Fish Bowl Vase......
Fill a clean fish bowl vase about 3/4 full with cool water. This vase measures 5 1/2" across the widest point and 5" high.

Roses.......
You'll need about a dozen small roses for this size vase, all cut to a length of about 8".
  
Tip: Clip off some of the larger thorns so it will be easier to insert the roses into the arrangement. And, always cut rose stems under water. If stems are too long to fit in your sink or bowl, then cut some stem off the roses, then dip in water to cut off the last inch or so.

Leather Fern...
Ferns are readily available at florists, but you could also use garden greenery such as boxwood or camellia.

Cut it Up...
This photo shows how to cut up a long piece of fern into the smaller pieces needed for this size vase.

Lemon Leaf...
Lemon leaves are commonly available, but other leaves can be used. Two types of greenery will add interest and help hold up the flowers without using marbles or frogs.

Filler flower: Alstromeria....
This is a long-lasting flower available in many colors. Since it has several flowers on one stem it is a good flower to "fill in" the empty spots in an arrangement.
  
Tip: White, hot pink, or even lavendar alstromeria could be used. Other "filler flowers" could be stock, carnations, daisies, mums, or small hydrangia blooms.

Arrange Leaves...
Arrange ferns, leaves, or other greenery in the vase to form a base for the flowers. Start by laying leaves nearly horizontally on the lip of the vase. Then insert some in the center that are more vertical. The leaves will hold all of the flowers in place, if you use enough.

Criss-cross stems..
Make sure all stems are in water. See how the stems are criss-crossed to make a secure place to insert flowers.
  
Optional: If desired, insert trailing ivy so it spills over the top of the vase and down onto the table.

Lemon Leaf and Roses..
Add a few sprigs of a second type of geens for interest, then begin adding the roses. Place 6 or 7 roses at a 45-degree angle around the lip of the vase, then add a few standing up in the center.
  
Tip: All roses and flowers should be cut to the same length to make a perfectly rounded arrangement.

Add more Roses...
Keep adding roses in the center area to fill in any blank spaces.

Add filler flowers...
Insert your "filler" flowers (here alstromeria is used) in any blank areas between the roses. In addition, we've also added a few other tiny sprigs of accent flowers for more texture.

Centerpiece complete..
Here's the finished arrangement placed on our tea table. Just prior to the party be sure to refill the vase with sparkling clean water. This arrangement is low enough to use either on a buffet or a dining table.  
Tip: To change the water, grasp the arrangement around the lip of the vase and hold securely in between your thumb and fingers, while you pour out the old water and refill the vase with clean water.