Creative Containers
Try Clear Glass for Elegant Centerpieces
We share 12 tips for turning ordinary glass containers into eye-catching adornments
Simple glass cylinders become sculpture when filled with flowering branches.
(Photo: Tria Giovan)
by the editors of
Southern Accents


Most everyone has glass cylinders and vases -- they seem to multiply when stored in a closet. And, these simple containers can be a great start for unassuming arrangements. Try these easy ideas to create striking centerpieces.

1. Stems will show through the glass, so choose flowers that have good, woodsy stalks and be sure to cut the stems cleanly.

2. Twisting the stems in a circular pattern will give the arrangement as much interest below the waterline as above.

3. Colored marbles or stones can transform clear containers, and are also useful for anchoring bouquets.

4. Sliced oranges or lemons rimming the inside of a glass bowl provide a sunny summer look.

Our Favorite New Glass Vases
These 7 glass vases are beautiful even when not filled with flowers
READ MORE

5. A container filled with fresh cranberries is perfect for the holidays.

6. Clip different ferns and fill a cluster of clear vases to adorn a glass-topped table -- it will almost appear as if the greenery is floating in air.

7. Submerge greenery, such as ferns or bay leaves, in water-filled glass cylinders and cap them off with round, floating candles to magnify the impact.

8. Create an unexpected composition by placing small, scrubbed white potatoes into a large, round glass vase and filling with peach roses or tulips.

9. Use golden-skinned pears to anchor bundled stems of Asiatic lilies in a tall glass vase. Tie stalks of raffia together and place around the sides to support the arrangement.

10. Line square glass vases with large monstera leaves and fill with red roses for a striking centerpiece.

11. Small, short glass vases or even water glasses can be filled with herbs or mosses and white roses or tulips.

12. In spring, clip flowering branches of dogwood or cherry and place in slender glass vases for a sculptural look.

BACK TO TOP