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Anything that holds water can be used as a container. However, the container must help to express the idea of the designer has in mind for the arrangement. If a designer selects delicate, white roses to create a formal feeling, a rustic clay container would not be as good a choice as a crystal one.
The container should add to the appearance of the arrangement and harmonize with the rest of the design and the display environment. For example, an arrangement in a silver container would not be appropriate for a backyard barbecue where it would not harmonize with its surroundings.
Containers are selected by their characteristics just as flowers are. When selecting a container, the designer should consider the texture, shape, size and color of the container.
Texture:
The texture of a container will depend largely upon tie material of which it is constructed. Containers are generally made of glass, glazed pottery, plastic, wood metal and papier–mache, which is made of paper pulp. The textures of each of these materials can vary according to their finish. Generally, we think of containers with a smooth finish as having fine texture and containers with a smooth finish as having fine texture and containers with a rough finish as having a course one. The texture of the container should be compatible with that of the flowers. Silver containers have a fine texture and require the use of such flowers as roses and lilies. The rough texture of a wooden basket, on the other hand, would suggest the use of coarsely textured flowers, such as daisies and zinnias.
Shape:
The shape of a container is one of its most important characteristics. Commonly used shapes include vases, bowls, pedestals and baskets (Fig), the shape of a container often determines the form of the design. Bowls for example are often used for horizontal designs and low table arrangements, while vases would be used for more vertical designs.
Containers should have clean lines and not be healthy decorated. Highly decorated containers attract attention to themselves and away from the finished arrangement. Containers in the shape of clowns or automobiles for example, should not be used except for special occasions.
Size:
The principles of scale and proportion will help select a container of the appropriate size. The flowers for an arrangement should be 1½ to 2 times the height of the container and the overall arrangement should be in a good size relationship with its setting. An arrangement to be placed in a church would need to be large, therefore requiring a large container. An arrangement for a dining room buffet would be much smaller and utilize a proportionately smaller container. The size of the container must create a feeling of stability and harmony with the arrangement.
Color:
The color of a container must harmonize with the color scheme of the flowers and the room where the flowers will be displayed. Container colors that do not blend with the colors of the flowers call attention to themselves and away from the flowers. A blending of colors is preferable to contrasting ones.
Green containers that echo the foliage are often used by florists. Other commonly used colors are tan, brown, gray and white. Only use white containers if the flowers are mostly white. White can draw attention away from the focal point. The principle of unity requires that the color of the container and flowers harmonize.
Urns:
An urn is a tall vase with a base and actually used to store a cremated person's ashes. But, it can also be used as a flower container. It is suitable for making large arrangements, those that decorate the entranc e of a house.
Baskets
Baskets are one of the popular flower container types. You can choose to use with handle or without handle baskets. Wire baskets or rattan baskets. When you do fruit baskets, you must use baskets. You can also decorate the basket to become a flower girl basket. It serves many purposes in floral arranging and something a florist cannot do without.
Glass vases
Glass vases are used when you just place a bunch of flowers in them to create a flower bouquet. It is clear and transparent that's why it is best to just show the stems in the water. No arrangement is actually needed. But make sure the combination of flowers you choose is right. You could also put single flower type in the glass vase, like 12 stems of calla lilies. And, you've got yourself a flower bouquet.
Ceramic vases
Ceramic vases are also like glass vases but they are not transparent. Ceramic vases comes in various colors and shapes.
Grapevine wreaths
Grapevine wreaths are specifically used to make wreaths. You can buy them at craft stores and is available is many diameters. You can make door wreaths, Christmas wreaths or Thanksgiving wreaths with it
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