Why Don’t You… Decorate with Bodega Flowers Like Dannijo?

30 Sep Why Don’t You… Decorate with Bodega Flowers Like Dannijo?

‘Why Don’t You’ is my weekly tribute to legendary editor Diana Vreeland who penned a column of the same name for Harper’s Bazaar for 26 years begging, “Don’t just be your ordinary dull self. Why don’t you be ingenious and make yourself into something else?”

I’m constantly looking for ways to make my space feel luxurious. Right before I moved into my new place I made a mood board I called “high-key extravagance” full of decadent meals, opulent clothing, and fancy jewelry. That board felt like it came to life at Cointreau’s The Art of Soirée party. The sisters behind New York-based jewelry line Dannijo collaborated and co-hosted the evening.

I took the time to ask Danielle and Jodie Snyder how I could recreate such a feeling in my tiny New York City studio with flowers that I bought at the bodega around the corner. “Here’s the thing, Jodie said to me. “Try to keep your bouquets handpicked. Whenever you order flowers, you get fillers and it looks too staged. To get the beautiful, romantic creative feeling, you should think of yourself as the artist. Find flowers that you love and make you happy. That’s key.”

“Cut them into different sizes,” she continued. “Instead of using a vase, I like to put my flowers in an old mason jar or recycled bottle, something makeshift that feels organic. People love to see personality. There isn’t a rule book, it’s like take whatever you have in your space and create an ambiance. Pro tip: Candles always help a space feel warmer.”

Below, I cut roses so they just peeked out of my Henri Bendel teapot next to a Diptyque candle and decorative initial.

We have so much jewelry in our apartment,” Jodie said, strumming my studio’s pain with her fingers. “So we use it in our decorations, in a bowl or necklaces on a dress form that gives the space a high-end vibe, using your accessories, and things that you covet.”

As for what to look you’re picking out your flowers, be sure to check for clean water in the bucket. Dirty water means yucky bacteria that will kill your blooms faster. If you’re buying roses, squeeze the bottom of the flower, right above the stem, and pick the firmest bouquet. Once you get your bouquet home, cut the stems diagonally, add a cap full of bleach to the water in the vase, and enjoy!

Are you inspired to decorate with your Bodega flowers? Below are my favorite bodega (+ regular ones, too) flower shops in NYC.

Dannijo jewelry is available at Bergdorf Goodman open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 754 Fifth Avenue in Midtown.