Kristen GriffithVanderYacht is known for making bold statements with flowers. But the celebrity floral designer thinks of the arranging itself as a quiet act of self-care. “There’s something about it that’s restorative and calming,” says Kristen, who owns a Seattle floral-design shop and appeared as a judge on Netflix’s reality competition The Big Flower Fight. His new book, Flower Love (Clarkson Potter), demystifies the flower arranging process with clear, lively explanations that set even a beginner up for success.
“I tend to go for monochromatic looks,” Kristen says. That can mean creating an interesting shape with one type of flower, like rhododendron branches (3), or mixing several shades within one color family
While he appreciates an over-the-top Valentine’s Day arrangement (see page 21), Kristen values the sentimentality of the holiday above all. “Select blooms that are meaningful,” he says. “For example, if hydrangea reminds you of the moment you realized you were in love with your partner, show up with hydrangea on Valentine’s Day.”
If you’re limited to grocery store flowers, Kristen advises buying a bunch of just one type. His picks: fluff y roses or alstroemeria (4), which he likes for their dimensional, watercolor like petals. He suggests snipping stems to various heights and arranging them asymmetrically rather than in a dome. “Asymmetry makes an arrangement look architectural and feel alive,” he says.
”I’m not fancy—I live in Michaels and Joann,” he says. He especially likes both shops’ affordable ribbon (1) for tying together bouquets and their vase selections. “A simple 4- to 6-inch-wide glass cylinder [2] is great for beginners,” he says. “It can fi t into any space, and most flowers will look great in one.”
by MIRANDA CROWELL illustrations DAVID MILAN
BETTER HOMES & GARDENS® (ISSN 0006-0151) JAN/FEB 2024, VOL. 102 NO. 1 & 2, IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT FOR COMBINED ISSUES IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY AND JULY/AUGUST BY MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORP., 1716 LOCUST STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50309-3023. U.S.A. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT DES MOINES, IOWA, AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES, $22 PER YEAR IN THE U.S.; $35 (U.S. DOLLARS) IN CANADA; $35 (U.S. DOLLARS) OVERSEAS. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS. (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO BETTER HOMES & GARDENS, P.O. BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. IN CANADA: MAILED UNDER PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT NO. 40069223; CANADIAN BN 12348 2887 RT. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. IF THE POST OFFICE ALERTS US THATYOUR MAGAZINE IS UNDELIVERABLE, WE HAVE NO FURTHER OBLIGATION UNLESS CORRECTED DELIVERY INFORMATION IS RECEIVED WITHIN TWO YEARS. © MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORP. 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.