When a vessel is this distinctive, its form and color practically dictate what kinds of displays to create. Martha's blue-glazed ceramic shell evokes summer at the beach, a time and place indelibly associated with billowing hydrangeas. Luxuriant cuttings from three cultivars, along with some leaves, supply the structure of this design. Airy pink gomphrena and white Cimicifuga cap the sea foam with spray.

From the Sunflower State of Kansas, here's a way to welcome guests to the table with a great big hello. Trim sunflower stems short, so they fit into juice glasses. Cut paper into petal shapes and write guests' names on them. Then add the extra petal to the flowers with dots of tacky white glue.

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Marguerite plate, $71, johnderian.com

Step aside, pumpkins -- here's an unexpected and inviting accent for the dinner table. We used daikon radishes and turnips, but any root vegetable will work. Using a knife, slice off enough of the leafy top to create a flat base. Insert black-headed pushpins to form eyes; for the mouth, cut a half-moon into the vegetable with a paring knife, and fill it in with a black marker. Arrange several in a shallow bowl, varying the heights and the shapes.

Unless they're down on hands and knees for an outdoor egg hunt, people tend to overlook the exquisite shapes and tones of minuscule spring flowers. Give these plants the close-up they deserve by using eggcups as vases, which can hold pink lilies of the valley, species tulips, grape hyacinths, narcissus, violets, pansies, bleeding-heart leaves, and other small wonders. Try several cups on a tray for an Easter centerpiece or a single one to cheer up a desk or a bureau.