1. (above) Bold, vivacious blooms like sunflowers speak for themselves. Keep things simple; a clear glass vase will do. 2. (below) Dainty tea roses deserve a pretty container, too. Try something feminine and flirty.
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Get the most from your floral displays when you pair your posies with their perfect mate.
by Barbara Ballinger
Walk into a party or page through books on flower arranging. It’s not just gorgeous blooms that catch your eye; putting them in the right container will make both look their very best.
But how do you decide what belongs with what? It’s similar to putting jewelry with clothing. Pearls look great with a chic black cocktail dress, but you needn’t go for the tried-and-true. Similarly, you don’t have to put roses only in crystal vases. A grouping can make an old pitcher come to life or give new purpose to mint julep cups.
Let proportions, colors, styles, shapes and where the arrangement will be placed all serve as guidelines, says Charles Kremp, owner of Kremp Florist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. But then find your own style.
To start, expand your repertoire beyond what you’ve traditionally considered a container. “If it holds water, you can put flowers in it,” say authors Ame Mahler Beanland and Emily Miles Terry, whose book Nesting: It’s a Chick Thing was published this year by Workman Publishing. Among their novel ideas are martini glasses and egg cups. Also consider antique vases inherited or found at flea markets, teapots and pitchers.
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