Just before Christmas, Mary Parker and I had the opportunity to interview floral & event designer Emily Sharp of Emily Ellison Studio. Emily was a friend at UGA (Go Dawgs!) and, like many of our college friends, never ceases to amaze us with her talent. There are few things that make me happier than watching friends blossom in their respective creative industries, and Emily is certainly no exception. Her depth of knowledge regarding all things botanical is truly impressive. In this interview, we ask her for practical flower arranging tips for the home cook and hostess.
1. Tell us about yourself. How did you get into floral design?
I got into floral and event design completely by accident. After graduating in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia, I moved to NYC. Naturally, I moved to the concrete jungle hoping to design residential gardens. I ended up finding a job with Renny & Reed as the Assistant Manager of Hotel Accounts. I started at the very bottom of the totem pole. As my career developed, I ended up as the Account Manager of the multiple NYC hotels. It was an incredible learning experience. After I left Renny & Reed, I began cultivating my own clients while also exploring various event companies by freelancing. Each experience taught me more about management and design which continues to influence my own work
2. What are your favorite flowers to work with?
Totally depends on the season! There is something magical about pink quince blooms in January just after the Christmas decor has been cleared and the landscape is still barren. They are so delicate and clean. For smaller arrangements, I love hellebores, also know as Lenten Roses in the south because of their bloom time! Hellebores come in the most amazing colors from white to green to an incredible array of purples. They are also great for loose wedding bouquets. But I suppose hands down most favorite flower to work with is a coral charm peony. They are the most amazing color of bright, happy coral. When the peonies open, it creates a massive bloom. Then as the days go by the color drains from the bloom to a pale peach, ivory color. They end up looking like paper flowers. Just UNREAL! Oh and one more, I love lilac. It smells delicious, comes in whites and purples, and has a romantic, airy feel. AMAZING… I could go on…
3. If you had to pick a favorite arrangement you’ve designed, what would it be?
I am loving mantel arrangements right now. For Christmas, I have been mixing all kinds of evergreens, such as Frasier fur, Carolina spruce, cedar, seeded eucalyptus, etc. Add in some fruits and a smattering of flowers, it creates a beautiful, elegant mantel with subtle textures and variations on green.
4. Where would you recommend buying flowers (assuming we don’t have access to wholesale floral suppliers).
I wish everyone could experience the NYC flower market. There is the most incredible variety of unique varieties flown in daily from all over the world. Honestly, it is a shame more people can not take part. But, I will say grocery stores seem to be stepping up their game. I would also suggest visiting your local plant nursery. Typically they carry more varieties than the grocery’s chrysanthemums, lilies, or daisies, then you could cut up the plant!
5. Let’s start with the basics. I’ve just purchased some flowers from the grocery and brought them home. Where do I begin? I’ve heard the phrase “conditioning your flowers”. What does that mean?
I would say “conditioning” is KEY to long lasting flowers. I was taught by extraordinary florists to use a knife to cut flowers, very old school. Everything must be cut at a long diagonal, clean the stems of unwanted leaves or thorns, and place immediately into warm water. Woody stems need to be split up the stem a couple of times. This is so the flower has maximum surface area to drink water. There is debate on the value of flower food, but I strongly believe in it. And it helps to keep the water clean!
6. How do you choose the right vase for your arrangement? When do you choose a tall vase over a shorter one?
I think in choosing vases, it completely depends on your end goal. For a seated dinner, I would typically choose shorter vases because your guests want to talk across the table. A good rule of thumb is to put your elbow perpendicular to the table and make a fist. Your arrangement should not exceed that height. Keep this in mind when you are choosing vases because you will need room for your arrangement in addition to the vase. When measuring, remember your guests may be shorter than you. If you are trying to build a branch arrangement with a lot of height, then a taller vase will help you. One other rule of thumb would be to take note of the width of the vase. If the vase has a skinny neck you will not be able to get a good spread. The arrangement will be more vertical. With wider openings, you will be able to make the arrangement wider.
7. Obviously many of our readers love to cook, which naturally leads to entertaining and opening your home to guests. Many of us are young professionals and want our home to look great but also have limited time. What are some practical tips for creating simple arrangements?
Creating a quick centerpiece for a dinner party does not need to be complicated. A few suggestions for you. One, invest in a collection of bud vases. This will allow you to buy one or two bunches of seasonal blooms, make a quick cut, place into bud vases, and set the table. Easy and sophisticated. Second, a trick I learned from my mom, buy blooming plants. You can plant in all kinds of vases, pitching pots, urns, etc. Cover the bottom with moss. When the dinner party is over you can plant in your yard. And lastly, but perhaps the most important, create a the candle story. You can never have too many candles! Mix it up. Tapers, pillars, votives… candle light is always festive, romantic, and inviting! Also, I would say on the table in general, create layers!! Use glasses, napkins, mix and match your plates, a cool pitcher, etc. All these layers will add to a more curated look.
8. Let’s say I have guests in town this weekend and a dinner party next Wednesday. Are there any long-lasting flowers you would recommend? Any tips to extend the life of your arrangements?
Potted plants are a great fix for this. This time of year, paper whites are a favorite. But, if cut flowers are your passion, flowers like freesia, some roses, occasionally ranunculus, tulips (if in deep water), delphinium, some peonies, hellebores, etc. Having done hotel installations, I know from personal experience, keeping flowers alive longer than 3 days is difficult. In order to keep the flowers happy, condition them well at home and keep the water clean and full!
9. What are some typical yard plants that can be used for greenery?
After being in NYC and having to buy every leaf, I love coming home to forage in the yard for little additions. Your yard is highly underrated! In November, I did flowers for my mom in Birmingham, Alabama. I bought coral peonies, free spirit roses, and chocolate cymbidium orchids. But, the burgundy hydrangea leaves from my mom’s yard really pulled the whole arrangement together. Do not be afraid to use colorful “greens.” In fact, colorful foliage will help you fill out the arrangement, and add depth and interest. Other things I have loved from the yard – nandina, winter honey suckle (I love the arching lines), camellia, magnolia (for larger branch arrangements), spirea, etc.
10. We’ll leave the stunning arrangements to the pros like you! If readers in your area are interested in working with you, how can they contact you?
I have a website! emilyellisonstudio.com Feel free to check it out. There is a contact page with all the info and also a form that sends me an email.
