This post contains ideas to arrange vases of flowers.
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Back in 2020 I created a post about basic floral arranging tips and tricks. Since then, my love of cut flowers and all things green has…fleurished? (pun intended), and I find myself re-visiting and expanding my knowledge and skill when it comes to this calming hobby. Before diving into 5 unique and simple ideas to arrange vases of flowers, let’s review some cut flower basics.
Cut Flower Basics
Choose the right size of vase
A vase that is either overcrowded or overly sparse will distract from your arrangement no matter how gorgeous the blooms are.
Cleanliness is key
Be sure that your vase is clean and free from any dirt or residue from your last arrangement. The growth of bacteria will greatly impact the lifespan of your arrangement. Now, time for a controversial tip, consider adding a tiny amount of bleach to your water solution. A good rule of thumb is to add a ¼ teaspoon of bleach per litre of water. I have a friend who worked for a florist, and she shared that the antibacterial properties of the water/bleach solution extended the life of the cut flowers significantly. However, there are some more sensitive varieties (like tulips or irises) that would not tolerate the bleach solution well, so do a quick google search before arranging!
Trim & Strip
When thinking of how to put flowers in a vase, always remember to trim and strip. Trim all your stems at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area water can be absorbed. Additionally, remove any excess leaves of foliage that will be submerged. This keeps the growth of bacteria down.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Try to arrange in odd numbers as grouping flowers in threes or fives helps create a more balanced look.
- Play with various heights to add depth a dimension. Place taller flowers in the centre or back and the short ones around the edges.
- I personally love to migrate my arrangements throughout the house with me so I can enjoy them whether I am working, reading, or taking a soak in the tub. When I reach to move them to a new spot, I make sure to take note if the water has been recently changed, or if I need to recut or remove any stems to keep it looking fresh.
Now that we’ve revisited the basics on how to put flowers in a vase here are some fun, simple, and unique ideas for arranging vases of flowers!

Focus On A Single Bloom
Sometimes the key to creating a simple yet impactful arrangement can be found in a single bloom. Try to pick one standout flower, or type of flower, and focus on showcasing it with a supporting cast of foliage, greenery, and smaller buds. Varieties that would lend themselves well to this challenge are peonies, hydrangeas, or sunflowers. I love this focus when considering how to arrange flowers because it forces me to pare it back to the basics and allow the beauty of one to shine.

Create A Monochromatic Moment
I tend to gravitate towards more garden-inspired, whimsical arrangements when putting my vases together. One area where I love to challenge myself is to try to keep this style while sticking to a single colour palette. This brings some intentionality to my arrangements while pushing my comfort zone of not wanting the arrangement to look too…arranged? I do this by selecting floral varieties in differing shades and tones of the same colour to try to bring them together in a way that that showcases other elements of the blooms beyond the subtleties of their colours.

Unexpected Vases For Flowers
Unique and unexpected vases for flowers can be just as show-stopping as the arrangement itself. While thrifting or recycling, consider if what you are looking at could lend itself to being a unique container for your next floral arrangement. A repurposed bottle or dimpled piece of pottery can add charm to your display.
Embrace The Drama
I am often stumped on how to arrange flowers in a tall vase. I find that when it is done properly, it is an elegant and striking display that will generously welcome guests in a front entrance or provide an excellent backdrop atop a bar cart. However, it can tip into “spindly and sparse” territory very quickly. When figuring out how to arrange flowers in a tall vase, the variety of flowers is key. Options I love include delphiniums, gladioli, and snapdragons. Branches of greenery like eucalyptus or tall grasses will help to fill any gaps. Depending on the height that I am going for, I resource floral tape or other support structures (like a frog or foam) to help provide some stability for the arrangement. Be mindful with proportions with this style to ensure the width complements the height. This is a style I continue to experiment with and enjoy!

Expand On Your Senses
When arranging flowers, the main goal I consider is how it looks. One way to challenge myself is to consider taste and smell combinations as well. Add to the aromatic appeal of your arrangement by incorporating fresh herbs alongside your blooms. Fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint can complement flowers like roses, daisies, or chamomile. Some herbs even produce little flowers, like oregano’s little white buds! In addition to herbs, some flowers are even edible. Add pansies, marigolds, or violets on top of cakes or salads as a colourful touch. Playing with mixing and matching these elements can be a great way to infuse some personality into your arrangements.

Ideas For Arranging Vases of Flowers
I hope some of these ideas will inspire you in your summer arrangements. Sometimes putting a limit or focus on your process can help unlock new ideas for arranging vases of flowers.
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