We enjoyed a small, cozy family celebration for my daughter Kylee’s birthday this weekend. I love simple gatherings—partly because I wrote a book called Simple Gatherings—because they feel intimate and meaningful without a lot of fuss. Even a last-minute get-together can feel special with just a few thoughtful details.
I keep a handful of faux flower stems and foliage on hand for moments like this, especially in the in-between seasons when blooms are scarce. Faux stems are compact to store and let you create a festive atmosphere without running out to buy fresh flowers. They make it easy to be spontaneous and still set a pretty table or room in minutes.
While our yard usually provides plenty of cuttings in spring, this year not much was blooming yet. I combined what we could cut with a few faux stems to create cheerful arrangements around the house. Mixing real and faux flowers is an easy way to maximize visual impact and stretch fresh blooms further. I had also made a tulip basket a few days earlier, so both real and faux were on display.
There are some very realistic faux flowers available today. They’ve become more lifelike and beautiful, and while I still prefer real blooms when possible, faux stems are a smart investment. Over time they pay for themselves because they last and can be reused season after season.
I’m already planning to order a few more stems—below you’ll find some of the faux favorites I’ve been looking at.
Sources for above graphic, top to bottom left to right:
Faux Hydrangea Stems // Silk Cherry Blossom Stem // Faux Monstera Leaf Stem // Faux Pink Peony Bundle // Faux Tulip Bouquet // Lace Hydrangea Bundle
More Faux Flowers (click the photos below for sources):
More of my latest Spring Finds:
Click here to find my entertaining and tabletop decor favorites on Amazon!
Sources for above: Turkish towel (many color options, great as a tablecloth) // Teal matte dinnerware // Simple Gatherings book // Wood pedestal with handle // 2-tiered wooden tray // Matte porcelain dinner dishes // Bamboo rattan cup with handle // Brass taper candle holder set // Sage green pedestal // Blue and white ticking striped cloth napkins // White marble acacia wood cheeseboard // Stainless steel gold flatware // Farmhouse ceramic pitcher // Marble and acacia wood cookbook holder and serving board // Woven rattan napkin holder // White porcelain pitcher // Blue taper candles (many color options) // Gray and white striped cloth napkins