Fresh-cut flowers from the garden are a true joy. We clip away, make lovely arrangements but when it’s time to display our arrangements, our choice of vase can sometimes be lackluster. It’s time to dive into our cupboards, sheds and garages and search for a few impromptu vintage-style containers that bring that real cottage appeal to our homes.
Baskets
Baskets are a wonderful way to add texture to any room, and when combined with flowers, they really add tons of cottage charm. I find the best way to display a floral arrangement in a basket is to fit it with a glass vase, bowl, or jar, and then simply fill with water and add flowers. (Table linens from Pacific & Rose)
Vintage Crocks
Vintage crocks are so charming when filled with fresh chamomile flowers from the garden. Wildflowers also work nicely in these sturdy containers, and because of the weight of the crocks, you can really add an abundance of flowers to them. Of course, store-bought bouquets are always a great option when displayed in a pretty crock.
Colorful Cans
Don’t throw out those colorful cans! These fun tin treasures add a charming “pop art” look to any floral arrangement. White daisies are just the right cottage flower to fill these inexpensive containers. Keep your eyes open while grocery shopping for graphic designs on cans that instantly grab your attention. Flea markets and eBay are great places to find vintage cans, as opposed to new ones.
Clay Pots
Indoors or out, clay pots are classic look when paired with your favorite cottage flowers. No time to add a colorful look to that boring corner in your home? Just bring in a couple of geranium filled pots from the garden for any easy fix that will brighten any space.
Ironstone
Why stop at flowers when adding garden charm to your home? Fresh picked lemons and limes instantly add just as much panache as any bouquet can. Think peaches and berries in the summer and apples or pears in the autumn. When displayed in simple white ironstone bowls and pedestals, this look is a true winner. White ironstone adds a timeless look to any home. (Table linens from Pacific & Rose)
Vintage Toolbox
The color of this rusty turquoise toolbox really spoke to me when I spotted it at a flea market. I brought it home with me and filled it with edible flowers and herbs. Start by lining the toolbox like this with several mason jars filled with water, and then load it up with lots and lots of colorful flowers and herbs. I love the juxtaposition of textures and colors with the rusty and colorful metal as the basis of the design.
Burlap Wrapped Mason Jar
Speaking of mason jars, I prettied this one up with a cut-out circle of ordinary burlap and light blue twine. Tied up pretty and with the edged “fringed,” it’s a playful look to contrast with the Hydrangeas and Japanese Anemones from the garden. Another option for this look would be cottage style fabrics like gingham, ticking stripes, or a cute calico print.
Galvanized Bucket
No flowers needed. I love the elegant look of a big handful of eucalyptus branches, and what better way to display them than in a tall, galvanized bucket? Any sort of galvanized bucket or container instantly adds loads of cottage charm to any garden treasure.
Finding fun containers for our garden cuttings can be a real treat in itself. We must remember to think outside the box when it comes to displaying flowers, fruits, and elegant cut branches, and our homes will thank us for it!
To see more of Claudia’s creativity visit her on Instagram, Facebook and her Blog.
And for more flower and outdoor fun see this post on Garden Parties
