There's a reason you cannot walk down a street in Paris in spring without tripping over a metal flower bucket or two. The pails are weather-resistant and available in a variety of shapes (there's a perfect size for every stem). We like to use small, stout versions as tabletop vases. Here are five of our favorites:
Above: Photograph via Toile de Jouy.
Above: First, the Cadillac of metal flower pails; an 11-inch-high zinc Florist Bucket is $88 from Terrain.
Above: If you want a slightly lower and wider profile, consider an Achla Round Galvanized Steel Tub measuring 10 1/4 inches high (with a diameter of 16 1/4 inches) is $74.99 from Vintage Tub.
Above: A small 6-inch-high Galvanized Metal Pail with a diameter of 7 3/4 inches has a single handle and is $6.99 from Factory Direct Craft.
Above: A large selection of Galvanized Tubs, Buckets, and Pails in various sizes and finishes is available from Save on Crafts.
Above: A shiny 6 1/4-inch-tall Galvanized Flower Bucket with a diameter of 7 inches and two handles is $3.99 from Wholesale Flowers and Supplies.
Looking for a vase? For more of our favorites, see 10 Easy Pieces: Simple Glass Vases Under $30.