Flowers can instantly transform a space, making it feel vibrant and welcoming, even as they can single-handedly make a space look fab from drab.
Festive Feels
During the festive season, flowers can be used beyond the obvious arrangements on tables. Think of styling them in unexpected places like along a staircase, around mirrors, in entryways, or even woven into serve ware and table settings. Pairing fresh blooms with artisanal accents like handcrafted vases, ceramic jars, or sculptural stands adds a personal touch and tells a story of care and creativity. Riddhima Baid, Co-founder & Design Head, ellementry, says, “When working with flowers, it is important to approach them like you would any other design element in your home. Consider the balance of colours, textures, and scale. Large arrangements can create drama and serve as a statement piece, while smaller clusters add intimacy and detail. The colour palette should complement the overall aesthetic of your home and not compete with it.” During the festive season, many people lean toward traditional marigolds or roses, but mixing in pastels or soft neutrals can bring freshness to the setting. Placement is key too. Flowers should feel like part of the decor while still leaving enough space for functional elements like food and tableware, especially if you are styling for a dinner or celebration.
Choose Right
Flowers bring soul and sanctity to celebrations. They can be woven into garlands draped across teak and cane furniture, placed in brass urlis with floating candles, or used as centrepieces on tablescapes with traditional crockery. Lotus, jasmine, and marigolds not only uplift the visual mood but also infuse fragrance and a sense of heritage. “Choose flowers that complement the earthy palette of wood and natural textures. Think of cultural relevance, such as jasmine for purity, marigolds for festivity, and roses for vibrance. Balance is important, so avoid overcrowding arrangements and allow the natural beauty of each bloom to shine. Pairing flowers with brass candle stands, terracotta accents, or handwoven fabrics elevates the décor,” says Meera Pyarelal, Founder & Creative Director –Temple Town.
Keep it Fresh
Freshness is what makes flowers magical, so taking care of them is essential. Always trim the stems at an angle before placing them in water. Refresh the water daily and avoid overcrowding stems, as that can cause them to wilt quickly. “A simple home remedy like adding a pinch of sugar or a few drops of lemon juice to the water can help extend their life. It is also important to keep the arrangements away from direct sunlight, heat, or draughts. If you are decorating for an evening event, you can store the flowers in a cool space during the day and bring them out right before the guests arrive to keep them looking their best,” says Baid. Place stems in clean shallow bowls of water, mist garlands with a spray bottle, and keep arrangements away from direct heat. “Refresh petals daily and trim stems at an angle to improve water absorption. For floating flowers, change the water frequently to maintain freshness,” adds Pyarelal.
Flower Power
Choose blooms that celebrate the season with brightness and cultural relevance. Marigolds, mogra, roses, and birds of paradise are all wonderful choices, their colours and fragrance blending beautifully with the sheen of brass and bronze. Balance is important — let flowers complement the vessel they are in, rather than overpowering it. “Think in layers. Place a grand urli at the entrance, line side tables with smaller bowls of flowers, and scatter petals around candle stands to add glow. Mix vibrant flowers with soft candlelight for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Repeating similar flowers across different elements ties the entire décor together,” says Meena Murthy Kakkar, Partner & Design Head – Envisage. The most beautiful arrangements are often the simplest. Using heirloom utensils and pairing them with fresh flowers creates décor that feels authentic and rooted in tradition. The mix of fragrance, colour, and cultural nostalgia transforms any festive gathering into an experience of warmth and heritage. Blending flowers with traditional festive rituals makes décor more meaningful. Incorporating banana leaves as serving accents or weaving fresh blooms into rangoli patterns creates a sensory experience of fragrance, culture, and beauty that celebrates Indian heritage.
Also Read:
Interview: Neha Gupta: Designing Stories, Serving Experiences
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