Anyone who’s been to Paris can’t help but notice the importance of flowers for the French. Here, flowers aren’t just for Mother’s Day or to mark a special occasion.

In France, flowers are a part of everyday life. There are always fresh flowers in a Parisian apartment.

We’ve always loved getting flowers at Lachaume, the iconic maître fleuriste who’s been in business since 1845 (and a favourite of the late Karl Lagerfeld.)

A florist in France is an architect of nature; he or she takes an ordinary bunch of roses and transforms them into a spectacularly symmetrical arrangement.

Here’s how to make a small but mighty bouquet with more power and sophistication than what you’ll find in the U.S.

First, choose two or three flowers that complement each other. No more than that.  In France, it’s all about the roses.

Next, snip off all of the leaves on the roses. They get in the way of a uniform arrangement. We sometimes leave one leaf at the top of the stem.

Then, holding one flower straight, add another at an acute angle. Continue this process in all directions so that a large, round cushion of flowers begins to develop. It should be a perfect dome.

Now add just two or three bits of greenery, maybe a twig. The star needs to be the flowers, not the garden clippings

We now firmly tie the bouquet with some raffia or rough twine. Go around a few times so it looks more polished.

Next, lay two pieces of tissue lengthwise at opposing angles. Add the bouquet at the top of the sheets. Fold the bottom of the tissue twice. Then gently wrap the two sides around the flowers and tie with a ribbon.

>> Making a French bouquet? Send us a picture on Instagram @fonfrege.