Tropical Fruit and Floral Arrangment

We've placed an array of gorgeous tropical fruits in a floral arrangement.      
Who would have thought it would look so good? 
We started with a medium sized unpeeled papaya and cut it in half lengthwise, leaving the seeds intact.  Other tropical fruits we used were persimmons, blood oranges, star fruit and pomegranates.
The florals we used were orchids, lilies, sea grape leaves and protea.

   

                                TIPS TO MAKE THIS ARRANGEMENT WORK FOR YOU  

1.    Search around the house for a container that has lots of dimension.  The detail will look good with the brilliant color of fruits and flowers.
2.    Keep the container 6 to 8 inches deep and not too large.
3.    As a substitute, you could use a colorful salad bowl or wicker basket.
4.    Secure floral foam in the container and start building the arrangement.
5.    Use wooden skewers to secure fruit and delicate flowers.
6.    Fill in empty spots with green leaves or additional flowers.
7.    Specialty grocery stores and open markets are good sources for tropical fruits and flowers.
8.    If you can't find tropical fruits, use what's available in your area.  You could substitute with pineapple, oranges, apples and bananas.  Use your imagination.
9.    Substitute exotic flowers with gladiolus, sunflowers, cactus flowers and a few artificial orchids.
10.  Have fun!