A vase, a fresh cut,
a little space.

Start with a clean slate.

Wash your vase before you think about the arrangement. Clean glass or ceramic and fresh water make a better beginning than a beautiful vessel with old water inside.

Choose a vase that supports the stems without squeezing them together. A narrower neck suits a small bouquet; a generous arrangement needs a little more room.

Let each stem have its say.

Unwrap gently. Remove leaves that would sit under water, then trim the stems with clean snips. Start with the foliage and the larger flowers, turning the vase as you work.

Add the lighter stems last. Let some reach higher, some soften the edges and some lean a little. A loose arrangement does not need every flower to face the same way.

Give it a good place to live.

A cool spot away from direct sun, radiators and ripening fruit is a good starting point. Check the water each day and refresh it every two days.

As flowers fade, remove those stems and let the arrangement become something smaller. A single remaining bloom can still make a bedside feel considered.