Flowers that do not peep out of the tops of vases… Hmm… What do you think? It seems to be a bit of a trend in floral design, my floral designer friend back in the states is fond of this look and has used it at some weddings. It looks like the French are on to it as well, this image is from French decoration magazine 100 Idees Deco (which I regularly pick up as I can get it at the train station). I’ve seen it here and there around the web on wedding blogs, too.

Here, 100 Idees Deco has tried the look out using carnations. It comes across very no-frills, a simple, casual arrangement, don’t you think? Would you try this at home? Do you see this as an everyday arrangement or reserved for special events only, like a wedding or dinner party?

(image: 100 idees deco)

48 Responses to “Flowers: Would You Try This?”

1 April (Everything Little Miss) commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 6:45 am

I like this look for the carnations in the photo. They’re such a standard flower that they can be boring, but this is a different way of enjoying them.
April (Everything Little Miss)´s last blog ..inspiration: about the bon voyage design
2 Denise Laborde commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 6:53 am

I would try it for a dinner party, I think the impact is significant in the photo because there are a few vases.

BTW Just got my Freya art poster (the sunshine one!) in the mail thanks to your post from a few days ago.

Thanks for all the wonderful information and links.

Bises, D
Denise Laborde´s last blog ..The Foam Stamp Series: Manifesto-inspired Layouts
3 Nichole commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 6:57 am

I think it makes the flowers look more special, like something not to be touched. It calls to mind images of the rose in Beauty and the Beast, and I really kind of like it! I don’t have a lot of clear vessels for flowers though, mostly colored glass or pottery, so this wouldn’t work for me as I’m sure clear is the best choice for showcasing the flowers.
Nichole´s last blog ..red velvet
4 juliette commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 7:00 am

I would totally give this a try – although my husband really likes to stop and smell whatever fresh flowers we have, so I think he’d be a little bummed, ha ha!

But for a party or dinner guests – yes – something different – especially if you have some other empty jars next to them with candles in them – for once the flowers wouldn’t get scorched! =)
juliette´s last blog ..Corner View: September and a Science Fair
5 The Buzz - Diane James Home commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 7:12 am

Seems a bit sad to capture the beauty of blossoms in a jar… a little like keeping summer fireflies overnight!
The Buzz – Diane James Home´s last blog ..Let’s Go Shopping… Again!
6 decor8 commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 7:34 am

Nichole – Yes, Beauty & the Beast (my favorite Disney film and Broadway show!). Oh that’s why I like this!!!
7 decor8 commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 7:34 am

Denise I’d love to see the art poster in your home!!!
8 cary commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 7:57 am

I think it works when it’s a flower thats kind of sculptural – tall vase and tall flowers…not sure if I like it with more everyday smaller flowers.
cary´s last blog ..Clean and Modern…
9 Victoria Klein commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 8:05 am

This is a great idea to do at home, especially if you have kids or pets :)
10 Kristan commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 8:12 am

Actually, I have never seen this but I really like the look! Now I definitely want to try it.
Kristan´s last blog ..The gorgeous girls of Glee
11 Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 8:26 am

I’d do it too, but mostly as a display for guests. I really like being able to smell my flowers :)
12 stephanita commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 8:43 am

This is a great, saw this on thier website, and you can take simple grocery store flowers, group them by color and liven up a table! I have cats that are interested in everything, but this an inexpensive way to display flowers. love love love!!
stephanita´s last blog ..atomsatwork & BerkshireMade at the SoWA Open Market!
13 Katja commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 8:44 am

I like it, it’s very pretty and could be a great way to “hide” flowers from our very curious cat that is always very interested in them :)
Katja´s last blog ..Bedroom
14 Ann Elizabeth commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 9:24 am

I love this arrangement. I would use it at home or as a center piece for any events!
Ann Elizabeth ´s last blog ..Go for Gold
15 Zee commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 9:27 am

I have not seen it before and I really love the idea! I always have flowers at home and I would like to give it a try!
Zee´s last blog ..Nostalgia
16 Concha commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:02 am

Yes, absolutely! I LOVE flower arrangements like this. they feel so modern and chic, and the flowers breathe. I don’t particularly like those uptight arrangements that are featured on MSLiving, for instance. I think this is the way to go! Almost reminds me of ikebana.
Concha´s last blog ..Coin quilt in progress
17 minouette commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:15 am

Actually this is not for me. I’ve seen photos where this looks pretty, but personally, I would feel like they were trapped. I would prefer to enjoy the flowers more fully in a more natural state. For me, bringing a little life into the home isn’t about tidiness, it’s about the natural unruliness.
minouette´s last blog ..The Gryphon linocut- Limited Edition
18 hyz commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:44 am

Ok, I’ll be the voice of dissent. I don’t care for this–I mean, it’s not awful, but when I get flowers I like to be able to really see and smell and experience them. It’s their freshness and texture and color that appeal–all of that seems diminished/muted to me by putting them in glass jars.
19 Kristen commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:47 am

I’m not loving this. There’s something morbid about it … I guess it reminds me a little bit of the fetal pigs in glass jars of formaldehyde from high school biology.
20 Erin Stanton commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:50 am

Interesting idea… Maybe I’ll try it for an upcoming bookclub i have.
Erin Stanton´s last blog ..Handwritten notes are not dead… Night Owl Paper Goods
21 decor8 commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:56 am

Kristen – ha ha! Well I pretended to be sick during lab when I knew frogs and animals were involved… So I don’t make the connection. :) Thank goodness, that’s creepy! I see why you wouldn’t like this then. Ewww.

To me, it reminds me of how you put cupcakes and cake under glass to protect it, my mother ALWAYS had glass domes over baked goods growing up, so things under glass don’t creep me out.
22 Kristy commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 11:07 am

It makes me think of specimens. Which can be good, I guess, if you’re going for a steampunk aesthetic.

~Q
23 Christine commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 12:01 pm

IMHO, the carnations in the closed jar just looks sad..it’s fragrance, the main part of it’s appeal, can’t be fully appreciated. The flowers in the other jars seem too crowded and look like they were just shoved in there..a singular flower would make a more dramatic display..
p.s. I do like the grape hyacinths displayed in the jar though :)
Christine´s last blog ..Balancing Act
24 Justina Blakeney commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 12:45 pm

love the idea of having the flowers in the jars, i agree with previous comments about it maybe feeling specimen-like, but I feel like the use of carnations kind of adds to that because I associate carnations with funerals. I feel like peonies or plum blossoms would be stunning.
Justina Blakeney´s last blog ..color collection: YELLOW
25 Frugal Bon Vivant commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

I like the idea, but I think I’d like to see dahlias in a jar!
Frugal Bon Vivant´s last blog ..FREE Fekkai Shampoo @ Saks Fifth Avenue
26 Maren commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

As an event floral designer, I think this concept works very well, especially when combined with other arrangements where the flowers are not completely contained within the vase. However, I don’t think that carnations are the right choice for this application – their stems look so mangy here. It is perfect for showcasing more interesting/large single blooms like peonies, garden roses (or very open hybrids), dahlias, orchids, etc. or groups of blossoms with interesting stems/foliage like tulips or a spray of dendrobium or cymbidium orchids.
27 Polly commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm

I think it would be hard to make them look good, but the ones in the photo are gorgeous. I also think it would look better as a collection of vases, like in the photo x
Polly´s last blog ..feeling free
28 The Design Boards commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

I really like this idea, I think I might use it for my wedding! Thanks!
The Design Boards´s last blog ..Daily Design Inspiration
29 Anna commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

Something just isn’t sitting right for me with these.

I agree that they seem ‘trapped’ somehow.
Anna´s last blog ..On impulsive decisions
30 decor8 commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 5:12 pm

I’m loving the various opinions here and your explanations, this is a great “study” of taste I think. Thank you all for jumping in with your thoughts!
31 B commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 7:37 pm

These images leave me a bit cold. I think flowers are one of the warm and lively elements in a space, and this completely negates that for me. I do have tillandsia in a jar, but those are air plants and don’t require water, so it’s a different effect for me. They’re cold and spiky to begin with. :)
B´s last blog ..Dear Interwebs
32 Cookie Cutter commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 8:34 pm

I must be lagging. It’s the first time I’m seeing flowers presented this way (yup, except for in Beauty and the Beast)! Yeah, they do seem a little trapped but it’ll definitely draw some attention! Wedding/party guests would have a talking point. So, for me, it’s why not? :)
Cookie Cutter´s last blog ..The sky I wish to share with you
33 Angela commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 9:45 pm

I have been going crazy for terrariums lately, and this reminds me of that.
34 Tamms commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 9:49 pm

The way they have it here is very casual but could be lots of fun for a dinner party centerpiece. I would like this cluster more with the blooms floating and instead of carnations (not my fav) I think super colorful zinnia’s or dahlia’s could look super cute!

I think the best blooms to be arranged inside a vase are orchids, mini callas and tulips actually look really nice too!

PS HI Holly! I miss you!!!
35 Sprout commented:
September 17th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

The flowers-as-specimen look. I like this but with a single fabulous interesting blossom. A bit like butterflies under glass, you either like the focus it brings to the object, or it creeps you out.

I would definitely NOT do this with carnations though – they stink up the water too fast and it is not a good smell!
Sprout´s last blog ..Red and Purple Wedding Part 2 – The Chuppah
36 Alex commented:
September 18th, 2009 at 1:21 am

I do this all the time……………everytime my little ones bring in flowers from my garden that don’t fit in the jar. :)
Alex´s last blog ..A Love for Cupcakes
37 decor8 commented:
September 18th, 2009 at 2:24 am

Tamms! Hi honey!!!
38 Ika commented:
September 18th, 2009 at 2:42 am

Lovely! :)
39 Krissy @ B.Inspired, Mama! commented:
September 18th, 2009 at 6:35 am

I LOVE it! It would be a really great way to use some of my vintage clear glass with a smaller amount of flowers than would be required to make a nice traditional (above the rim) bouquet. Thanks for sharing!
Krissy @ B.Inspired, Mama!´s last blog ..I Nearly Had a COW When I Got My FREE Moo Business Cards
40 zarnigar commented:
September 19th, 2009 at 3:34 am

perfect contents for decor …….. flowers are always best choice for decor but u presented them in seprate but fantastic way
41 Patchwork Harmony commented:
September 20th, 2009 at 1:43 am

ooh, I bought some of these jars recently at a car boot sale and still wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to put in them! this might be worth a try! thanks! x
Patchwork Harmony´s last blog ..Anthropologie arrives soon in London…
42 moline commented:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:47 am

This is such a nice idea. I can imagine doing this with fall colour flowers and add mason jars filled with acorns and chestnuts – I will try this!
moline´s last blog ..Dottie Angel
43 Nicole commented:
September 21st, 2009 at 10:57 am

I love this idea, especially for “simple” flowers like daisies and carnations or something. Also, I think even the dried roses I have might look nice cut and arranged in similar clear jars.
44 Gina commented:
September 21st, 2009 at 12:43 pm

I think I would try this out on a dinner party, it can be fancy or casual. I think its a unique concept. Thanks so much for sharing! :-)
Gina´s last blog ..Welcome Back Monday!
45 Carrue commented:
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 am

I like Nichole’s analogy. I would definitely try this out, and I like the mason jar look as a vase.
46 Beverly commented:
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Very creative design and very unusual. I like it!
47 Kitzy commented:
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 am

Besides the fact that it looks simply adorable I also like the practicality of it. My cat is my biggest enemy when it comes to having flowers displayed in my home, so some lovely in the jar flowers is a fantastic idea!
48 Tyro Prate commented:
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:12 am

Would it be possible to fill the jars with some clear liquid that would prevent the flowers from decaying? (Obviously, I’m not a biology expert.)

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