I was inspired to create a version of the dramatic, tightly packed vases of flowers I’ve seen in some hotel lobbies.

My display is on a much smaller scale ie. much less costly! I bought two bunches of these small African roses in crimson and cream for $5.99 each at my local market.

A glass vase, either cylindrical, square or rectangular looks best for this arrangement, so you can see the stems under water. Cut each stem so that the flower bud clears the rim of the vase, strip away the lower leaves, then simply place the roses into stripes. Once the vase fills with flowers they will stay in place. A high impact, low cost arrangement!