9 peony arranging ideas – how to style everyone's favorite early summer flowers

Fans of these beautiful blooms can rejoice, as peony season has finally arrived. Elegant, soft-scented and effortlessly low-maintenance, it's no surprise that peony arranging ideas are all over our Instagram feeds at the moment. If you want to grow your own, read our guide on how to plant peonies so that you can get ahead for next year and pick them from your own garden.

The fact that peonies are rarely available outside of the months of April – June could be part of their allure – according to Whitney Bromberg Hawkings, CEO and founder at FLOWERBX, it’s their short but sweet season that adds to the desire and might explain why they regularly feature in floral trends.

'Aside from their obvious, blousy beauty, it's the range of shades, textures, and tones that makes peonies so well-loved,' she says. 'They're also favored for their symbolism, signifying romance, elegance and good fortune, which makes them ideal for gifting.'

From vintage vessels to pretty petal place settings, and outdoor displays to mix and match bud vases, we've curated these lovely ideas for decorating with flowers this peony season and beyond.

1. Mix and match bud vases

Bud vases allow the flowers to do the talking, but no rule says the vases need to match

'Peonies look delightful in bud vases, explains Rebekah Gross, Head of Special Projects and Events at Plantshed. 'If you're having an intimate gathering at home, displaying peonies in a variety of mismatched bud vases can create a multi-dimensional design and is an inexpensive way to make single blooms look full and luxurious.'

As well as mixing up your vessels you can also vary the height of your display pieces to add interest to your outdoor table centerpiece ideas.

'Keep a flow along the table with stems of different heights and numbers,' Whitney explains. 'Remember: a single stem can often be as impactful as four! It's all about curating a balance that helps the eye dance along the display.'

Top tip: Once you have unwrapped your peonies, Whitney suggests re-cutting the stems about 2-3cm from the bottom at a 45° angle. 'This encourages water absorption and maximizes vase life.'

2. Create a country look with an enamel milk churn

For a touch of rustic refinement, arranging peonies in a vintage enamel pitcher or milk churn creates a charming contrast that feels both curated and effortlessly chic.

Melissa Hessney Masters, Peony Farmer, Floral Designer and Owner of Tanglebloom Flower Farm suggests filling the churn with 10–20 stems for a cheerful peony-based centerpiece, with the soft blooms spilling out of the timeworn piece.

A white or pastel enamel pitcher, perhaps with light chips or a patina that has developed over time and tells a story, highlights the vibrancy of in-bloom peonies, especially in blush, coral, or deep magenta tones.

'Choose big, fragrant varieties like Sarah Bernhardt or Festiva Maxima,' Melissa says. 'For extra whimsy, varieties such as Do Tell have more delicate stems, which create a beautiful sense of movement.”

Top tip: If store-purchased peonies are a little tight at their bloom head, Rebekah suggests carefully removing their foliage and setting them in a fresh vase of water in a sunny room. 'This will encourage them to open naturally', she says. You can also read our advice on how to open peonies fast.

3. Choose a vintage tea pot

For a whimsical yet sophisticated twist, arranging peonies in vintage vessels such as a porcelain teapot or a thrifted jug will bring character and storytelling into the home.

A delicate teapot adorned with fading floral motifs is the perfect pairing for soft pink or ivory peonies on a bedside table, while a rustic, hand-made jug makes a striking centerpiece on a reclaimed wood dining table.

The contrast of the lush, romantic blooms with these storied finds evokes a sense of nostalgia – proving beauty can be found in the most unassuming objects.

'Low, rounded containers like teapots allow the blooms to spill over dramatically,' explains Melissa. 'For a relaxed, wildflower-style look, add a few stems of Lupine, Columbine, and Geum.'

Top tip: Peonies are thirsty flowers. Melissa recommends topping up water daily and changing it completely every 2–3 days.

4. Take your peonies outside

Give an unused basket a pretty purpose by filling it with peonies and displaying it proudly in your yard for an arrangement that evokes all the charm of a countryside flower market.

'A vintage basket is a charming and versatile way to display peonies,' explains Melissa. 'To make it work, tuck Mason jars filled with water inside to keep stems hydrated – this also avoids water damage to the basket.'

Melissa suggests varying the height of the blooms for a loose, garden-gathered feel, and letting a few flowers spill over the edge to soften the basket’s silhouette and add movement.

A similar outdoor moment can be created by arranging several open peony blooms in a galvanized watering can.

'Perfect for porch décor or outdoor entertaining, this creates a charming, farmhouse-inspired display that feels both rustic and refined,' Melissa adds.

Top tip: For extra stability, Melissa suggests creating a grid over each Mason jar with clear florist's tape or using a flower frog at the base of each jar.

5. Create a beauty bowl

Despite their delicate beauty peonies are actually quite a heavy flower. Depending on the variety, some stems are prone to bending or breaking, leaving you with a peony head and not much stem to work with.

When this happens, instead of throwing them out, Sarrah Taylor, Floral Designer at Adelman Peony Gardens suggests displaying the blooms in beautiful bowls.

'With a very short stem or no stem, a shallow bowl works well to allow the petals to open up as the peony matures,' Sarrah explains. 'For a different look, a more cupped bowl will hold the petals in tighter.'

Top tip: If you have a few inches of stem to work with, Sarrah suggests placing the peonies in a small bowl so the stem is the same height as the bowl. No taping is required. 'This will allow the flower to open up completely over the top of the bowl,' she says.

6. Cluster your collection

Clustering peonies in a series of similar vases creates a striking, cohesive display that feels both curated and contemporary.

'The most impactful way to let every peony stem shine is through single-varietal arrangements in modern, elevated vases, such as our Wickstead vases,” Whitney explains.

'The brass tone is the perfect complement to flowers in rich shades of red and coral while adding interest when paired with softer tones of ivory and pink. When arranged as a group this sort of display creates even more wow factor.'

For a display using a collection of the same vases, Whitney recommends arranging each shade of peony in its own vase. 'You can do this in whatever way makes sense to your visual eye, but I like to take mine from the deepest to softest tone.'

You can achieve a similar impressive effect using a collection of vintage bottles. 'Group 3–5 vintage glass milk or apothecary bottles on a tray or windowsill and place one bloom in each,' suggests Melissa. 'This makes a casual centerpiece or adds a sweet touch to a kitchen nook.'

Top tip: Melissa suggests always starting to arrange blooms when they are in the 'marshmallow stage' –buds should feel soft but not squishy.

7. Make a pretty peony place setting

Peonies will elevate any spring tablescaping ideas, especially when used as individual place settings. Whitney suggests using a single peony laid individually on top of a plate or tucked into a name card to add a personal and luxurious touch for each guest.

'While people often use delicate flowers or foliage stems to create this look, peony season is so fleeting that I like to make the most of them at every opportunity.'

Another idea, if you’re setting the table for brunch or a special dinner, is to tuck a fresh peony into a softly folded linen napkin at each place setting. 'This is an effortless way to make guests feel special and instantly elevates the entire table,' explains Iryna Kolosvetova Table Stylist and Founder of Fine Dining 4 Home.

'Choose a napkin color that contrasts the bloom to really let it pop. Think pale blush on natural oat linen or a bold pink against soft white.'

Top tip: If you’re setting a peony table outside Whitney recommends keeping your stems in water, then snipping them down at the last minute for your place settings. 'A quick spritz of cool water can help refresh their petals once they’re ready to be placed in position,' she adds.

8. Make a modern statement

The contrast of soft, romantic peonies with a sleek, sculptural vase adds instant drama.

'A monochrome palette, like white peonies in a black vase, emphasizes that modern edge,' explains Melissa.

'Choose peonies with strong, upright stems and avoid overcrowding; negative space enhances the sculptural effect.'

Top tip: For balance, Melissa suggests letting a few buds sit lower while others rise slightly above the rim of the vase.

9. Try a stone planter

A vintage stone or ceramic bowl or planter makes a stunning low arrangement, perfect for a dinner table where you don’t want your blooms to block the conversation. Take a look at our garden party decorating ideas for more table-centered suggestions.

'Peonies pair beautifully with broad-leaf foliage like Salal or Eucalyptus (easily sourced from a florist), or clip a few Hosta leaves from your garden for a more relaxed, cottage-style vibe,' recommends Melissa.

Top tip: Use something to keep the stems in place such as a shallow bowl insert or some floral frogs like these from Amazon, to create a natural, layered look.

From timeworn pitchers to modern statement vases, the ways to display peonies are as varied and creative as the homes they adorn. Whether you favor minimalist elegance or eclectic charm, these blooms adapt beautifully, adding softness, romance, and a touch of luxury to any space. For even more inspiration on how to arrange flowers throughout your home – from grand entryways to intimate bedside tables – explore our guide to 2025’s biggest floral trends.