Sure, a glass or ceramic vase is a traditional vessel to hold flowers at events. But compared to these inventive alternatives, the old standard approaches seem rather ho-hum. Here's a look at some of the wildest and most unusual things we've seen used as containers for flower arrangements at events.
Industrial Materials
Industrial elements dominated the Tate Americas Foundation's Artists Dinner in New York in May. Designer David Stark used giant metallic tubes, florescent lights, and galvanized metal accents in raw event space Skylight at Moynihan Station. Soft pink flowers contrasted the industrial materials that held them.
Photo: Nadia Chaudhury/BizBash
Shoes
In 2011, New Balance took over New York's 620 Loft & Garden for a launch that saw producer MKG use shoes instead of vases as a tongue-and-cheek way to hold floral arrangements.
Photo: Jika González/BizBash
Ice
For the Canadian unveiling of the new limited edition Rémy Louis XIII Black Pearl cognac in Toronto in 2007, small golden bags filled with parting gifts flanked a square ice vase holding red roses.
Photo: Robyn Small/BizBash
Urinals
One of the twists of Smirnoff's 2001 Twistotica product launch event in New York was that the men's and women's restrooms were switched. So the planning team at EventQuest put flowers in the urinals of the new women's bathroom.
Photo: Courtesy of Smirnoff
Tea Kettles
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles hosted its annual Bafta Los Angeles TV Tea at the SLS Hotel during Emmy weekend this year, honoring nominees from America and Europe. At the event, tea kettles in the shape of red phone booths held floral arrangements.
Photo: Frazer Harrison/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA
Tires
To raise funds for its Nascare (Neighbors and Supporters Care) program, the Boca Raton Community Hospital ditched the typical ballroom setting in favor of a private hangar at the Boca Airport in 2006. Boston-based Rafanelli Events designed the event, which had a Nascar theme, inspired by the name of the hospital's cancer program. Tires served as unconventional vessels to hold flowers.
Photo: BizBash
Boots
Every year, the New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Dinner brings together top talents from the floral, interior, and fashion design communities who devise individual tables. In 2007, designers Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper put together an equestrian-theme table for Stark Carpet. Riding boots doubled as vases, and a single silver stirrup adorned the back of each chair cover.
Photo: Marina Senra for BizBash
Bird Cages
Variety and Women in Film's pre-Emmy party in Los Angeles in 2012 was inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and whimsical decor included hanging bird cages filled with flowers.
Photo: Joe Scarnici/WireImage
Popcorn Boxes
The Starlight Children's Foundation hosted its Starlight Gala, sponsored by Toys “R” Us, at Toronto's Fairmont Royal York Hotel earlier this year. With the goal of raising money for sick or injured children, organizers created a whimsical bash filled with circus-inspired ideas. To that end, fluffy white flowers spilled out of striped containers that were shaped like classic popcorn boxes.
Photo: George Pimentel Photography
Cardboard
For a 2009 West Elm opening in New York, event designer David Stark helped underscore the retailer’s dedication to environmental awareness by creating auction items made from packing materials. More than half the objects crafted by Stark were functional, including vases made from laser-cut cardboard. (Glass test tubes inside allow users to fill the flower holders with water.)
Photo: Jessica Torossian/BizBash
