White Flowers

White blossoms gathered in simple vessels bring a light, refreshing element to interiors once heavy with holiday decorations. Palm Beach floral designer Tom Mathieu of Tom Mathieu & Company Inc. creates classic white arrangements that are rich without being over-the-top, serene without being sleepy.

"I like simplicity and elegance in my designs, and white signifies those things," says Mathieu. Pavé arrangements of Dutch flowers, such as tulips, roses, and muscari, are his signature, but he also uses a lot of white in clients' homes because the monochromatic designs don't compete with other colors. "White is very fresh-looking and clean, and it goes with everything," he says.

The key to using white flowers successfully is to keep it simple. Buy what you like, use unusual containers, and enjoy how these flowers can brighten the room and the mood.

Ideas for arrangements:

• A potted white orchid is the simplest -- but also the most extravagant -- white arrangement. The heavenly scent is a bonus.
• Gather a tight bunch of white roses in a teapot or low vase.
• Place white flowers in glass containers for an ethereal look. Make sure the stems of your flowers are interesting!
• Green makes the color white stand out. Line your vases with monstera leaves, place flowers in mossy pots, or accent an arrangement with bunches of herbs.
• Combine varying shades of white--ivory, cream, and stark white--for the most visual impact.
• Float white blossoms in a low glass dish filled with water.

RESOURCES: Tom Mathieu, Tom Mathieu & Co., 561/833-2179, www.tommathieu.com.