How lovely is this fall floral arrangement? Photograph by Tim Voytek
Bursting with autumnal hues, this floral arrangement will liven up any gathering or room in your Westchester County abode.
Looking for the perfect floral arrangement to add a seasonal touch to your home this fall? Craft your own rendition with tips from the designer herself, Penny Karvounis, of her eponymous floral design studio based in Mount Kisco.
Materials
Dahlia
Chrysanthemum
Spray rose
Martagon lily
Kangaroo paw
Ninebark
Date palm
Ornamental grass

Directions
Make a tape grid over the opening of the vase to help keep stems in place.
Outline the dimensions of the arrangement using greenery or branches. Don’t be afraid to thin out branches or flower stems to achieve an airier feel.
Add larger flowers and cluster like ones together. (Flowers in the wild tend to grow in groups.)
Trim stems at an angle rather than straight across to allow more surface area for water absorption. Keep leaves out of the water to avoid potential bacteria growth.
Continue to fill in the base of the arrangement. For depth, try inserting flowers at an angle. Cut stems to different lengths so flowers will sit at different heights.
Experiment with fruit to add interesting shapes and textures. Here, date palms cascade down the side of the vase.
Add specialty flowers (martagon lilies, kangaroo paw), showstoppers that can be placed high in the arrangement, for prominence. Embrace the natural curve and shape of each stem.
Look at the arrangement from all sides, without getting caught up on one area. Flowers will often be positioned in the center of a table and therefore viewed from all sides.
Working on a lazy Susan will allow you to easily rotate the vessel as you arrange.
Finally, add delicate grasses.
Related: Make This Winter Greens Arrangement for Your Westchester Home