Bouquet making does not require much time nor a great expenditure of money for materials. The buyer (or sender) of flower bouquets is often confronted with the problem of selecting from a large and miscellaneous collection of vases in pottery, glass and even metal. All of this can be very confusing to the beginner, so a few suggestions may be helpful.

If one remembers that the chief purpose of the vase in question is to hold water and to support the flowers in the desired position, the problem is simplified. In selecting vases, bowls or baskets, it is wise to insist on simplicity of design and subdued colors which do not detract from the flowers themselves.

In a finished composition, the container becomes a part of the picture, but it should always be a subordinate feature. Glaring colors and fancy designs are always objectionable in that they detract from the flowers themselves. Sorted tones of green, brown, blue, black and grey are always pleasing. White, ivory and black are suitable when a pronounced contrast is desired between the color of the flowers and the receptacle. Metal flower vases in brass, copper, bronze, silver, gold or pewter adds dignity to flower arrangements intended for table decorations or special living room displays. Grandmother's copper kettle and bean pot have left the kitchen to decorate the sideboard or end table.

Metal ware and pottery is furnished in a variety of designs. Bowls, jars, compotes and chalices in all sizes and shapes provide a wide choice for the home decorator. In selecting low bowls avoid very shallow types as they do not hold enough water and are awkward to handle. Tall flower vases should not be too small at the top, for this tends to crowd the stems and blooms. Upright baskets with round bases are easier to fill then square, oval, or rectangular shapes, but they lack the grace and "beauty of line" of the more unusual types.
 

Bud vases or individual flower holders are popular because they display the flower and foliage beauty of each specimen. Open bowls are usually provided with glass or pottery holders or "frogs." The decorative types used in Japanese flower arrangements are, for the most part, perforated blocks and are satisfactory in a limited way when only a few flowers are used in the bouquet. The wire mesh holder or green hydro-block is far superior as it permits arranging the flower stems at any angle, resulting, ironically, in a more graceful and natural grouping. In large baskets or wide-mouthed bowls where the flower stems need support, it is feasible to use a make-shift holder constructed of 1/2 inch or 1 inch mesh netting. Fern leaves, freshly cut clover stems, evergreen twigs and most any small-leaved plant stems are exceedingly useful as filler or stuffing in basket liners or large open vases. The stems should be placed in a vertical position, otherwise one will experience difficulty in penetrating the crushed foliage mass with flower stems.

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