Do It Yourself Calla Lily Centerpiece

Harvest calla lilies in the morning when they have the most moisture in them. Cut each stem with a straight cut near their base to avoid leaving stumps of stem on the plant. Choose buds and lilies that are partly opened or just beginning to fully open. Avoid lilies that have been in full bloom for more than a day or that show any withering or blemishes.

Slice floral foam to fit the bowl or vase, making it at least 3 to 4 inches tall to stabilize the lilies. The foam won't show, so it's fine to cut three or more pieces and trim them to fit. Push the foam into the bottom of the container so that it fits snugly. This holds the lilies in place.

Set the container for your centerpiece near the edge of a counter or table. Hold the largest calla lily next to the vase. Adjust its position so that its twice as tall as the vase, or slightly less. For example, if you're using a 5-inch tall bowl for the centerpiece, cut the stem so the flower and stem are about 10 inches long.

Slice or clip the calla lily stem at a 45-degree angle. Cut other calla lilies at least 2 inches shorter than the largest calla.

Poke a hole in the center of the floral foam at least 2 inches deep with the knife. Stick the end of the lily's stem in the hole. Insert the other lilies using the same method. For example, cut two medium-sized lilies 3 inches shorter than the large lily and put one on each side of the center calla. Cut enough calla buds to create a ring of them 1 to 2 inches apart around the three main lilies. Alternatively, display the three lilies on their own.

Cut calla leaves or ferns so they'll frame the lilies. For example, hold a calla leaf next to the bowl, position it so that it's tall enough to drape over the edge of the bowl next to a lily and then slice it at a 45-degree angle. Cut enough greenery to surround the lilies. Alternatively, cut stems of curly willow at different lengths, with five to seven of them 2 to 3 inches taller than the lilies and another five 2 to 3 inches shorter. Push the willow stems into the floral foam between the lilies and staggered around them. Stagger the stems around the lilies so they look like plants growing in nature, instead of arranging them in rows.

Tuck small handfuls of sphagnum moss around the stems to cover any exposed floral foam, or gently pour small decorative stones or glass gems into the bowl. Use the stones or glass gems for outdoor centerpieces — the added weight helps protect them from blowing over in windy conditions.