Glass vases for flowers and more!

If you're like me, you've received flowers and kept the container. Some of them are nice enough to use again so you store them. Now, they're in the garage, the kitchen and the closets...here's help! 

Flowers with a twist. If a favorite flower is in season, get some. Rather than fill the base with water, add full lemons, sliced lemons, plastic grapes (to re-use), polished stones and other items that complement the flower.  I use some of the ideas below and mine become a centerpiece. With a few in differing sizes and colors you can create a unique centerpiece whether they are filled or not.

Get creative with contents. I have several large glass cylinders filled with sea shells. I add ornaments at Christmas, but they stay that way nearly year round.  It's easy to drop in timed votive or tealight candles; they go on and off at the same time every day.  4 months and counting till battery replacement.... Fill yours with favorite small items for a unique display.

Embellish them. If you want to spice up your vases, don't hesitate to make a few additions. Use acrylic paints to add that final touch to an art glass or glue ceramic beads or shells to the outside of floor vases. Etching is one of the easiest ways to transform a plain glass vase into a custom piece. Wrap with twine, ribbons or even living vines.

Glass cylinders tied with raffia and 'lined'
with twigs and bamboo.

Etch a design onto a glass
vase using a stencil pattern.
See "Etch" How -to blog from Feb.

Fill glass cylinders with rocks and
leave as is, or top with candles.

My favorite in a seaside home
year-round. Seashells!

Cabbage leaves surround the base
of cut flowers for a clean look.

Cut limes thin, add a second
cylinder inside. Line between & fill
with water & flowers.

Wind ribbon around cylinders for
the right look. These were for a shower.

Strips of leftover fabrics can  make
a unique filler!

Handpaint a vine - freehand is OK.

Outdoor updates you can use now!

Spring is a great time to get your outdoor spaces ready for summer living.  If you have a patio, balcony, yard, or porch, you can add elements from indoors to create an extension of your home.  

The first step to a usable space is lighting.  Outdoor dining is fun and can be romantic and relaxing. String lights are simple and inexpensive and can be wound around the porch posts, strung from a structure, draped in your trees and bushes, or hung from a trellis or umbrella. I hang a candelabra from the roof line that has glass globes since I love flickering candle light.  If you are creating a permanent space, install lights on timers or sensors, and be sure the housings and covers for your bulb are all waterproof. Hurricane globes are fantastic outdoors. You can use real candles without fear of your landscape catching on fire, and they protect candles from the wind.  I always look for interesting candlesticks that I can add to a large hurricane on the patio floor, the table, and even on the steps.  Many years ago I found some glass and ceramic oil candles. They're pretty, resilient in the wind, and add a touch of indoors to my patio.

Comfortable seating is critical. If you have the budget, permanent seating should be furniture that will weather well outdoors. Wrapped wicker, teak and wrought iron are all good choices. For temporary seating, you can bring out folding chairs and tables. Bring out your entry bench - keep it dry - and create a table from a large planter by adding a glass top.  Add pillows, some accessories, and you'll create instant ambiance.  I do use porcelain garden seats. They double as a tabletop and add color and shine with their glazed finish.

Fabrics make a space cozy. For outdoors, polypropylene rugs are perfect. They are weatherproof, easily washed down with a hose, and they last for years. They dress up a space and make the seating areas comfortable. I do use cotton and jute rugs on covered patios, decks and balconies for a more formal feel.    Pillows - floor pillows to decorative accents on seating -  is one of the simplest ways to brighten an outdoor space. Using outdoor fabrics will extend their life and make them easy to clean. Try getting a mix of patterns and solids for a custom look.  If you purchase or make pillows with zipper covers, you can clean them before you put them away for winter. Add a throw for cool nights or a snooze on a windy day. Acrylic throws like those at www.tot-home.com can withstand some wet weather and are easily washed.



Set the table. Use a tablecloth that you can clean.  Don't use your regular dishes or glasses. Purchase an inexpensive set or mix and match pieces for outdoor use only.  Use easily washed cotton napkins, planters filled with real plants, candlesticks or hurricane lanterns and make the table look inviting. I often store all of my outdoor table items in wicker hampers.  They add texture to the patio and I don't need to find room indoors. If you have a large space, invest in some teak or other waterproof  deck boxes or storage benches for your dishes, pillows, and more.

Must Haves for November!

When you entertain for the holidays, do it in style with these fabulous finds.

A welcoming door holds a wreath. This one is unique.  www.tot-home.com

Camellia napkin rings from Kim Seybert.

Crate & Barrel's festive plate.

For an elegant and long-lasting hostess gift, give an oil burning candle.