How to Make Underwater Flower Centerpieces
Tip
Fishing weights are available from sporting goods stores and in department stores with sporting-goods sections.
A fresh-cut flower may last several days when submerged, so you can create a display the night before a special get-together, if you like.
Add a floating candle to the top of each floral display for a more decorative centerpiece. Choose floating candles that are nearly as wide as the glass vases for the best results. If using candles, be sure the flower is submerged at least an inch before adding a candle; otherwise, the candle may pinch the flower petals instead of floating freely.
Warning
Keep the submerged centerpieces away from pets and young children who may accidentally knock the displays over.
An underwater floral centerpiece turns a run-of-the-mill vase of flowers into a stunning display suitable for any occasion. Tall, narrow clear glass vessels serve as the structural element for your display; flamboyant blooms such as roses, lilies or orchids show off their elegant looks even more when underwater, as the water tends to magnify them a bit. Clean any bits of dirt and debris off the selected flowers and stems before placing them in water, as those tiny particles may dislodge and float atop your display.
Inspect the flowers closely to remove any petals that are starting to wilt or that are damaged.
Hold each flower next to the glass vessel that will contain it. If you plan to include the stem in your display, trim it at a slight angle using garden shears so the flower stands 1/2 to 2/3 of the size of its respective vase or container. If you're including just the blooms of a flower, trim the stem so an inch or so of stem remains. This part of the stem allows you to tie on a weight so the flower doesn't float. If you don't mind if the flower floats, trim off the entire stem.
Run a small piece of floral wire through a fishing weight. Wrap the floral wire around the base of a flower stem to weigh it down in the vase. Skip this step if you want the flowers to move around underwater.
Set the weighted flower in the glass vase, holding it up with your fingertips so it is centered. Gently place a few polished river pebbles or glass floral gems in the vase so they surround the stem and hide the fishing weight.
Pour distilled water into the vase around the flower while holding the flower steady. Pour in enough water to cover the top of the flower by at least 3/4 inch. If you're creating a floating flower display, add the flower or flowers on top once the water reaches within an inch or two of the top of the glass container.
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Writer Bio
Kathy Adams is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer who traveled the world handling numerous duties for music artists. She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. She enjoys exploring foreign locales and hiking off the beaten path stateside, snapping pics of wildlife and nature instead of selfies.
