Q: What’s the difference between a sheaf, a wreath and a posy?

A: A sheaf is an arrangement of long, elegant flowers that is usually laid on the side or the top of a casket or placed, horizontally, on a table. Similarly, wreaths can be used to adorn the casket or decorate the venue, depending on whether the circle of flowers is designed to be hung or to be placed on a flat surface. Smaller posies (arranged bouquets) of little, pale flowers are sometimes placed inside the casket, while larger ones are placed on top or in the venue.

Florist Tips

For dinner parties, low bowls of flowers make most sense - if you're planning on conversing with your guests! If you use a clear vase, you can hide the stems (and dirty water) by wrapping the inside of the glass with a leaf.