Fall doesn't have to mean the end of greenery; in fact, now is the perfect time to cozy up and bring the outdoors in. One of the best ways to bring these fresh, verdant vibes into your home is through carefully curated floral arrangements. Katie Holmes is leading the charge.
The actress took to Instagram to share her take on decorating with flowers, and it's a gorgeously understated masterclass. It feels equal parts bright and seasonally appropriate, with the perfect mix of grasses and flowers in October purple tones.
We spoke with Homes & Gardens resident master florist, Rachel Bull, to understand what makes Katie's bouquet look so beautiful, and how we can recreate it in our own houses this autumn. Here's what she had to say.
First, what exactly are the fall flowers used in this arrangement? Rachel unpacks, stating: 'Flowers in this arrangement are dahlias (white, pink, and burgundy), pale blue cornflowers, hydrangea paniculata 'confetti', tuberose, pennisetum grasses, and eucalyptus foliage. This is a masterclass in mixing textures and forms.'
Recreate Katie's Bouquets at Home with Flower Arranging Essentials
When it comes to arranging flowers like a professional, the tools you use are equally important as the blooms you choose. According to the experts, these three pieces are their top picks for getting started.
'These are my go-to scissors for flower arranging,' says Head of Gardens, Rachel Bull. Made from Japanese steel, they're lightweight and durable.
Swipe this tool along stems of roses to swiftly remove any prickly thorns pain-free to make flower arranging a breeze.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to florist's foam, these floral frogs will do the trick. They're placed at the bottom of your container to fix stems to and keep them in place.
Though coordinating and colorwashing with flowers is an important element of floral arranging, the shapes created by the design are just as essential. According to Rachel, using contrast is how Katie makes her design pop.
Rachel explains: 'You've got the spherical, perfect forms of the ball and pompom dahlias contrasted with the slender, tubular tuberose (also deeply scented, so a gorgeous addition), froth and lace from the hydrangea paniculata, and fluffy movement from the grasses.'
Furthermore, Katie's arrangement looks so beautiful because it sums up the autumn season. It would be the perfect addition to fall table decor. 'It's also a beautiful representation of the time of year, combining early fall blooms and ornamental grasses,' states Rachel.
No matter the time of year, flowers are the perfect way to warm and brighten your home. Planting a few of the best fall-flowering perennials in your garden is a great way to ensure you have the best seasonal blooms at your fingertips for years to come. Then, you can look to Katie Holmes for ideas on how to style them.
