The Joy of a Small Vase

My cottage garden rarely produces armfuls of perfect blooms. More often, it offers a flower here, a wild thing there, something interesting worth bringing indoors before the weather changes. Some of my favourite flowers in the home have consisted of a single storm-beaten rose or a little handful of delicate Spring bulb flowers, rescued before my cat decides to sleep in the cool of the plant pot.

That’s why I find myself drawn to small vases. They celebrate these fleeting moments rather than waiting for something grander.

The latest bud vases from Deborah Wren Ceramics feel made for exactly this purpose. Individually hand-built, each one carries its own character, with softly imperfect shapes that reveal the touch of the maker. No two are quite the same, and I find this level of individuality increasingly appealing in a world of mass production.

When asked what inspired the new collection, Debbie said “I first came up with the idea when I started growing dahlias for the first time last summer and the blooms were out of this world but on very short stems. I thought I really need a small vase to display just a single flower.”

The gentle white glaze that Debbie uses keeps the focus on whatever is placed inside. It also makes these vases the perfect gift to suit all home décor styles. I particularly like that these vases feel reassuringly weighty in the hand. Delicate enough to feel special, yet sturdy enough to be used every day without the worry that often comes with treasured objects.

They can also bring colour and nature to places where a large vase might not fit. On a bookcase, bedside table, or by the sink.

Perhaps that’s the real joy of a small vase. It encourages us to notice those little songs in the garden that are about to end, and allow them to play just a little longer.