Punch Bowl Ideas

There are several fun uses for an old punch bowl.

Unused punch bowls often sit on the shelf gathering dust. Before you get rid of a punch bowl that you never use, consider a few fun ways to utilize your punch bowl that take just a few materials and ingredients, and very little time.

Plant Terrarium

A punch bowl makes an ideal terrarium for small plants. Succulents do very well in a terrarium environment. Place a layer of activated charcoal, found in the aquarium section of pet stores, in the bottom of the bowl, add a layer or several layers of decorative stones, and then about 3 to 4 inches of good soil. Place your plants in the soil and add small figurines, more decorative stone or driftwood.

Lantern Centerpiece

A punch bowl makes a picturesque summer centerpiece for an evening soiree. Place about 3 inches of sand in the bottom of the punch bowl. Place a large pillar candle, or several small votive candles in the sand. Light the candles to make a decorative lantern.

Fish Bowl

Use a plain punch bowl to house Siamese fighting fish. Make sure the bowl is clean and rinsed of all soap residue. Place about 2 to 3 inches of decorative sea glass or clear marbles in the bottom of the bowl. Add aquarium plants or a piece of bamboo. Fill the bowl with water. Let the water sit for 24 hours before adding your fish.

Seven-Layer Salad

This nice looking, tasty salad works well in a punch bowl. Starting from the bottom of the bowl, layer iceberg lettuce or mixed greens, chopped cauliflower, shredded Colby or cheddar cheese, thawed frozen peas and tomato. Top it with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip salad dressing.

Punch Bowl Cake

This cake is another classic layered dish. In your punch bowl, layer bite-sized pieces of yellow cake, strawberries, pineapple, whipped cream or Cool Whip, shredded coconut and walnuts. For a chocolate version, layer bite-sized pieces of chocolate cake, raspberries, bananas, whipped cream, coconut and walnuts.

References

• 101Drinks: Punch Bowl Recipes
• Cooks.com: Punch Bowl Cake
• AllRecipes.com: Seven-Layer Salad