Candy and Tulip Bouquet

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

FromĀ Martha Stewart Living

Flowers and candy are the touchstones of courtship and romance. But handing over a bouquet and a box of chocolates isn’t the only way to show you’re sweet on someone. The intense reds of tulips such as ‘Red Nova’ and ‘Pallada’ will prove that your affection has not waned. And the profusion of spicy cinnamon candies lining the vase is an elegant display of your heartfelt emotion.

Tools and Materials

  • 2 nesting glass vases or containers (such as a drinking glass), one shorter and at least an inch narrower
  • Cinnamon heart candies (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 2 dozen tulips
  • Rubber band
  • Floral or other knife

Candy Vase How-To

  1. Place a vase inside another that’s taller and at least 1 inch wider; if the rims don’t align, add candy to the outer vase to eliminate the height difference. Fill the gap between vases with candy. Fill small vase halfway with water.
  2. Secure stems of a tight bunch of flowers with a rubber band; trim evenly with a sharp knife.
  3. Set bouquet inside smaller vase. Add more water if necessary. This arrangement will last 5 to 7 days.

Conversation Piece

A valentine of any age will enjoy the fun messages that this arrangement delivers. Pastel candy hearts proclaiming “Class act” and “Be true” and tulips in complementary colors, such as creamy ‘Cheers,’ pale-pink ‘New Design,’ and ‘Apricot Beauty,’ convey your feelings with more than words.

Visit MarthaStewart.com for: Valentine’s Day Crafts and Decorations