There are plenty of occasions when an overflowing bouquet of flowers is called for–take last weekend's Mother's Day for example–but the cost adds up quickly if you like to keep a bunch of blossoms around the home on a regular basis. That doesn't mean you need to forgo flowers though. Instead, pick one or two stems and showcase them in a lovely vase. You'll be surprised how far just a few flowers can go to making a home feel pulled together.

Above, bud vase from Heath Ceramics for $22. I picked this up at the Ferry Building Saturday and am already plotting the next color I'd like to get. They're like potato chips; I bet you can't have just one. Read more...