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Display Flowers in Classic Containers
by The Editors of Yankee Magazine
When you arrange flowers, it's critical to place them in containers that will showcase the blooms--not detract from their beauty. Back at the turn of the 20th century, Gertrude Jekyll was a respected authority on home decor, and her expertise on vases still holds true today. If you don't own any (or enough) formal vases, follow these guidelines for choosing alternatives that won't sacrifice appearances, recommended by Miss Jekyll in Flower Decoration in the House (1907).
No pattern preferred.
"As a rule it is
well to avoid things that have much pattern,
the chief exception to this being jars
of oriental blue and white porcelain,
which are singularly becoming to many
kinds of flowers."
Set them in silver.
Silver bowls, cups,
and beakers are always excellent choices
for displaying cut flowers, especially on
dining tables. "They look best on wellpolished
dark mahogany, as in the days
of our forefathers."
Serve them like soup.
Search for castoff
serving dishes, particularly salad
bowls and soup tureens, at flea markets
and in the attic, "They will generally be
admirable for flowers, both cut and in
pots."
Don't shrink from finger bowls.
Another kitchen castoff you can pick up:
heavy glass finger bowls, which are excellent
for violets.
A pint for peonies.
If you have a pewter
mug or commemorative beer stein hanging
around in a cupboard, adopt it for
displaying heavy-headed flowers, such as
peonies or irises. "Such flowers might
easily overbalance anything whose centre
of gravity was not as well assured."
Don't toot the trumpet.
Although
trumpet-shaped vases are popular,
they're often not the best choice, because
they're prone to tipping and don't provide
much volume for water at the base,
where it's most needed.
Excerpt from 1,001 Old-Time Household Hints—brought to you by Skyhorse Publishing
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