This is one of my favorite floral arrangements to make – the drinking straw vase arrangement. I wrap colorful flexi-straws around a tumbler to make a unique vase. Ever since I put this arrangement on my website and in my book Flowers that Wow, I have gotten e-mails from people who’ve made this for parties, barbecues, and even weddings! The basic technique is really simple, and I’ve changed it up with asparagus spears and pencils instead of the drinking straws, too.

Put a rubber band around a plastic or glass tumbler. Make sure the tumbler is as straight up and down as possible, with no flare. If it flares, then the straws won’t line up as well, and all craziness breaks out, and a hole is ripped in the universe. I’m just kidding. I think.

Slide the straws between the rubber band and the tumbler. I bought my straws at IKEA. I’ve found colorful straws at Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, party supply stores, and the grocery store.

Cover the rubber band with a ribbon and bow. If you’re using flexi-straws, bend the straws outward. Fill the vase with water, and you can fill it with flowers. Gerber daisies and mums look really great in this arrangement, and they’re cheap, which is even better.

See how fun it looks with asparagus spears and pencils instead of the drinking straws. I’ve also used celery, long green beans, chopsticks and spaghetti!