It never fails. Shortly after a New Year begins I always find myself longing for my garden flowers. Although I prefer flowers from my garden beds, our cold Midwestern winters force me to settle for decorating with store bought flowers.

Following are 13 ideas to turn store bought flowers into beautiful decorations for your home. Roses are always plentiful and look pretty as a simple arrangement in an enamelware pitcher.

Make an impactful flower arrangement by tucking one or two stems into a single mason jar and grouping the jars together.

You can take that same mason jar and hang it from a plant hook for a unique and fun display. Here, purple tulips mingle with simple greens and branches.

Add a little punch to store bought flowers by making casual arrangements in decoupaged garden pots. Read my tutorial for instructions on how to decoupage pots with paper napkins!

Make a sweet and simple wreath with a wire hanger and fresh store bought flowers. So cute!

Think outside the box, and inside the vase, when arranging flowers. Place a group of lemons or limes in a large clear vase, fill with water, and add your flower stems. Something tall like gladiolas with a strong stem are a great choice. The lemons help to hold the flower stems in place.

Pick a theme! These dainty pink and white flowers look festive in vases decorated with matching colors. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or a bridal shower.

Large cabbage roses look beautiful no matter how you display them. Tuck them in simple water glasses so the emphasis is completely on the flower itself.

I find round or globe type vases are easiest to use when arranging flowers. The orb allows for easier angling of the flowers.

I’ve created numerous arrangements using store bought flowers. During the creative process I keep repeating, “It doesn’t have to be perfect.” Look at flowers in nature. You don’t find them to be symmetrical or perfectly placed. A little bit of wildness in arrangements is rather endearing.

Here are some of my favorite arrangements from years past:

Arranging Flowers Like a Pro

Tips for Arranging Fresh Flowers

DIY Spring Flower Arrangement

DIY Rustic Flower Vase