Use An Old Doily And Glass Jar To Create The Perfect Floral Arrangements

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Have you ever spent hours trying to arrange the perfect floral arrangement, only to have everything flop down the next morning? We have, too. But if it feels like the only solution is the environmentally unfriendly green floral foam block or buying another gadget (aka the flower frog), we've got good news: All you need to nail your next floral arrangement is an old doily.

Is flower arrangement support absolutely necessary? No, but it is a tried-and-true tool for keeping your arrangement looking intact, full, and as beautiful as the day you arranged it. While flower frogs – flat metal pieces with spikes — and flower foam are more common, repurposing your old vintage doilies is easier and more budget friendly. And, chances are, you already have the materials — a doily and a mason jar with a two-part lid — already in your house. If not, you can easily snag everything you need in one fell swoop with a trip to your local thrift store.

It probably goes without saying, but this is not a project for your heirloom or otherwise precious doilies. Why? The flower stems could potentially stain the textile. And if the doily is near and dear to your heart, it's not worth the risk.

One thing we love about upcycling thrifted vintage doilies and glass jars to style your flowers is that it is so simple: Just add water to the jar, stretch the doily over the mouth of the jar, secure the lid's threaded screw band over it, and add your flowers. Plus, when you go to freshen the jar's water, you can lift the doily straight up, keeping your flowers intact, and drape it over another jar. Then, just refill the water and return the flowers — no rearranging needed.

We love letting the edge of the doily hang under the screw band for a more rustic look, but if that's not your style, don't worry. Simply trim the doily so the edges are hidden under the screw band (make sure it's not a heirloom or special one) before screwing on the lid. It's also worth giving the doilies a wash first, especially if you're bringing them home from the thrift store. Dunk them in a large jar filled with warm water, add a dash of gentle detergent, OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder, or white vinegar, and let sit for 15 minutes. Then, shake the jar, remove and rinse the doily, and press the water out. Let it air dry flat.

Don't have a doily? This project will also work with scrap lace or a repurposed crochet piece. If you'd rather use your vase than an old glass jar, simply secure the doily or other textile in place with a thin rubber band or ribbon.