"Far away countries with exotic cultures always stimulate the imagination", says arranger Elize Eveleens of Aalsmeer. "And in winter people look forward to the extra warmth of stylish ethnic accessories and rich natural materials. Flowers in the style of the Floral Rituals inspiration theme capitalise on this: lots of ethnic patterns, African fashion accessories and decorative fruits. Alstroemeria adds the exotic element.

"No matter how it is displayed, Alstroemeria is always exotic. In the stylish variant of this theme the flower is exuberantly combined with other cheerfully coloured flowers and a mix of decorative elements from foreign cultures. For example, lovely wooden bracelets, a Turkish tray or a belt of African beads. A more traditional tone is achieved by using heavy materials and dark colours. Not black, but natural shades of brown, which come across as more organic and original.

Foreign rituals can easily be suggested by creating collections. This is something that also blends with the modern variant of Floral Rituals. Place a row of small vases with graphic or ethnic patterns against a severe, dark background to create an interesting interplay of form and structure. A sizzling pink or bright yellow flower makes all the difference in this trend. Fortunately, in this case, Alstroemeria also works perfectly alone."

Modern design – Geometrical wall feature with shelves launches a contemporary collection of designer vases with Alstroemeria Hawaiian Dream (100581), Vanda x rothschildiana Dark Pink Magic (26605), Lilium Asian Grp ‘Heraklion’ (23784), Heliconia caribaea (839), Monstera (leaf) (1981) and Zantedeschia ‘Hot Chocolate’ (100521).	Minimalist lifestyle – Well defined still life brings a neutral background to life: Alstroemeria other (703), Heliconia other (837) and Cucumis sp. Decumis mixed (26128).

Well earthed – A heavy zinc vase puts a flower arrangement on a classical pedestal: Alstroemeria Mirage (27910), Zantedeschia ‘Picante’ (100643), Dianthus standard ‘Crimson Tempo’ (12019), Vanda Exotic Purple (102025) and Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Bush Ruby’ (14508).	Exquisitely classical – Natural shades of brown in the hardwood bowl flirt with the warm red highlights of Alstroemeria Tiësto (25660), Euphorbia fulgens other orange (801), Dianthus standard ‘Crème Viana’ (101198), Antirrhinum majus ‘Costa Orange’ (16746), Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Bush Ruby’ (14508) and Ananas other (1088).

Multi-culti – Small Dutch vases on a Turkish platter form the cultural base for this cheerful composition. Alstroemeria Cartagena (104239), Gloriosa ‘Exotic Orange’ (long) (101063), Dianthus standard other purple (7836), Dianthus standard Raggio di Sole (376), Euphorbia fulgens ‘Yellow River’ (808), Nelumbo nucifera (16509), Zantedeschia ‘Garnet Glow’ (18011), Heliconia psittacorum ‘Sassy’ (100598) and Leucospermum cordifolium ‘Tango’ (15439).

Tip: Amazingly versatile
Alstroemeria looks fabulous in a mixed bouquet and looks just as stunning in a mono bouquet. On the website www.alstroemeria.biz you will find practical examples of bouquets that will boost your sales.