Customer Reviews

Arranging Flowers (Best of Martha Stewart Living Series)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is an extremely beautiful book with plenty of gorgeous photos of terrific flower arrangements. But a lot of books fit that description. What sets this one head and shoulders above the rest is the practical, well-written and easy-to-follow text. Martha has divided the book into four sections, following the four seasons--and she gives us gorgeous arrangements for each. Besides telling us HOW to arrange the flowers, Martha also gives us tips on what flowers mix well with what and how to care for them. For example, I never knew that daffodils are best used alone since they give off a substance that is toxic to other flowers. As a woman, as a homemaker and as a gardener, I just loved this book. It's written so we can actually use it, rather than just being one of those glossy books done by interior decorators that you look at once, sigh over then close. This practical and beautiful book is gorgeously photographed and written in Martha's lovely, intimate style. The best book on flower arranging ever! A must for anyone who loves flowers or has a garden!

I was amazed at the creativity of the arrangements! I've been doing this for a while, and it still astounded me. There are great combinations of flowers, as well as florist techniques that aren't difficult at all. Elegant and classy.

I just finished a professional floral design course - much of what I learned in school I reviewed upon reading Martha's book. I could have saved a lot of money by just reading this book! Some information conflicted with what I had learned but all in all this is a great reference for anyone who loves flowers and arranging them. Lots of basic information everyone should know.

(Yes, it's my real name.) This great book is a perfect addition to the library of anyone who loves to get a little green under their thumb nail. Ever present are Martha's signature monochromatic designs, but this collection is also peppered with multi colored explosions of flowers. Her conditioning tips are excellent, as well as her index of useful design tools. Even if you don't have the gumption to design yourself, the photos are spectacular; she even makes gladiolas look good.

This book is a must-have for both flower and Martha lovers.

Perhaps my expectations were too high? Martha produces a beautiful magazine and her new Best of Weddings book is superb so I thought that this book, although older, would be a nice addition. I was disappointed. Although the book was published in 1999, it seemed even more outdated than that. The flowers used seemed repeated over and over again and the book was centered completely around the varieties in Martha's garden. For a more thorough view, I'd like to recommend 2 books in place of this one. Jane Packer's Fast Flower Arranging is fantastic and shows beautiful arrangements that can be made quickly even by a novice. For actual, technical "how to" steps and design theory, I'd recommend Judith Blacklock's "Flower Arranging" (might be called Teach Yourself Flower Arranging in some indexes). Once you know proper floral design techniques, you can use any kind of flowers (NOT just those from Martha's garden) to create beautiful arrangements.

Lots of ideas and clear, helpful pictures, although I was actually expecting a more extensive technical section - in the magazine MS has step-by-step explanations of how to create a wrapped bouquet. And there were no bridal bouquets at all in the book, only table arrangements! I also didn't like the "Martha says," "Martha prefers," third-person style - better to have written in the first person or objective perspective, wouldn't have been so distracting. Bottom line: a practical guide, but ignore the constant Marthaisms.

There are alot of great pictures of arrangements in this book, but very little about the actual construction. I bought 8 floral books and this was the only one that disappointed. It does make a decent coffee table book, though. If you really want this book, buy the used copy. You won't feel so cheated that way.

I wouldn't really consider this a how-to book, as most of it is pictures of arrangements with a paragraph or two about the flowers. To paraphrase, "Martha loves spring when the peonies in her garden are blooming. They look stunning massed together." Most of the description is of her garden.

However, the photographs ARE wonderful and gave me many, many ideas. I checked this book out of the library to get ideas for my wedding, and it's a book that I've renewed several times.

Most of the arrangements included are simple yet elegant, involving one species of flower or monochromatic color schemes.

I recommend this book as long as you're looking for arrangement ideas, not step-by-step instructions.

Many people tire of Martha's continual joureny towards perfection, but I beleive that is what makes her books so wonderful. This is no exception. I usually shy away from how-to books, but this is an excellent guide. It gives just enough instruction (and examples for you to follow) to allow you to create on your own. This was one of the books that ignited my passion in gardening. Pictures that make you sigh and uncomplicated text, makes Arrannging Flowers a great buy.

There are alot of great pictures of arrangements in this book, but very little about the actual construction. I bought 8 floral books and this was the only one that disappointed. It does make a decent coffee table book, though. If you really want this book, buy the used copy. You won't feel so cheated that way.