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At a recent small gathering of friends on our back porch, one of our guests admiring the fresh cut flower display on the table asked, “Where did you get those gorgeous hydrangeas?” I paused. Do I tell her that they are artificial? I did confess that I failed to have enough flowers for the numerous vases so I filled in with fake flowers.
It’s actually a really good trick because today, some of the faux flowers look so realistic.
However, I prefer the real deal to those things that are artificial or substitutes~~ crystal and china to paper plates and napkins; real butter and sugar vs. butter substitutes or artificial sweeteners. Even friends~~I cherish those who are rich in experience, intellect, humor and sincerity and steer clear of those who are deeply shallow.
Orchids
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But every now and again, you find something that is artificial, but looks so realistic.
On my kitchen windowsill, I have several orchid plants. Yes, the real ones. They are mostly the Phalaenopsis Orchid, the ones you can pick up for a few dollars at Trader Joe’s or the local grocery store. They occupy the corner of my kitchen that overlooks the yard and even though I see them daily, they suffer from my lack of attention.
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I forget to water them and rarely fertilize them, yet they continue to produce the most beautiful blooms. Yesterday, it dawned on me that I hadn’t watered them in how long? And as I went to give them the care they deserved, I noticed two plants were beginning to bloom. I experienced a pang of guilt as they are so forgiving and generous in sharing their delicate flowers year after year, in spite of my neglect.
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Though I love real orchids, the centerpiece on my dining room table is a grouping of artificial orchids~~white ones that strongly contrast the dark wood table. They certainly aren’t as detailed as the real orchids, but they look authentic from a distance.
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And I don’t forget to tend to these orchids, as they look great every day!
Hydrangeas
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As much as I prefer real flowers and plants to artificial ones, the really, really good quality artificial ones are worth the money you will spend. On my hall entry table, I have faux white hydrangeas in a crystal vase. I purchased these from The Enchanted Home. But in recently checking their website, these hydrangeas are no longer available.
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They measure 16″ tall and have life-like stems. They used to be available in a variety of colors ~~white, deep purple and lilac.
If you are looking for faux hydrangeas, Amazon has an extensive collection here.
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You see them in various places around my house~like my office that I recently cleaned and organized. See that post here.
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During the year, depending on the holiday or season, I move the flowers around~~for example, red berries, greens and hydrangeas are added for the holiday garland. Since I cannot seem to keep fresh hydrangeas alive for more than a few days, these beautiful artificial ones always look stunning.
Peonies
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Another acquisition of artificial flowers is also from The Enchanted Home. I LOVE peonies but we cannot grow them in Phoenix, so I again relied on the great taste and quality from Tina at The Enchanted Home. The stems are short, however, so they will display well in smaller containers or a larger one that is opaque.
Unfortunately, these too are no longer available, however, Amazon has a GORGEOUS selection of faux peonies in various colors here.
![](https://lifeatbellaterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/peonies-600x399.jpg)
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In writing this post, I realized that most of the artificial flowers are located in rooms that aren’t heavily used~~the living room, dining room, bedroom closet. The more lived-in parts of the house (kitchen, family room) are where the fresh flowers are displayed and enjoyed.
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Do you remember the movie with Diane Keaton in that fabulous beach house, Something’s Gotta Give? Well, in each scene, there are fresh flowers in every room.
Right after that movie I determined that in a perfect world, I’d have flowers in every room. So whether you like artificial or real flowers, or a combination of both, we are fortunate to have great options at our fingertips.
Happy Wednesday!
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Love your flowers – and the Diane Keaton movie! I mostly use fresh, but I have had my eye on a gorgeous bunch of peonies at Amazon … Now that you’ve inspired me, I may buy them in time for the holidays! 🙂
Reading this article again and I just realized that YES! I remember “Something’s Gotta Give”…love that movie and I probably subconsciously noticed the flowers because I love fresh flowers too. Also, I have purchased some of those peonies on Amazon. I purchased a pink bunch and they look real. Thank Mary! Re-reading your content is like reading it for the first time!
Gabie, I need to purchase the pink peonies too! They look so good! Now I want to watch that movie again!
I love fresh flowers and it is so hard to find artificial ones that look like the real deal! I love daffodils they are so pretty and bright! Thanks for sharing and I will look up The Enchanted Home!