On an average day, you might take cylinders for granted. They are, after all, everywhere that you look. In nature think tree trunks. In architecture think columns. And in your own kitchen pantry think humble tin cans. But on a special events like wedding, birthday, or your own house party, cylinders can have a place too for they are crafted from glass, the familiar form takes on a clean and unexpected beauty.

Glass cylinders are wonderfully versatile and practical. They are easy to find. Look in any florists or floral supply shop and are relatively inexpensive. They come in dozens of widths and heights that suggest as many uses. Large, tall cylinders lend themselves to dramatic flower arrangements that can frame an entry or designate a ceremony site. Wide cylinders are a perfect place for displaying programs and favors, or for floating flowers. They can even be used as serving dishes for food or turned upside down to become pedestals. Equally beautiful are short cylinders, which can be filled with votive candles or diminutive flower arrangements. Leave the cylinders unadorned to celebrate their smooth, round form, or trim them with fabrics, ribbon, or paper to echo one of the party’s decorative themes.

How you arrange these vessels can have as striking an effect as how you fill or decorate them. Stack them, set one inside another, place them in neat rows along an aisle, scatter them across a bar or arrange groups of them in the center of each table.

However you choose to use glass cylinders, they are sure to be appreciated. In fact, whether the containers are plain or spruced up, guests will likely make off with a few of them at the end of the night.