Vase - Any container which is taller than is wide.

Vases with busy patterns will many times overpower the flowers.

Vases made out of pottery or stoneware requires more flowers in order to achieve proportions.

Flowers and foliage in vases should be about one and a half to two times the height of the vase to give good proportion.

If your flowers are not tall enough to meet the above rule, you use one and a half to two times the amount of flowers as shown below.

Baskets come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are easier to arrange flowers as a beginner.  For instance, a basket with the handle crossing the short side of the basket is easier to arrange flowers than one which crosses over the long ends.  Also a basket which has plenty of room between the basket rim and handle.