Bubble vases make attractive containers for flowers. Some vases have narrower openings at the top while others have a frilled lip. These vases are usually inexpensive and can be found at dollar stores and craft supply stores. For larger sizes, try a pet supply store--fish bowls look very much like bubble vases. A nosegay may be placed in the vase, the vase filled with fruit then flowers, or flowers and candles may be placed in the vase.
Cut 1/2 inch from the bottom of each flower stem and place in a bucket of ice cubes and water. This will make the flowers last longer in the arrangement. When cutting the flowers from the garden bring the bucket with you and place the flowers immediately in the water.
Measure how tall the vase is and then cut the flowers so they stand a few inches above the top of the vase. Strip the leaves from the bottom of the stems. Leaves under water will rot and cloud the water.
Gather the flowers in your left or nondominant hand and bunch them rather closely. The bouquet should be full and rounded. Put a rubber band around the flowers right below the blossoms. This keeps the flowers from spreading and flopping out of the vase. The rubber band will be covered by the flowers and won't show in the vase.
Fruit Filled Vases
Fill the vase with fruit before putting in the flowers. Round fruits echo the shape of the bubble vase. Try kumquats with orange and yellow flowers, cranberries with red and pink flowers or blueberries with yellow and purple flowers.
Slice smaller citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. Put the bouquet of flowers in the vase and then slide the fruit slices down the sides of the vase.
Fill the vase with water. The fruit will float and more may have to be added.
Place a bit of floral clay in the bottom of the vase. Press a round piece of floral foam on the clay. If necessary crisscross two pieces of sticky floral tape over the foam and onto the glass to fasten the foam firmly in the vase.
Cut the stems of the flowers so they are 1, 2 or 3 inches high.
Firmly press a tapered candle into the middle of the floral foam.
Arrange flowers around the candle. Cover the foam with colored glass marbles so it doesn't show. Fill the vase with enough water to just cover the foam.
About this Author
Katie Rosehill holds an MBA from Arizona State University. She began her writing career soon after college and has written website content and e-books. Her articles have appeared on GardenGuides.com, eHow, and GolfLinks. Favorite topics include personal finance - that MBA does come in handy sometimes - weddings and gardening.