Floral Designer and Unwilted Founder Liz Carter Shares Tips for Creating the Perfect Bouquets for Gatherings

Flower power! Floral designer Liz Carter created Unwilted, a botanical paper flower delivery company in 2021, and has showcased her work at countless celebrations ever since. Ahead of the holiday season, Carter spilled her top bouquet and hosting tips with ET.

"I've been drawn to flowers for as long as I can remember. ... My passion really took off when I opened my flower shop in Colorado, where I immersed myself in the artistry and business of florals,"the Michigan native explained.

"After years in the floral industry, I noticed how fresh cut flowers, while beautiful, don't last long and often contribute to waste," she continued.

To combat this, Carter decided to launch a sustainable alternative with hand-cut petals and leaves made from Italian crepe paper that are painted, shaped and constructed to achieve a realistic floral look and feel.

"Unlike fresh flowers, they don't require any hassle to maintain. You don't have to worry about watering, and they’ll stay just as lovely season after season," she noted.

The arrangements also make for memorable gift because of their ability to last a lifetime.

"When someone gives flowers, they're often sending a message of care, whether it's to celebrate a milestone, offer comfort, or simply brighten someone's day. Our Unwilted bouquets add an extra layer of meaning because they last forever, symbolizing an enduring sentiment," Carter said.

In order to create your own perfect bouquet, she suggested finding balance with different textures, colors, and shapes.

"Start with a mix of larger blooms to anchor the arrangement and then fill in with smaller flowers and greenery for contrast and depth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. Sometimes asymmetry or unexpected color combinations can make the arrangement even more striking."

Once you've nailed your centerpiece, the flower expert likes to add a touch of casualness to events to achieve a cozy vibe.

"I find comfortable seating, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere the most important elements to any situation you find yourself hosting. I love mixing high and low when it comes to gatherings. It helps set the mood. No one likes a fussy party,” Carter spilled.

"I'll serve takeout pizza on my grandmother’s treasured dishes, or layer in a long piece of craft paper and sprinkle crayons into a more formal dinner so people can scribble, draw or play tic-tac-toe," she added.

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