DIY Chinese Takeout Floral Arrangement

I grew up working in my family’s Chinese restaurant so I know firsthand the love affair between Jews and Chinese food. For everyone who likes to serve Cantonese cuisine at home, here’s a festive floral arrangement in a takeout container that’s a “wok” in the park to make. I’ve made these for birthday presents, hostess gifts, and even centerpieces. The only problem with this arrangement is that half an hour after creating it, you’ll be hungry to make another one.

What you’ll need:

1 quart takeout container
1 pint plastic deli container
Floral foam
Knife
Flowers
Chopsticks

1. Purchase a one-quart takeout container. You can find them at party supply stores, or just ask your local Chinese restaurant for one.

2. Next you’ll need a plastic deli container. (I recommend getting a pint of potato salad at the deli and washing out the tub afterwards.) Purchase a brick of floral foam at the crafts store, and carve it with a knife to fit in the deli container. Make sure you select floral foam that is made especially for fresh flowers rather than the kind for artificial flowers.

3. Immerse the floral foam in water for about a minute, so the foam will absorb the water. Put the wet foam into the plastic deli container, and then place both into the Chinese takeout container. You’re now ready to insert flowers into the foam.

4. Cut the flowers’ stems and insert the stems into the wet floral foam.

5. The finishing element that really makes the arrangement is a pair of chopsticks inserted amid the flowers, right into the floral foam. 

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.