Whether it’s an extravagant anniversary bouquet or a sweet little posy picked by your children, there’s nothing lovelier than receiving flowers. The scrabble for a suitable receptacle to put them in, however, can sometimes detract from the moment. Too large and your loved-one’s generosity suddenly looks rather meagre; too small and the flowers will compete for space and water, as well as looking rather top heavy. What you need is a collection of vases to suit all occasions.
Here we share the styles we make sure to always have to hand.
The Statement Vase
A work of art in its own right, the statement vase looks just as good without flowers as it does with. Seek out sculptural shapes, or artistic flourishes (a naked lady, à la Laetitia Rouget, perhaps?), hand-painted designs and specialist glazes.
1. Laetitia Rouget is perhaps the queen of the statement vase, and her aptly named Queen Pink Vase, with its hand painted naked lady is a sure-fire conversation starter. SHOP NOW
2. Laetitia Rouget’s Indigo Tulip Flower Vase, with its bold motifs and striking colour palette is a great foil for strong-coloured flowers at the opposite end of the colour wheel, such as these punchy yellow and orange tulips. SHOP NOW
3. For something more subtle yet still decorative, the Nèfle Vase by Jars is an elegant choice. Available in a choice of five coloured glazes, each bearing the unique gestures of the ceramicist who made them, they would look beautiful displaying grasses or prarie-style flowers. SHOP NOW
The Minimalist Vase
Classic, timeless shapes and materials make the minimalist vase a piece that will work especially well in modern interiors. Yet minimal doesn’t mean boring; interest can be introduced through shape and texture – and even a subtle pattern.
- With its cylindrical shape, Zafferano's Patèa Tall Cylinder Vase will become a go-to that displays every style of arrangement to great effect. Plus its pleasing shell motif succeeds in making it an interesting object in its own right. SHOP NOW
- John Julian’s Classical Handless Jug is the minimalist’s choice and would suit any interiors scheme. Crafted from unglazed ceramic, it’s pleasing to both look at and touch. Simple, minimal displays of a single plant en masse, grasses or foliage would look especially elegant in it. SHOP NOW
- With its modernist pattern, inspired by the furrows of the earth, Jars’ Sillage Coquillage Jug designed by Elise Fouin elevates a simple stoneware vase into something altogether more artistic. SHOP NOW
The Jug
Sometimes, the humble jug makes the perfect vessel. Cottage garden flowers such as roses, sweet peas, nigella and cosmos look especially charming displayed casually in a jug – whether a small posy or a generous armful.
- When Jars’ Cantine Flacon isn’t being deployed as a water carafe, it makes for a very fetching vase. Dried grasses and verbena would look especially elegant against the ‘rose buvard’ shade. Available in five colours. SHOP NOW
- Feldspar’s Water Jug is both useful and beautiful. Hand crafted in Devon from fine bone china, its tactile simplicity makes it the perfect choice for loose arrangements of tall plants such as dahlias, umbellifers and verbena in summer, or striking red ilex or textural pussy willow in winter. It will be a year-round staple on your kitchen table. SHOP NOW
- For shorter blooms, Jars’ Maguelone Pitcher with its organic, delicate shape and cracked glaze, is a lovely receptacle. Handmade at Jars’ headquarters in Drôme in the South of France, it’s available in four different shades. SHOP NOW
The Bud Vase
Any flower en masse is striking, yet when displayed on its own its singular beauty can be fully admired. A bud vase is a useful addition to any vase collection and looks especially lovely on a bedside table. Bud vases also look wonderful displayed in groups of three along a dining table or mantlepiece.
- There is something utterly charming about Jars’ Maguelone Creamer. At just 7.5cm high, it’s perfect for accompanying your morning coffee, and would look lovely holding a single pink rose. Available in four different colours. SHOP NOW
- John Julian’s Classical Bud Vase is a timeless yet modern choice which allows the flower to do the talking. Its compact size makes it ideal for display on tables, shelves or windowsills. SHOP NOW
- Zafferano’s Patèa Highball Tumblers also double up as attractive vases for a single stem, especially larger specimens such as peonies or blousy roses. Handcrafted yet dishwasher and microwave safe, these will become some of the hardest-working items in your kitchen. Available in a set of six. SHOP NOW
Discover more home accessories inspiration from Jack & Abel here.
