If I'm cutting too much to hold in my hands, I use a large mixing bowl.

Plants with longer stems, including woody branches, go into a bucket with a few inches of water. I also have half buckets....almost a beach pail....for smaller things. Cut flowers need to be placed in water right away or they simply won't last as long.

On a fun note...the "correct " contraction of 'you all ' is : Y'all. The plural usage is : All y 'all. :-)

I too use a pail with water and put my flowers in it. I also cut any flowers first thing in the morning while they are fresh from the cooler night temperatures. The flowers last much longer when collected this way

thanks for the ideas!
Y'all :)