How to Arrange Flowers for Tablescapes

Fresh flowers transform a table, and even the simplest meal feels more special with a vase of hand-picked blooms in sight. Whether you’re setting the scene for a big celebration or just want to make a standard Tuesday night dinner lovelier, knowing how to arrange flowers can make all the difference.

This guide is here to help you create floral arrangements that bring charm and colour to your tablescape. With tips for beginners and ideas to help you arrange flowers like a florist, we’ll walk you through how to choose, place and style blooms.

When learning how to arrange flowers in a vase, the shape and scale of the vase can make all the difference. If you’re using long-stemmed flowers like lilies, a tall, narrow vase will support them and allow their height to shine. For a relaxed and full look, a low, wide vase helps anchor the arrangement and spread it out for maximum visual impact.

Keep in mind the size of your table, too. You want your arrangement to feel generous but not overpowering. For a round table, a low centrepiece that allows guests to see across is ideal. For longer tables, consider multiple small arrangements spaced evenly along a  table runner .

And, of course, start with a clean vase filled with room-temperature water and flower food — it helps keep your flowers fresh and happy.

If you're new to flower arranging, choosing your blooms might feel daunting, but it’s easier than you think. One of the best flower arranging tips for beginners is to start with what’s in season. Seasonal flowers are often more affordable, fresher, and better suited to the atmosphere you're trying to create.

In spring, consider tulips or daffodils for a light and cheerful display. Summer lends itself to blooms like cosmos and garden roses, which bring vibrant energy to the table. For autumn, flowers like chrysanthemums, berries, and eucalyptus pair beautifully with warm-toned linens. In winter, classic combinations like white lilies with pine sprigs and red berries create a cosy, festive look.

As you select your flowers, think about how their colours will complement your table linens. Pale yellow or blush blooms work beautifully with blue or oatmeal napkins, while darker, dramatic flowers, like burgundy or deep plum, make a stunning statement against a more neutral tablecloth.

If you’re planning a special meal, pairing your floral choices with the occasion, much like we do in our brunch hosting guide, brings it all together with style.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you arrange flowers like a florist, whether you’re using homegrown blooms or a bunch picked up from your local shop:

1.  Prep your flowers  
    Begin by trimming all stems at a 45-degree angle to allow better water absorption. Remove any leaves below the waterline, as these can cause bacteria to grow.
   
   

2.  Start with greenery  
    Use foliage like eucalyptus, ruscus or olive branches to create a base. Criss-cross the stems in the vase to form a natural grid that supports your flowers.
   
   

3.  Add focal flowers  
    Choose your standout blooms and place them just off-centre in the vase. These are the statement pieces of your arrangement: think roses or peonies.
   
   

4.  Add filler flowers  
    To add fullness and texture, fill in the gaps with smaller, supporting blooms such as asters or baby’s breath.
   
   

5.  Create height and movement  
    Incorporate a few longer stems like snapdragons, grasses, or amaranthus to give your arrangement flow and dimension.
   
   

6.  Step back and tweak  
    Take a look from all angles and adjust as needed to keep the shape balanced and natural.

Fresh flowers need a little love to stay looking their best. Refresh the water in your vase every couple of days and give the stems a quick trim each time to help them drink. Be sure to remove any wilting flowers promptly to keep the rest of the bouquet looking fresh. Keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight, and away from radiators and fruit bowls, which can all shorten its lifespan.

Once your flowers are arranged and your vase is right, it’s time to bring the whole table together. A thoughtfully styled base gives your blooms the perfect stage to shine, and our table linen collection is filled with timeless options for every style.

Soft, neutral tablecloths let your flowers take centre stage, while bolder colours add depth and drama to lighter arrangements. If you need help picking the perfect size or shape, our table size guide and blog on round vs. rectangular tablecloths are excellent resources.

Layer in a table runner to bring in texture or colour, and finish with matching placemats  and napkins for a look that feels polished and pulled together. For ideas and seasonal styling, explore our inspiration gallery .

The beauty of floral styling is that it can be easily adapted to suit the tone and theme of your gathering. For everyday elegance, consider placing a few seasonal stems in small jars along your placemats. It’s simple and fuss-free but still makes a lovely impact.

For something more romantic, use richly coloured flowers paired with moody lighting and white linen to let the colours pop. If you’re hosting a family celebration, mix joyful, vibrant blooms with playful napkins to set a cheerful tone.

No matter the occasion, florals are a beautiful way to show care and creativity, just like how we approach setting the table in our guide to hosting a fabulous brunch.

Knowing how to arrange flowers adds a layer of beauty and thoughtfulness to your table, whether planning a special gathering or just elevating the everyday. With the right vase, a well-chosen mix of seasonal blooms, and a base of thoughtfully styled table linens, you can create a floral tablescape that feels personal, elegant, and joyful.

Explore our full collection to find your perfect match, and discover more ideas for styling and hosting on The Bedspread .