Helps and Hints

It's easy to enhance your flowers' unique personality by creating an arrangement based on one of four basic styles. The nature of your flower's stem and blossom, as well as your choice of container, will guide you in choosing the right one.

Here are some tips from Martha Stewart and the professionals at 1-800- FLOWERS.COM:

• Domed arrangements display the blooms in an arching bunch. Mass them tightly together, crossing the stems within the vase to allow the flowers to point in every direction.

• Spiky arrangements are best for long flowers with stiff, vertical stems, such as sunflowers, irises, French tulips and Oriental lilies. Create a dramatic effect by arranging them in a tall, cylindrical vase that holds them upright. This keeps a big display from looking too sparse.

• Free-form arrangements allow flowers to reach and bend naturally. Cut the flowers at various lengths for a more organic look. Try combining flowers with foliage. This arrangement is ideal for tulips, roses and freesia.

• Display arrangements in groups for a charming and spontaneous look. Use several small arrangements to create a single centerpiece by running them in a row down the length of a table.

- ARA

Faux love of Leather

Q: I am considering reupholstering my dining room chairs. I would like to choose leather but am not sure if it is going to be too costly. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Actually, I love the look of leather. But if cost is a concern, you should definitely check out the new faux leathers available. I have some samples, and I don't think anyone could tell the difference if they didn't know. Faux leathers have come a long way, and they are available in all colors and types. The cost will be much less, and cleaning them is as easy as wiping them with a damp sponge. This is great if you have children or a sloppy spouse.

- Linda Brigida/CNC