From Our Florists: Expert Tips for Keeping Thanksgiving Flowers Fresh Longer
Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It’s when families gather around the table, share stories, and give thanks for all the good things in life. And what better way to make your home feel warm and festive than with fresh flowers? A beautiful bouquet or centerpiece can instantly brighten up your Thanksgiving table and bring a touch of nature indoors.
But let’s face it — we all want those gorgeous florals to last more than just a day or two. After all, the holiday celebrations don’t end after dinner! So, our florists have put together some easy, expert tips to help you care for your Thanksgiving flowers. Let’s begin!
1. Start with a Clean Vase
Before arranging your flowers, make sure your vase is spotless— in short, it should be clean. Any leftover residue or bacteria can shorten the life of your flowers. Give it a good wash with warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly before use.
2. Trim the Stems
Always trim the stems at an angle before placing them in water. This helps the flowers absorb water more easily. If you can, re-trim the stems every few days — even just half an inch makes a big difference.
3. Use Fresh, Cool Water
Fill your vase with cool, fresh water (not warm) and change it every two to three days. Add the flower food that came with your bouquet, or make your own by mixing a little sugar and lemon juice into the water.
4. Remove Any Leaves Below the Water Line
Leaves sitting in water can quickly lead to bacterial growth, which causes flowers to wilt faster. Remove any foliage that might fall below the water line before arranging your bouquet.
5. Keep Flowers Away from Heat and Direct Sunlight
While it might be tempting to display your Thanksgiving flowers near the window or on the kitchen counter, it’s best to keep them in a cool spot away from heat, direct sunlight, and fruit (since ripening fruit releases ethylene gas that shortens a flower’s life).
6. Mist Them Daily
Lightly misting your flowers with water each day helps them stay hydrated and fresh, especially if your home tends to be dry due to indoor heating.
7. Refresh the Arrangement
If a few flowers start to fade, don’t be afraid to remove them. Re-arrange the remaining flowers to keep your bouquet looking good.
8. Bonus Tip: Get Creative!
If some flowers start to droop, re-purpose them! Using the petals for a DIY potpourri or floating a few flowers in a bowl of water with candles will be good.
Find the perfect Thanksgiving Flowers Today!
Looking for the perfect Thanksgiving bouquet or floral centerpiece? Explore our collection of Thanksgiving flower gifts to make your celebration even more memorable.