Daffodils with Carrot Arrangement

What you'll need:

• 2 vases of the same shape, one smaller than the other
• Carrots with green stems still attached
• Paring knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Butter knife or narrow spatula
• Cut daffodils

To make a lovely flower arrangement that screams SPRING, nest 2 vases of similar shape inside one another. This creates a ring between the two. Trim the leafy green tops from a bunch of carrots--but leave a small amount of stem attached. Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler to make them all a similar diameter. Using one carrot, mark the height of the vase so the top is flush with the top of the vase. Cut each carrot to this length. You can begin to slip the carrots inside the space between the vases. Use the butter knife or spatula to hold them in place and remove when you're done lining them up. Now you can fill the interior vase with water and insert the daffodils.

Daffodils can be found in both monochromatic and two-toned forms, and they are a perfect pairing for this carrot arrangement. They are available in early spring and are lovely in an Easter bouquet or arrangement. Cut daffodils are better on their own because the stems release sap that can shorten the life of other flowers. To make them last long, trim the excess leaves back and add a little splash of bleach to the water.

Hyacinth with Asparagus Arrangement

What you'll need:

• 2 vases of the same shape, one smaller than the other
• Skewers
• A couple bunches of asparagus
• Paring knife
• Cut hyacinths

It's very easy to do the same technique with asparagus. For this one, we used 2 square vases. Use a skewer to secure the veggies in a plank formation one at a time. When you have a plank that is the width of the vase, slide it between the 2 vases. Repeat this around the entire perimeter. Now you can fill the interior vase with water, trim the stems if necessary and arrange the flowers inside.

We chose hyacinths for this because the blooms echo the shape of the asparagus. Hyacinths have a bold fragrance, so they go great on an entryway table. Just as with daffodils, hyacinths release sap too, so leaving them solo is best.

Ranunculus with Easter Eggs Arrangement

What you'll need:

• 2 vases of the same shape, one smaller than the other
• Plastic Easter eggs of varying color and size
• Cut ranunculus

For the last application of this technique, we used eggs. But you don't have to use real ones--like most of us, you probably have lots of those colorful Easter eggs tucked away from last year's Easter egg hunt. Arrange an assortment of eggs in the space between the vases, alternating sizes and colors for the biggest visual impact.

Ranunculus buds mimic the shape of the eggs, so they're nice in this presentation. They can last for 3 to 7 days if cared for properly. As with most flowers, be sure to trim the excess leaves because the extra foliage promotes bacteria growth in the water and shortens the life of the flowers.

With these 3 ideas, you are prepared to brighten any spring holiday gathering and freshen any corner of your home.