Pick a floral favourite for Rosh Hashanah

Dahlias: these are a fantastic choice, known for their beautiful, symmetrical petals and wide variety of shapes and colours. They can be a real showstopper.

Gladioli: with their tall, striking spikes, gladioli are great for adding height and drama to an arrangement.

Roses: these come in beautiful, bright colours and have a round, full shape that adds texture and cheerfulness.

Hydrangea: big and impressive blooms, available in white, soft pink, strong pink, blues and purples. A great flower to add impact to a bouquet.

Lisianthus: these elegant flowers have a romantic, rose-like appearance and come in a range of colours, including white, cream, pink, and purple.

Some people opt for all white flowers at New Year. An all-white bouquet can be incredibly elegant and sophisticated. To give it depth and interest, you should combine flowers with different shapes and textures. A great combination would be:

Roses: a classic choice that adds romance and a full shape.

Lilies: their large, trumpet shape and delicate fragrance make them a striking focal point.

Hydrangeas: these voluminous, fluffy blooms are perfect for filling out the bouquet and adding a cloud-like texture.

Snapdragons: their tall, spire-like shape adds a touch of drama and height.

Baby’s breath (gypsophila): a traditional filler flower that provides a delicate, airy feel.

What’s the best way to look after a gift of flowers? To ensure your gifted flowers last as long as possible, follow these steps:

As soon as you receive the flowers, use sharp scissors or a knife to trim 2-3cm off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for water absorption.

Make sure that the vase is spotless to prevent bacteria from contaminating the water.

Fill the vase with lukewarm water, as it’s more easily absorbed than cold water.

Add the flower food sachet that usually comes with a bouquet.

If you don’t have any flower food, a small amount of sugar and a few drops of lemon juice can serve as a makeshift alternative.

Take off any excess leaves that would sit below the waterline in the vase. Leaves in the water will decompose and create bacteria, which shortens the life of the flowers.

Change the water and re-trim the stems every two to three days.

Find the right spot for your flowers. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources (like radiators) and also ripening fruit, as the ethylene gas from fruit can cause flowers to wilt prematurely.

If you are looking for a centrepiece for your Yom Tov dinner, consider the size of the table, the height of the arrangement (you don’t want to block conversation) and the overall theme.

Low cluster arrangements are a popular and practical choice. Use several small vases or a single low vessel with flowers such as roses, peonies, ranunculus or hydrangeas. This allows for easy conversation across the table.

Another option is to go for a rustic vibe. For a natural look, consider a mix of wildflowers, autumn leaves and grasses in small jars or a wooden trough. Sunflowers, zinnias and marigolds are excellent choices for a rustic feel.

For an elegant and timeless look, classic white flowers like lilies, roses, and peonies create a luxurious feel. You can pair them with candles and simple greenery.

And if you would like to surprise people…

For something less expected, you could move away from a traditional bouquet and try a more artistic presentation.

Potted plants, for instance. Give a living plant that will last longer than cut flowers. An orchid is a classic, elegant choice, but you could also consider a begonia or a unique houseplant.

Or make a single-stem statement. Instead of a large bouquet, a single, dramatic stem in a tall, slender vase can be very impactful. A single orchid or a flowering branch, such as a hydrangea, creates a minimalist and sophisticated impact.

For a floral display with a twist, use unexpected containers or combine flowers with other elements. A vase filled with moss and a few stems, a terrarium with air plants and flowers, or a floral wreath are all interesting alternatives. Terrariums, self-contained miniature gardens, make a good talking point. They are low-maintenance and a lasting alternative to cut flowers. How do we make the most of flowers when displaying them?

To maximise the impact of your floral display, think about the space and the arrangement itself.

Choose the right vase. The vase is as important as the flowers. A simple glass vase allows the flowers to be the star, while a decorative vase can become part of the display. Make sure the size and shape of the vase complement the flowers. For a few delicate stems, a bud vase is perfect. For a big, lush bunch, a wide-mouthed vase is necessary.

Play with height and texture. Don’t be afraid to mix different heights and types of flowers.

Place taller stems in the centre and shorter ones around the edges to create a dynamic and natural-looking arrangement.

You can even use the flowers as art. Perhaps position them in front of a mirror to double their visual impact. A single, perfect bloom in a bowl of water can be a beautiful, minimalist centrepiece. You can also create a “painting” effect by placing the flowers against a wall painted in a complementary colour.

If the flowers are going to be a gift, always start by thinking about the person you’re giving them to.

Do they have a favourite colour? Are they allergic to strong scents? A thoughtful gift is always the best one.

Include a handwritten note, to add a personal touch and explain the meaning or sentiment behind your floral choice.

Timing is key. If you’re giving flowers for a party or event, consider having them delivered ahead of time. This saves the host from having to find a vase and arrange them while guests are arriving.

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