Yesterday was my coworker’s birthday, and I got her a bunch of gorgeous peonies. But I didn’t pick up a vase, so we searched the office for something we could use because I’m not really a fan of the clear square and cylinder shapes we keep on hand. Instead, I like to place flowers in a vessel that’s as beautiful as the poppies that fill it. Here, a few favorites to try:

Larger head blooms like ranunculus or carnations look fantastic cut short and massed together in something shallow, like a teapcup. My grandmother had a collection of china teacups, and my side table is decorated with one filled with fresh blooms whenever I’m entertaining guests.

I am completely drawn to colored glass, and I love picking up one odd water glass in a see-through blue or green hue when I’m out shopping. I’ll put a single chrysanthemum or hydrangea stem inside.

In a pitcher or creamer, arrange a monochromatic bouquet of flowers in varying textures, such as white daisies, hyacinth, and gladiolus.