9 Creative Ways to Display a Bouquet

By Alexandra Churchill of Martha Stewart Living

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Don't think you have a decorative vessel worthy of your pretty blooms? It's time to think outside the vase.

Photography: Burca Avsar

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Glasses

Don't think you have a decorative vessel worthy of your pretty blooms? It's time to think outside the vase.

We start with this simple, sunny arrangement. Unused jam jars and glass containers in your kitchen work well as vases. Not to mention, glass jars won’t damage fabric or wooden surfaces the way terra-cotta pots can. Place cut blooms in water or transfer miniature potted plants, such as orchids or hellebores. Water the plants sparingly, and pour out any excess so they don't rot.
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Mason Jars

A mason jar has so many uses -- and it looks oh-so springlike with a fresh coat of pastel craft paint. A cluster of sunny daisies are perfect with these upcycled jars as kitchen decor.

Make the Mason Jars Turned Vintage-Decor Vase
Photography: Kana Okada

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Teacups

Size doesn't matter. Try snipping off only a few short-stemmed flowers. In this arrangement, the full petals of this 'Kwanzan' cherry are well matched with this hot-pink teacup. To prevent the taller pieces from flopping over the rim, try tying the stems together underneath the blooms.
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Eggshells

Grouped together, these make a lovely springtime centerpiece. Individually, they make a pretty marker for place settings. Break an egg at the top of its shell, drain the contents, and carefully rinse out the inside. Here, a trio of eggs are bursting from the crack with small buds of lilacs, lily of the valley, and violas.

Make the Eggshell Vase
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Shells

With summer heat on its way, a trip to the beach is definitely in store. After scouting for sand-covered shells washed up on the shore, put those treasures to good use. This wide-mouthed nautilus shell makes a statement in the bedroom.

Make the Nautilus Shell Vase
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Wooden Stumps

This group of decorative wooden vases are inspired by nature. A ball jar is placed inside the wooden stump, then camouflaged with clump moss and cool-colored grape hyacinth.

Make the Muscari Vase
Photography: Christopher Baker

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Pumpkins

One of the fall season's iconic crops is transformed into an elegant decorative container. The wide top of the pumpkin lends itself to be a roomy container for flower arrangements.

Make the Pumpkin Vase
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Gourds

Similarly, ripe squashes and gourds work too. Try a variety of shapes and sizes for an impressive mantle display. These will remain watertight for about a week.

Make the Gourd Vase
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Tea Tins

These vintage containers can take on a modern look when used in floral design. Here, we filled one with roses, gomphrenas, and sweet peas. The tins are both watertight and shatterproof, so you don't have to worry about leaks or breakage.