The day of oversize vases full of flowers is wilting. The adage that less is more is taking root. Small bud vases are back -- in a big way.
Tamara Dillard, owner of Sophie's on North Market Street, said while bud vases have never been totally out of vogue, the styles are new and fresh.
"People are very conscious of natural and organic shapes," she said. "And they're wanting to bring that element inside their homes."
Bud vases are more economical, too.
"Manufacturers have caught on to the idea that a vessel with a larger opening is so much harder and more expensive to fill up," Mrs. Dillard said. "A cool bud vase with a smaller opening can look just as good with a single bloom at a great price."
Keep it simple
One might typically picture a single flower in a vase, but that's not necessarily the rule of thumb anymore.
"A bud vase does not need to contain an actual bud or bloom. The idea is to bring fresh, natural elements into your house on a daily basis," Mrs. Dillard said. "This makes it easy to keep something fresh in your home every day."
For architectural appeal, try a pretty piece of greenery from your yard or even a stick with an interesting shape.
"Anything goes, as long as the bloom or greenery does not overshadow the vessel," Mrs. Dillard said.
Among her recommendations are Gerbera daisies, roses, birch sticks, green hypernicum berries, rosemary, basil, fern tips and grasses.
style statement
Manufacturers now offer a wide range of shapes and sizes. Traditional cylinder and tear-shaped vessels are being sold alongside animal shapes and vessels depicting nature.
"They bring a little bit of life and an organic element" to the decor, Mrs. Dillard said.
A bud vase can be added to any room in your house to fill a niche or add color to a drab space.
"Wherever you want to bring a green, fresh look is appropriate," Mrs. Dillard said, adding that they are particularly effective on a bedside table or in a powder room, particularly if the bloom you choose has a nice scent, such as a rose.
If you're entertaining, a grouping of bud vases adds drama to a table or buffet.
"They're great when centered down a long table," Mrs. Dillard said.
Choose bud vases of differing heights and shapes, along with flowers of the same color. Or choose different colors of the same flower for a a little pizzazz.
