The Best Bouquets

For a Square Vase

Ideal flower match: Hyacinths (shown), daffodils, or amaryllis, which all have weighty heads and delicate, stick-straight stems.

Why the pairing works: A square vase calls for equally graphic blooms. The elongated cone-shaped heads of hyacinths soften the angular, compact vessel, which handily props up the top-heavy flowers. Choose contrasting colors, like velvety purple and stark white, for a modern look.

How to arrange: Cut off the white root at the base of each hyacinth; the leaves will fall off. Rinse the stems and the leaves. Angle the blooms around the perimeter of the vase so that they stick out and some heads rest on the rim. Position a few stems at slightly different heights in the middle. Tuck in the leaves at regular intervals throughout.