How to Decorate With Ceramic Orbs

Take it Outside

• The great outdoors is the traditional domain of the ceramic orb, and with good reason. Placed on a large urn or at the center of a birdbath, an elegant sphere is eye-catching -- particularly in a bright, bold color, such as fuchsia or pink. Hues that echo nature, such as sky blue and verdant green, are equally appealing. Ceramic orbs can also be used to line a perennial border or garden pathway. Whether straight or winding, a geometric configuration of ceramic orbs makes a stunning statement.

Flower Power

• When combined with florist's materials, ceramic orbs become a refined centerpiece or decorative display. Working with silk flowers because of their staying power, arrange any number of ceramic orbs in a bowl or on a serving platter. For an ordered look, work with balls of the same scale and color; for dynamic contrast, experiment with various sizes and hues. Insert trimmed stems between the balls so the flowers are level with or just above the height of the orbs, and arrange to your satisfaction. For enhanced impact, use a mirrored tray. This arrangement can be reproduced with fresh flowers, but they require water to last more than a few hours. Perform a spot test first on the underside of an orb to make sure it won't be damaged by prolonged contact with water. Select a bowl and fill with one or two inches of water, depending on the depth of the vessel. Follow the same steps as with silk flowers making sure to leave the stems long enough to reach the water.

A Candle Combo

• A visit to your home goods boutique or large department store turns up a variety of different options designed to hold round candles. Set an orb atop a candleholder for a simple yet elegant home accessory. Some candleholders offer space for two, three or more candles and become a more elaborate display piece when ceramic orbs are substituted for candles. While a tone-on-tone display delivers dimensional interplay, working with a variety of colors, textures and dimensions leads to vibrant visual impact. Candleholders in wrought iron, wood and precious metals, such as gold and silver, all offer striking counterpoint to the simplicity of ceramic.

Dress Them Up

• Working with the colors, materials and style of your living space, accessorize the ceramic balls using materials you have on hand. A string of pearls from your costume jewelry box adds a whimsical touch. Outdoor enthusiasts, meanwhile, will enjoy a tableau with pine cones, sand and faux moss balls. These accessories can be rotated seasonally for a changing display. Pumpkins, Easter eggs and Christmas ornaments festively bedeck a display of ceramic orbs. But as they're fragile, be sure to keep these beautiful baubles off of high shelves and out of reach of kids and pets.