Today we’re throwing it back to one of our first features in the Improper Bostonian. After helping 18 women across the U.S. launch their own Event Host businesses, Our Founder & CEO Alice,  has gained extensive experience designing flower recipes that fit many seasons, styles, and budgets. Below, she shares her top tips on building a bouquet that will not only last, but allows anyone to tap into their DIY-side!

On Choosing Flowers

“Hydrangeas are my favorite flower, mostly because you get a lot of coverage for one stem of hydrangeas. … Hydrangeas are expensive, but they are the same price as a rose, so I’d rather have that coverage and throw in two roses.”

On Presentation

“We use the English hand-tie technique. … It’s the bridal bouquet in a vase. Most people in the U.S. think a bridal bouquet is only for a bridal bouquet, but really, they look beautiful in a vase. And it’s an easy way to quickly arrange.”

On Staying Power

“The way to kill your flowers the fastest is to leave the leaves in the water. The leaves are down in the water, which means that bacteria grows, and that kills them. … And plant food is there for a reason; you should use it.”