Introduction

Our 9-x-12-inch box is nicely sized to be a hostess gift or centerpiece. But other containers are equally creative. Consider a wooden box, shallow hatbox, paper-covered cardboard box, or china serving piece. An oval casserole or baking dish filled with flowers makes a wonderful bridal shower or housewarming gift -- the recipient can keep the dish after the blooms are spent.

Need to thank someone for bringing you a meal? Return the china or container filled with flowers using this technique.

Roses make this impressively easy display, but red and pink carnations will give a similar look at a fraction of the cost. For a more casual, springlike look, consider simple white daisies, bright gerbera daisies, large or small mums, or any flower with a strong, upright head and firm stem.

This red-and-pink arrangement is formal, on-trend, and dramatic. But keep your mind open to other stylings: Choose flowers in a single, simple color; line the blooms in strict stripes; mix a random variety of delicate pastel hues; alternate rows of two different blooms; or tie an organdy ribbon around the perimeter or crisscrossed over the top as a bow.