see more of his do-it-yourself projects at jonathanfongstyle.com.
