THE ALTERNATIVE VASE

Spring heralds an appreciation of flowers and is a popular time to invite people into our homes to share festivities.

I have always been a fan of small flower displays, especially on my dinner or buffet tables. I find that it brings a natural charm to my tables without interfering with food displays. Small displays of flowers can be very economical and bring the beauty of nature to your guests without worrying about large displays taking up too much room, interfering with conversation across the table, creating scents that distract from food aromas and it is kinder to those with allergies!

Using small displays of flowers can be a very economical way to make a big impact. One can buy just a few exotic looking flowers or bring them in from your garden and you can pick up some added greenery from your garden or by foraging! When I buy flowers that have not fully opened, I find that, by cutting the stems shorter and removing some leaves, the flower buds tend to open beautifully. This is a particularly great method to have your roses open fully so that they can really be appreciated. Once I have finished using them to help dress up my dinner table - I then move them around the house to have small displays in every room which extends their charm. As you will see from my gallery I use a lot of roses - this is mainly because I have a cat - and I want to keep any concerns about toxicity for him down to a minimum!

When using small flower displays, one of the things I love to do is look out for small containers for them and in this respect I try to think outside the vase! “Shopping your home” for alternative vases is a great way to get creative with your decor while saving money. I have shown quite a few displays in my gallery of photos below. I do hope that my photos will inspire you. Everyday household items can make unique and stylish vases with just a little imagination. You can use these alternative vases individually or group them together. Here are some unexpected items that I have repurposed, but of course you can use bud vases too:

• Drinking glasses & mugs – A simple, rustic way to display small bouquets.

• Pitchers & carafes – Perfect for a farmhouse or vintage aesthetic.

• Mason jars – A classic, versatile choice for flowers.

• Teapots & creamers – A whimsical touch.

• Perfume bottles – Small but charming, ideal for delicate flowers like baby’s breath.

• Mustard jars, jam jars or herb pots.

• Toothbrush holders – Can double as a sleek bud vase.

• Candle jars – Once cleaned out, they make beautiful vases.

• Ceramic, metal or wooden containers – Often used for kitchen storage, but they work well for florals too.

GALLERY

Results of "alternative vases " shopped at my home!

Once again I find this idea ticks a lot of boxes for a Péché Mignon Lifestyle. It is simple, charming, beautiful, creative, inexpensive and sustainable. All the things we love!

NOTE:

To avoid damage to wood or precious items, an old glass jar can be used to actually hold the flowers and water which is then inserted into the decor item. These inner jars can be quite small as your flowers only need a little water to keep them fresh (remember to top up regularly though). You can also use soaked floral foam - this can be placed on a saran wrap lining inside your decor item. You might find some inspiration if you take a look back at my Ikebana post!

COMPETITION

Please send me some photos of your alternative vase displays (by email to vivien@pechemignonlife.com ) - those received before midnight on April 25, 2025 will be entered into a competition. The competition will be judged by a florist and the winner and runner up will receive a prize! I will feature the winning photos in The Journal. I am looking forward to seeing your creative ideas. Good luck!

You might also find some inspiration if you take a look back at my Ikebana post in The Journal.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: : PHOTOGRAPHY - BENG LAI