How to Arrange Vases

Vases can do more than just hold flowers. A collection of vases can accessorize a wedding reception or home. If you don't have a large floral budget, let vases become the focal point and make a statement. Instead of shoving vases into the cupboard every time after you receive flowers, arrange the vases. A collection of vases can be a useful form of sculpture that brightens and adds life to a room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use the vases for practical purposes. Place vases on a countertop or desk. Vases can hold paper clips, pencils, coins, potpourri or wrapped candy. Use vases to organize your bathroom cupboard or shelves. Place cotton balls or bars of soap in large vases to make functional items beautiful. Put fresh fruit, such as lemons, limes or oranges, in a vase for a spot of color in your room. Vases provide decorative storage and a fun way to get organized.

2. Put nonfloral items in the vase. A large vase filled with pine cones, marbles or seashells becomes a decorative accessory. Vases can be used to display any treasures that are going unnoticed in a room. Turn your vase into a candleholder. Fill the vase with water and put a floating candle in it for an elegant centerpiece. Show your love of nature by putting river rocks or sand in a cylindrical container.

3. Display vases on a bookshelf. Bookshelves can look cluttered and disorganized. Take a few books off each shelf so there is open space. Place a vase in between or on top of books. This showcases your library while adding interest to an ordinary piece of furniture.

4. Arrange vases in multiples. Vases make a bigger impact when put together. Bring out the vases if you don't have a floral arrangement for an event or dinner. Colorful glass or unusual shapes will make your collection pop. Use a window-cleaning product on the vases beforehand to ensure accessories are dust-free.

5. Turn vases into a craft project. Vases can be turned into gifts or wedding favors. Use glass etching cream to put your monogram on a flat vase. Add interest to a plain glass vase by gluing craft marbles to the surface. Kids can fill the handmade vase with wildflowers for a Mother's Day present or birthday gift.

6. Make a potpourri warmer. Vases can look good and smell good too. Put a small string of miniature Christmas lights inside a vase, leaving the plug outside the base. Fill the jar with potpourri. Cover the opening with a fabric square and tighten with a rubber band. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the vase to hide the rubber band. Never leave the warmer unattended.

7. Display your vase. You may have a vase from a memorable vacation or wedding reception. Put the vase on a pedestal. Make sure the arrangement is out of the way of normal traffic flow so it doesn't get bumped. Install an up light behind the stand so your vase glows and becomes the center of attention.

Resources

• Vase Gifts