On arrival, remove the roses from the packaging and begin to condition the stems 

Remove the lower foliage and thorns (below the water line) using scissors or thorn strippers. 

Cut approx. an inch off the stem at an angle to increase the drinking surface area for the stems to take up water

Place the stems in a clean bucket with water - in a cool, low-lit environment to ensure for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow them to condition and develop before you start working with them. 

You can remove the guard or storm petals before you arrange the roses into arrangements.