If you’re looking to put together a Chinese New Year floral arrangement that feels festive yet gentle and not overly loud, this tutorial is for you.
This arrangement leans towards soft textures, natural movement and balanced proportions. It works beautifully as a table centrepiece or entryway display, and can be adapted with different flowers depending on availability.
Below is everything you’ll need, followed by step-by-step instructions and a few pro tips I always share in class.
What You’ll Need
Equipment
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A non-transparent vase
Mine was approximately 10cm tall by 7cm wide. The finished arrangement measured about 25cm wide by 25cm tall. -
Floral foam, cut to fit snugly into the vase
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Floral cutters or sharp secateurs
Flowers
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Eucalyptus
Around 3 to 4 larger stalks with smaller side branches -
Mimosa or caspia
2 to 3 larger stalks -
Main flowers
5 stalks of roses, or alternatives such as carnations or chrysanthemums, which hold up better in floral foam -
Eustomas
2 to 3 stalks, each with about 2 to 3 blooms -
Mini carnations
3 to 4 stalks, each with 2 to 3 blooms -
Pussy willows
2 to 3 stalks -
Chinese New Year ornaments, optional and to taste
Step-by-Step Arrangement Guide
1. Prepare your base
Cut your floral foam to fit the vase securely. The foam should sit just below the rim of the vase and feel stable.
2. Build your greenery structure
Start by inserting the eucalyptus to form a loose base. Vary the heights and angles so the arrangement already feels natural and airy at this stage.
3. Add secondary filler
Place your mimosa or caspia in between the eucalyptus. This helps create fullness and adds a soft wash of colour through the base.
4. Insert your main flowers
Add your roses or chosen main blooms next, again working in varying heights. Avoid lining them up at the same level. Think gentle rhythm instead of symmetry.
5. Fill larger gaps
Use eustomas to fill any obvious empty spaces. These softer blooms help connect the focal flowers with the base.
6. Refine with mini carnations
For smaller gaps, insert mini carnations individually. These are great for fine-tuning the shape and density of the arrangement.
7. Finish with festive elements
Add pussy willows for height and movement, then place your Chinese New Year ornaments where needed. Keep this minimal so it enhances, rather than overwhelms, the flowers.
Pro Tips from the Studio
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Cut all stems on a slant. This helps the stems slide into the foam more easily and improves water absorption.
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Remove the outer guard petals on roses for a cleaner, more polished finish.
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Fluff up eustomas by gently peeling each petal outward.
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To open mini carnations, massage the green fleshy base just beneath the petals, then gently push the petals open with your fingertips.
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For depth and a more three-dimensional look, push some blooms, especially mini carnations or eustomas, deeper into the foam so colour appears from within the arrangement, not just on the surface.
That’s it. Simple, considered, and very adaptable depending on what flowers you have on hand.
Happy flowering and happy Chinese New Year.