The Art of Blooming

Nothing elevates a gathering quite like fresh flowers. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a grand celebration, the right floral arrangement can set the tone, add elegance, and make guests feel truly special. This month, we sat down with Natalie Brown, the creative force behind Happy Hydrangea Florals, to talk about her love for flowers, her journey into floral design, and her best tips for incorporating blooms into your next event.

A Blooming Passion

Before launching Happy Hydrangea Florals, Natalie spent seven years as a middle school teacher. Her journey into floral design started with a family request—her sister asked her to help with wedding florals. “I said yes even though I knew NOTHING!” she laughs. “I dove in and figured it out like any good sister does and realized I loved the creative outlet and how much I was able to push myself.” From there, her passion for florals bloomed into a full-time business.

Setting the Scene with Flowers

Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or a lavish wedding, flowers can transform a space. “Flowers are such a luxury that even a simple addition like bud vases can elevate your event,” Natalie explains. She recommends choosing a focal point for your gathering—if it’s a seated dinner, one curated centerpiece can make a big impact.

For those short on time, Natalie suggests looking to your own backyard. “Hydrangeas are plentiful in our area and that could be all you need to use when throwing something together!” she says. If you’re looking for something more curated, she encourages supporting local flower farms. “Most people don’t realize how many local flower farms are blanketing the Carolinas! These farmers would love to supply you with their product and most even deliver straight to you.”

Flowers as the Perfect Hostess Gift

Bringing flowers to a hostess? Make it personal! “Are they fun and bubbly? Opt for colors that are bright and spunky while adding textures and fun additions to their arrangement! Maybe they are chic and classy—play up something simple and symmetrical,” Natalie advises. A great way to add an extra thoughtful touch? “Thrift a fun vase you know matches their decor style!”

Trends & Unexpected Touches

This spring, Natalie is seeing a shift toward bold, colorful floral choices. “Last year, people chose a color scheme of white and greenery. This year, it has been all about colors and fun combinations of flowers!” she shares.

For an unexpected way to incorporate flowers, don’t overlook the bar area. “So many people will frequent this area, and all it takes is a simple arrangement to bring attention to your flower choices!” she notes.

Flower Bars: A Charming Interactive Experience

For a truly special gathering, consider a Flower Bar. “It’s a fun activity AND a take-home gift after a bridal shower, baby shower, wedding, private event, etc.,” Natalie says. Recently, she booked a Flower Bar for a baby shower where guests arranged their own bud vase to take home as a thank-you gift from the mom-to-be. “No one is having a bad time playing with flowers,” she adds.

Hydrangeas: The Star of the Show

With a name like Happy Hydrangea Florals, it’s no surprise that Natalie has a soft spot for hydrangeas. “I always say they are like me—dramatic and tough!” she jokes. For keeping them fresh, she recommends a little trick: “If your hydrangea is wilting, you can flip the stem upside down and soak the blooms in water for about 30 minutes. It usually brings them back to life!”

Bringing Happy Hydrangea Florals to Your Next Event

To add Natalie’s floral magic to your next event, visit happyhydrangeaflorals.com or reach out via Instagram (@the.happy.hydrangea) or email (happyhydrangeaflorals@gmail.com).

A Final Thought

As a female entrepreneur, Natalie embraces creativity, resilience, and the joy that flowers bring to people’s lives. Her advice for anyone looking to entertain with charm?

“Flowers don’t have to be extravagant to be special. Even the simplest arrangement, chosen with thought and love, can make an impact.”