How to Turn Grocery Store Flowers Into Beautiful Bouquets

Grocery store flowers are under-rated. At first glance they’re not as beautiful as the bouquets you can order from a fancy florist; but with a little bit of love and imagination they can become just as special. To prove this, I bought three grocery store bouquets (I even stayed away from the higher quality specialty markets) and created two arrangements that anyone can create in a snap!

Need even more proof you can save some money on blooms and use it towards a bottle of La Crema instead? I took on the dreaded carnation- a flower that’s usually known as “filler”, but doesn’t deserve the stigma.

These 3 bouquets came in at under $40, and were upgraded with items I had around the house: scissors, twine, a dollar store vase and crate paper. Watch the video below to find out how you can upgrade your bouquet 2 ways.

How to Upgrade Grocery Store Flowers in 5 Easy Steps 

Don’t have time to watch our video? No worries! Follow these simple steps to turn an ordinary grocery store bouquet into a stunning, florist-worthy arrangement. 

Step 1: Trim & Prep Your Flowers 

Before arranging, trim the stems at an angle to help the flowers absorb water more efficiently. Remove any excess leaves or filler greenery to keep the bouquet looking clean and intentional. 

Step 2: Group Flowers by Color & Size 

For a more cohesive look, separate your flowers by hue and bloom size. Stick to a similar color palette—such as all pinks and reds or whites and pastels—to create a harmonious design. 

Step 3: Arrange Using the Spiral Method 

Hold one flower at an angle and keep adding blooms while turning the bouquet slightly with each addition. This technique helps create a balanced, rounded shape that looks professionally arranged. 

Step 4: Secure & Style Your Bouquet 

Use twine, ribbon, or floral wire to tightly bind the stems together. Then, choose a stylish vase—whether it’s a dollar store find, a mason jar, or even a repurposed La Crema wine bottle—to complete the look. 

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches 

Give your bouquet a polished look by wrapping the base in kraft paper, tissue paper, or fabric. If you really want to impress, pair your upgraded bouquet with a bottle of La Crema wine for the perfect finishing touch. 

Best Flower Types to Consider for a Stunning Grocery Store Bouquet 

Not all flowers are created equal—especially when you’re working with grocery store selections. Some blooms hold up beautifully in DIY arrangements, while others might wilt too quickly or feel too generic. Here are the best flower types to consider when curating your bouquet: 

Long-Lasting & Reliable Flowers 

These flowers stay fresh for days and add structure to your arrangement: 

• Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) – Vibrant and long-lasting, these come in a variety of colors and add a delicate, elegant touch. 

• Carnations – Don’t underestimate them! When grouped together in similar shades, they look lush and romantic. 

• Chrysanthemums (Mums) – Full, sturdy, and available in a variety of shapes and colors. 

• Sunflowers – Bold, cheerful, and perfect for a bright, eye-catching bouquet. 

Romantic & Classic Flowers 

If you’re going for a more traditional Valentine’s Day look, these are great choices: 

• Roses – A timeless option that elevates any bouquet. Stick to classic red or mix in pink, white, or even peach for variety. 

• Tulips – Elegant and sophisticated, tulips bring softness and movement to an arrangement. 

• Hydrangeas – These voluminous blooms instantly make a bouquet feel lush and full. 

Filler & Accent Flowers 

To add dimension and texture, mix in these: 

• Eucalyptus – Adds a fresh scent and a modern, organic feel. 

• Baby’s Breath – Use sparingly for a soft, airy effect. 

• Lavender – Dried or fresh, it adds fragrance and charm. 

• Wax Flowers – These tiny, delicate blossoms add a whimsical touch. 

Bouquet upgrade tips: 

Toss the extras! Get rid of extra leaves and filler flowers to create a uniform bouquet. 

Wrap it up tight. Whether you use a rubber band, twine, wire or ribbon- get your bouquet nice and tight in the arrangement you create. That way when your sweetie pie drops it in water, it still has that straight-from-the-florist feel. 

Stick with similar hues. If you’re going to combine more than one bouquet, buy varying hues of the same color. If you’re thinking pink, this would mean everything from pale blush to bright fuchsia. 

Place larger blooms on the outside and center. Use the smaller flowers to fill out the middle. 

Buy her favorite color. Is your Valentine’s favorite color yellow? Don’t be intimidated by sunflowers and daisies. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean roses. 

Vase it. The dollar store is the perfect place to grab a beautiful vase without breaking the bank. Don’t have time? Grab a mason jar or piece of glassware you can part with, and set your tightly bound bouquet inside. 

Pairing is caring. With the money you saved you can pair your beautiful flowers with her favorite La Crema wine. 

Pairing Your Flowers with the Perfect Wine 

Since you just saved money on flowers, why not use the extra cash to grab a great bottle of wine? The right pairing can enhance both the beauty of your bouquet and the experience of gifting it. Here are a few perfect matches based on your bouquet’s color palette: 

• Classic Reds & Pinks (roses, tulips, carnations) – A bouquet filled with deep reds and romantic pinks calls for a wine that’s just as elegant and expressive. La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a perfect match, with its notes of ripe red berries and soft spice complementing the passion and warmth behind these timeless blooms. 

• Bright & Sunny Yellows (sunflowers, daisies, lilies) – Vibrant yellow flowers radiate happiness, much like a refreshing glass of La Crema Monterey Chardonnay. Its crisp acidity and notes of citrus and stone fruit mirror the cheerful and lively energy of these golden blooms, making it a great choice for a joyful, uplifting bouquet. 

• Soft Pastels & Whites (hydrangeas, peonies, baby’s breath) – Delicate pastel arrangements pair beautifully with La Crema Rosé, a light and floral wine that enhances the softness of these gentle hues. With hints of strawberry, watermelon, and a touch of minerality, this rosé adds a subtle, romantic touch to any bouquet in shades of blush, ivory, or pale lavender. 

A beautifully arranged bouquet and a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine make for an effortlessly stunning and heartfelt gift—one that shows you truly put in the effort to make someone’s day special. 

Happy Valentine’s Day!