A view of purple flowers and eucalyptus in a white vase on a bookshelf. — Photo by: Kelly Dawson

I used to have a “no thanks” attitude toward flowers. I didn’t like receiving them on dates because I knew I’d likely forget them on the dinner table. I wasn’t the biggest fan of holding them as a bridesmaid, since I was never quite sure if I was doing so at the right height. And when in came to displaying flowers in my home, well, I considered that to be a luxury out of my league.

It turns out, I was wrong. After getting into the habit of buying bouquets at Trader Joe’s — often for as little as $5 — I’m now firmly in the “gotta have it” camp toward fresh blooms. Not only is the task of prepping stems for a vase calming and creative, but the view seems to complete a room’s overall design. Read on for more about why a bouquet should be part of your next grocery run.

Why $5 Trader Joe’s Flowers Are the Ultimate Affordable Luxury

I’ve been looking for more simplicity these last few months. Translation? I’ve been seeking out activities that aren’t confined to a screen. Lately, it seems like everything I do is at least in part tied to my phone. My social life, my career. My education and entertainment. So for a much-needed screen break, I bought a $5 bouquet that caught my eye at Trader Joe’s and spent a screenless 20 minutes cutting the stems just so into a vase. It was quiet. It was boring. It was perfect.

There’s a corner in my home beside a window that hasn’t been without them since the start of the year. This nook has sunlight that streams in confidently, illuminating a verdant fiddle leaf fig and the books and magazines I should be reading more. Adding flowers to this sight might be the best little thing I’ve done for my home, since it’s an affordable way to brighten my mood and amp up the feeling of an easy indulgence. Here are some options that epitomize affordable luxury:

Peonies, hydrangeas, and tulips: These flowers look beautiful on their own, no additions needed. In fact, you could split these bouquets into smaller bud vases to decorate everywhere from a bedroom nightstand to a bathroom vanity.

Eucalyptus, daisies, and baby’s breath: While you could have a beautiful arrangement of these picks by themselves, they can also be used to fill a larger vase in an arrangement. Eucalyptus adds height and fragrance, while daisies and baby’s breath bring in volume and texture.

Mums and carnations: The best part about mums and carnations is their color varieties — you can buy these to suit your mood and style. These can also work well on their own, or you can use them within a larger bouquet.

How to Arrange Trader Joe’s Flowers Like a Pro

A bunch of flowers from Trader Joe’s require as much or as little effort as you please: Either you admire a solitary bouquet or you take the time to arrange a variety of florals into a custom showstopper for your tablescape. If you’re sticking to a single arrangement, remember that you’ll still need to do the following:

Cut the stems: After you remove the bouquet from the plastic wrap and rubber bands, line up the stems in a single layer. Using a set of sharp shears, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle for increased water absorption that’ll make the blooms last longer. This cut will also make the stems easier to arrange. Tip: While you can technically use scissors or a knife, shears will make sure the stems don’t break.

Add a bit of bleach: Once you’ve filled your vase with water, add bleach to prevent bacteria build up. According to Clorox, you should add ¼ teaspoon of bleach to every ⅓ gallon of water. Don’t forget to stir — and keep in mind that you’ll want to replace the water every few days for longevity’s sake.

Create symmetry: When you’re new to the task, an eye-catching bouquet is best achieved through symmetry. Make sure the florals are even throughout, and if you’re adding variation, ensure that each piece has a balanced counterpart. The more you practice making bouquets, the easier arrangements become.

Vases for Your Floral Hit of Dopamine Decor

When you can achieve affordable luxury through a simple bouquet of Trader Joe’s flowers, then the next detail to consider is the vase. Shop the vases below for dopamine decor that can be an ever-changing source of calm and inspiration.

Tall Glass Vase: A large, clear vase like this one from Target is timeless, and you can use it to hold everything from simple bouquets to intricate arrangements.

Colorful Ceramic Vase: Add vibrancy to a neutral tablescape or bookcase with a colorful ceramic vase like this one from Anthropologie, which you can use to guide your color selections.

Sculptural Terracotta Vase: A sculptural vase like this one from H&M capitalizes on your affordable stems because you don’t need more than a few to make a statement.

Glass Bud Vase: Think of a glass bud vase like this one from Crate and Barrel as a way to extend your bouquet even further — a few vases can scatter flowers throughout your home.