Re:
Well from a glance it does not necessarily look like you couldn't do it that way with lofting. Could you post your .3dm model file so I can take a look at what you've got?

Here is the file that I was testing, see attachement. I have not been able to fillet the part but it must be because I am still having some problems to understand the different logic when modeling with nurbs.

Thanks for everybody for all the tips! I was not really expecting this many tips with such a detailed instructions. I need to do some more testing this weekend!

This is what I have been able to model so far. I have actually "lifted the top up" in the top and the plan is to create some holes (circular array) to place some artificial flowers on it.