Finding the Right Vase

Crystal rewards light: Lalique's sculpted vases and Daum's pâte de verre are showpieces even empty. Porcelain from Bernardaud and cut crystal from William Yeoward flatter loose garden-style arrangements.

A rule of thumb: stems should stand about one-and-a-half times the vase height. Keep a bud vase for single blooms, a medium vase for market bouquets, and one statement piece for entrance tables.