Discover how you can use our new footed bowl to create a spectacular and surprisingly simple summer arrangement with this handy step-by-step guide

When the summer holidays start and the sunshine floods in through our windows, I find myself drawn to light and delicate flower arrangements. Stripped back displays using just two or three different blooms can be incredibly effective, enhancing your space without overwhelming it.

With just two ingredients, this is one of my go-to arrangements to place on our kitchen sideboard or hall console table at this time of year – and it’s the perfect choice for our new ceramic footed bowl. This unique vessel is effortlessly elegant and always elevates the florals it contains. It’s a year-round favourite; I think it’s ideal for special events and can make a breath-taking dinner party centrepiece.

Feeling inspired? Find out how to create your own footed bowl arrangement with my step-by-step guide:

Before you get started

To create a truly special arrangement, it’s important to have the right tools available. Happily, this display is all about the footed bowl and the blooms - the only additional materials you’ll need are probably already stocked in your florist’s toolkit.

For this design, you’ll need:

• Footed bowl
• Chicken wire
• Pot tape
• 10 x Ammi Majus stems
• 20 x Cosmos stems

Create a footed bowl arrangement in seven easy steps

Step 1

Cut a generous length of chicken wire and scrunch it into a dome shape that will fit neatly inside your footed bowl. Ideally, create at least three to four layers within your dome as these will provide the support you need to hold the stems in place.

Step 2

Use pot tape to secure the chicken wire to the bowl. I recommend using a strong cross shape and overlapping the sides by approximately one to one-and-a-half centimetres. Once you’re happy with the base, fill the bowl so that it’s around three-quarters full of fresh tepid water.

Step 3

Start building your arrangement with the delicate Ammi Majus stems, which are used to form the overall shape of the design. As this arrangement is front facing, I like to work face on and in situ so that I can make small tweaks as I go. When adding these first few stems, focus on the highest point of your design. I suggest placing the smallest flower heads at the top of your display.

Step 4

Next, start adding volume. Create texture by using large flower heads near the base, but don’t forget to save some stems to place at the neck of the bowl as this helps to bridge the gap between the flowers and the vessel.

Step 5

Now it’s time to add the Cosmos stems. Again, I recommend using the smallest flowers at the highest points of the display and the larger heads lower down. Add interest by varying the stem heights and changing the way that the flowers are facing. The placement of your stems makes all the difference with this design.

Step 6

One of my favourite parts of flower arranging is that it can be a meditative process – don’t be afraid to take your time. Build in breaks where you stop, step away, admire your handiwork so far, and look for any gaps or improvements you could make to the shape. The beauty of using chicken wire as a base is that you can very easily remove a stem and move it somewhere else if needed. I often find it easier to spot those opportunities in a photograph, so I often snap quick pics on my phone as I work.

Step 7

To keep your arrangement looking its best for as long as possible, keep the water topped up using a long-spouted watering can.

Then simply sit back and enjoy!