Michelle Salazar
What I Like
With 14 years' experience choosing the perfect blooms for spaces from boutiques to wedding sites to private residences, Michelle Salazar knows how to say it with flowers. As the buyer and manager of the Crate and Barrel Fresh Flowers department, Michelle selects and arranges all the flora at the North and Clybourn store in Chicago. When creating a tablescape, her approach is classic and natural with a bit of humor thrown in, as exemplified by six of her favorite pieces from the collection.
- 1
Evelyn Clear Small Vase
I love the delicate, organic shape of this vase and the fact that no two are alike. The blooms naturally fall into the curves, making it perfect for a bunch of ruffled parrot tulips-or just two. It practically arranges the flowers for you.
- 2
Large Spin Hurricane
The fact that this vessel pulls double duty as a vase and a hurricane is a plus. The subtle freeform lines remind me of tree bark. To play off that pattern, I would fill it with flowering plum, cherry or quince branches. Lilacs would also work well. Or, you could fill it with a pillar candle and enjoy the glow.
- 3
Denny Vase
Everyone needs a vase that can hold a single, larger headed bloom-such as a peony-or a small bundle of very delicate, dainty blooms, like paperwhites or mini daffodils. This compact vase holds both and is perfect for a bedside table so you can literally wake up and smell the flowers.
- 4
Quadro Rectangle Vase
The simple, clean lines of this vase make it a favorite to wrap ti leaves or fern fronds on the inside, then create a low, massed-out arrangement of hydrangeas and clusters of ranunculus dripping down all sides. It's low enough to leave on the dinner table and not interfere with the evening's conversations.
- 5
Perception Mini Vase
Very modern in feel. I like that this vase is larger on one side then narrows down on the other. You can really play with the shape. This mini version is great for muscari. You get to see the lines and color of the stems through the glass. A single water lily positioned on the larger end of the vase makes for a stunning, contemporary still life.
- 6
Brooklyn Long Vase
This is my go-to vase because of its simple lines and subtlety. Its rectangular shape fills up a long table, but the low height still allows for conversation. It looks great filled with succulents floating over river stones or with large blooms like hydrangeas with the stems cut low. You can also submerge a few leaves inside and watch the vase go from clear to green with an interesting texture for a totally different look.
