The most important thing after you bought cut flowers is to put them in an appropriate vase. With a few guidelines, finding the right fit is not complicated.
When you buy flowers for yourself, you have the time to try several vases or to buy the types of flowers that fit well into your vases. That is the time to experiment.
For some, problems arise when they receive flowers. When you are hosting a party, you do not have the time to try several vases. The same is true when making a casual centerpiece for an impromptu dinner.
If you start from scratch, get at least these three types of vases:
- a 4-inch neck square or round vase – ideal height 9 to 11 inches
- a bud vase for single bloom – I prefer a narrow 4 to 6 inches tall vase
- a heavy base, thick wall vase with a wider neck, 10 to 12 inches tall.
Practical Tips to Quickly Make a Pretty Bouquet
Cut flowers look their best when they stay closely together. That is why the tall 4-inch neck vase comes handy. This is the one I used the most. I prefer to indulge in a few magnificent flowers than having 2 dozens of carnations.
If the opening of your vase is too wide, place some transparent tapes to constrain the flowers on a section. If the florist did not do it, tie a cord around your flowers after you neatly place each flower in your hand. This way, every flower stays at its designated place.
If you receive a full bouquet, a vase like the Tuxedo vase is your best bet. I find 10 inches to be a little low for a little low because I love tall stems. Since the opening is not too wide, its height is not a real problem. Be aware that for extra tall bouquets, you will need a taller and heavier vase; mine is 2 feet tall.
Transparent Versus Opaque Vases
The question depends on the look you wish to achieve. Typically, the stems are not the prettiest thing to look at; especially if you mix varieties of foliages and flowers. The clear glass vases have the advantage to feel almost invisible.
An opaque vase will hide the stems and it gives more presence to the ensemble. Keep the design simple since you do not wish to distract from the flowers. A white vase on a white tablecloth feels lighter than when placing the white vase on a bright red surface.
Seven Basic Vases to Start with
I gather some affordable vases from CB2, Crate & Barrel and Macy’s. If you are looking for a fine wedding gift, the Nambé Planar collection draws its shape from a stylish modern lily.
Stock several mini bud vases so you can put one per guest on your dining table. It is easy to find cheap bud vases so you do not have to break the bank. To make a statement, go with U.K. designer James Burgess creation and pours a dash of whimsy with the white carton vase.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Mini Bud Vases at CB2 – price: $1.95 each
Buy online: White Porcelain Carton Vase at CB2 – price: $6.95 USD
Buy online: White Panda vases at CB2 – price: $2.95-$4.95 on sale
Buy online: Quadro Vase at Crate & Barrel – price: $24.95
Buy online: Tuxedo Vase at Crate & Barrel – price: $39.95
Buy online: Nambé Planar collection at Macy’s – price: $80 for 7 inches, $140 for 8 inches, $240 for 11 inches
Buy online: Celebrations by Mikasa Adelaide crystal vase at Macy’s – price: $40
Laissezfaire
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Jennifer
May 21, 2008 at 17:04Thanks for these great tips. I’m the worst when it comes to arranging flowers – it looks so easy, but it’s a lot harder than florists make it look. Great advice.