As Spring approaches and seasonal flowers become more plentiful, this beautiful bud vase design will enhance any space with its simple elegance.

Whilst you have an infinite choice of delicate flowers and grasses to choose from, selecting ingredients which complement each other perfectly, bringing movement, shape and texture is essential. I always find myself, when considering a bud vase design, inspired by the most delicate details and intricate features of each and every stem.

I hope the images within this journal post inspire you, and also remind you that sometimes it is the simplest designs that can transform a space and create such graceful beauty.

INGREDIENTS

For this design, I wanted to reflect the romance and delicacy of the vases; the hand-made, ruched edging is so fragile and yet is also beautifully functional, holding the more delicate stems perfectly.

I chose Orlaya (one of my favourites) and Cow Parsley for their lacy, intricate detail; they add movement, height and depth so perfectly. Sanguisorba could have been too dramatic within this design, but balanced by the creamy yellow within the Mock Orange and the peach and russet tones of the Nigella Seed Pods the colours bridge beautifully, while the trailing Jasmine adds to the illusion of this light and airy design, that almost dances down the table.

bud vases

Over the years, I have spent time collecting bud vases and now have a handsome collection. Some inexpensive from markets and recycled from old fragrance and antique medicine bottles, and others I invest a little more, like these ones from Petersham Nurseries. Each different style of vessel, whether clay, porcelain, wood or glass, adds its own individual elegance and charm to a design.

The joy of bud vase designs is they are infinitely flexible and can be placed almost anywhere. Grouped on round tables, placed the length of long dining tables, gathered and mixed with low votives and tall, tapered candles. Equally, smaller spaces can benefit from petite designs, such as the end of bars, consoles tables, cloakrooms, side tables and focal areas such as placed beside seating plans and wedding guest books.

Bud vases, when gathered and mixed together, create a magnificent design in their own right, and provide the finishing touch, when placed around the base of an overhead, dramatic table display.

CONSIDERED PLACEMENT

The placement of the bud vases is key. Look to nature for your inspiration, it always offers the right answer … you are looking for rhythm and balance without symmetry. Experiment as you place your bud vases, try them individually and in small, tight groupings of 2 and 3, and mix with candles (votives and tall, tapered) or perhaps elegantly potted plants, finished with moss.

If you are creating a design for a dining table, consider all the elements to be placed - the condiments, candles, glasses and water jugs. Create natural spaces for the additional elements, so the whole design works in harmony.

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