20 Things to Do with That Vase After the Flowers are Gone

Spring is just around the corner and that means wedding season is here. If I’m lucky, I’ll come home with the centerpiece. Though I do everything I can — change the water, pull out the dead posies, nourish it with sugar water, trim the stems — eventually, I’m left with just the vase. Hmmm…now what? Before you toss it, consider these ideas.

• Use it to create a terrarium: tiny succulents are lovely to look at and relatively easy to care for. Find the plants for a few dollars at your local home and garden store.
• Make a trifle!: morph the traditional winter dessert into a summer dish with layers of fresh fruits and berries.
• Use it outside or in, fitted with a fat candle: the glass will prevent the flame from being blown out by the wind.
• Or use votives, nestled into tiny pebbles: the effect is subtler.
• Catch coins near the front door: it’s fun to watch it fill up!
• Use it to hold a spare roll or two of toilet paper: it’s there when you need it.
• Turn it upside down and use it as the base for a DIY lamp: a simple lamp fits easily into every setting.
• Use as a generous candy dish: or fill it with chips to welcome guests.
• Summer salads look pretty served in a vase: dinner is not only nutritional but decorative.
• Use as an ice bucket: before using, pop it in the freezer for a few moments
• Or a makeshift champagne bucket: fill it with ice and salt to chill beverages fast.
• Use it to store jewelry or makeup, rolled up ties or belts in the bedroom: the glass makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
• Pour in epsom salts, add a pretty spoon, and set it by the tub to make your bath a place to soothe your sore muscles after exercise
• Use it to hold personal items under the bathroom sink: unlike the box, the glass will keep them from getting wet
• Use it by the stove, filled with kitchen utensils: it’s a quick update for your kitchen.
• Place it on your desk to hold pens and scissors, as well as all the little items — post its, thumbtacks, card reader — that would otherwise get scattered over your work surface.
• Set it out on the buffet table to hold utensils: easy to see when you’re running low.
• Place it on your landing strip to hold your keys and all the little bits that come out of your pocket at the end of the day
• Use it to corral stuff on your nightstand — you can even hang your glasses over the edge.
• Display your collection, whatever your passion: baseballs, breadtags, marbles, action figures.
• Or, of course, you can refill it with flowers!

(Image: Abigail Stone)