Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Peonies in Crystal Wine Decanter Create a Picturesque Still Life


Sitting at the kitchen table late one afternoon, two peonies in a crystal wine decanter looked like a still life painting.


A bolt of sunshine illuminated one of the flowers as it streamed through the windows over the sink.





(Luckily, the digital camera was nearby so I went to town trying to capture the loveliness of the moment for all my beloved blogland friends.)



Many times, wine decanders can be found at yard sales. They make great vases.

The pink square plate under the flowers cost only $4.99 at an outside sale. It goes perfectly with a colorful table runner purchased for $1.99 at the Christmas Tree Shops.
















By the way, peonies are natives of Asia. They are named after Paeon, a student of Asciepius. The latter was the Greek god of medicine and healing.

Legend has it that one day, when Asciepius was angry at Paeon, Zeus rescued Paeon by turning him into a peony! Imagine that!
DO YOU USE A VARIETY OF VASES FOR FLOWERS?

13 comments:

The Old Parsonage said...

Good Morning

Love the bright pink blooms in that decanter. Yes, I use what ever's handy for my flowers. I'm going to cut hydragenas for today and put them in a blue Ball jar for the kitchen table.

Enjoy your day!
Leann

Claus said...

We have a number of crystal, inexpensive, pretty vases for flowers in a closet at home. Also a good vase around here: hollow bamboo. There is plenty of bamboo around, and it is quite popular in decoration. I discovered bamboo vases last year, when my mom received a wonderful "exotic" flower arrangement (with tropical and "exotic" varieties available in the country) for her birthday, in a beautiful and large bamboo vase. I then got others :-)
Beautiful peonies!
have a lovely day!

Vanessa said...

You're quite right, very lovely photos!

a Bohemian Market said...

Hi Susan:
Love, love love these Peonies!!!
The color is ethereal and they are quite magical.
I did not know the history other than they came from China. How interesting the history of flowers can be : )
Thank you for sharing the information with us!!!
peace & have a beautiful day
carole

diane stetson said...

I always loved peonies..but not the bugs inside. I have gotten four boquets of flowers in the last two weeks. I love them ..all kinds of colors and blooms. Have a great day!

Rebecca said...

Your peonies are so charming. I wish I had a few to pluck! One of my childhood homes had a driveway LINED with peonies. My mother used to "curse" them - they drooped so badly and there were too many to brace up.....but it is hard to find a flower that matches them in fullness and beauty.

Chatty Crone said...

I don't think I have seen that color of peonies. They are so pretty. Yes I have a variety of vases for my flowers - one is a beautiful crystal one.

Love,
sandie

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I just pulled a turquoise decanter out of the cupboard the other day with every intention of getting a brillian pink silk flower to place in it. One lovely stem is all it needs. Just haven't been anywhere to get one yet. My second day at home in pajamas and loving it. Best wishes to you, Tammy

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

What beautiful peony blooms! I'm just back from a long weekend and catching up -- thanks for your visit last week to my pansy table and your very nice comments.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Susan those are such pretty flowers! I love to use different vases. I have lots of milk glass and some clear vases and then just interesting things to put flowers in!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh, dear Susan, you have taken the prettiest photos of these peonies! Thanks for sharing!

Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!} said...

Pretty!
Oh, so pretty!
There are many people I'd love to turn into a flower, LOL! ;) (I'm so sweet.)
I also was looking at your pretty yellow wall, wainscoting and ceramic-handled door!
Those are oh, so pretty, too!
Hugs, sweetie!

Susan said...

Hi Girls! Sooooo glad you like the peonies. I'll have to pick more flowers for you! Susan

Related Posts with Thumbnails