Got a collection of disparate vases that never seem to suit your flowers? You don't need really need that many vases to ensure your bouquets will always be displayed to their best advantage. We asked florist Nikki Tibbles and flower grower Hannah Bryce for their six essentials. “For me,” says Nikki, “it’s essential that the vase looks amazing without flowers.” She also emphasises the basic principle that for tall flowers, you always need to choose a tall vase, and likewise a short one for short flowers. Read on to discover their top tips for making fresh flowers look their best.
Jugs
“A jug filled with flowers freshly picked from the garden and added to the kitchen table is always a joy,” says Hannah, "and adds a rustic feel to the arrangement. You can adapt the arrangement to the size of the jug you use. I love to find antique jugs in charity shops and vintage markets. They look great filled with flowers or stacked high and displayed on the kitchen shelf!
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Bud vases
“Bud vases are a popular choice for tablescaping and traditionally use one flower per vase,” explains Hannah. “However I love to use several scented flowers of varying heights in small vases. A few roses or sweet peas in a bud vase on your desk or bedside table is a real treat. Sometimes you only need a small vase to make a big impact.”
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Cylinder vase
“Cylinder vases work well with tall stems,” says Hannah. “They look extra special when you use a single variety of flowers such as sunflowers or delphiniums. You can play with the heights of the stems so they vary in length but keep some tall to add interest and drama.”
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Bell vase
“A bell vase complements any hand-tied bouquet as it holds the shape perfectly,” advises Nikki. “This is a great option if you want to simply drop your bouquet directly into a vase without arranging it yourself.”
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Fulham Pottery
“I have been collecting Fulham Pottery for many years,” says Nikki, “and I have a beautiful selection of glazed and unglazed Constance Spry vases. The elegant shape allows for an abundance of flowers and foliage and they have become a collector's item. If you want to make a statement with your floral arrangement a boat shape vase gives you the opportunity to play with height and scale. Add a flower frog or chicken wire to the vessel secured with floral tape so you can create a beautiful display without worrying about the flowers falling over.”
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Tulipiere
For something fun and a bit different I love a tulipiere. They are often ornate ceramic pieces featuring several different spouts to hold flowers individually. They were traditionally designed to display tulips (which look great when the stems take on a mind of their own) but they look just as good with other flower varieties too.
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