Centerpiece Ideas for a Glass Vase With a Top

Spring

• Most glass vases with a lid are wider at the base than traditional flower vases, and though the glass topper often adds flair to the vase itself, using it is optional. In the spring, for instance, leave the lid off entirely, place some polished rocks in the base of the vase, and fill it with tall pussy willows. Carefully place a few tall stems, provided the opening of your vase isn’t very wide, or fill to capacity for a chic display. If pussy willows aren’t available, place an appropriately sized bird nest made from twigs along with a few small artificial eggs in the base of the vase, and surround it with additional twigs and ferns.

Summer

• For a pretty centerpiece that is completely functional, leave the lid off and plant yourself an herb garden. Alternatively, plant a cactus or two inside the vase, and place rocks of various sizes and shapes on top of the dirt surrounding the cactus. While entertaining, put the lid in place to complete the encapsulated desert garden. If you are a beach bum, place a candle in the center of your empty vase, and surround it with sea shells. Leave the lid off when the candle is burning, and wait a short while after blowing the candle out before putting the lid back on.

Fall

• Take advantage of autumn by filling your glass vase with pumpkins and other gourds. Add acorns, twigs, pinecones and artificial autumn leaves. Other items to place in your vase include pears, pomegranates and berries. If the top of your vase permits enough width, leave the lid off, place a fragrant fall candle in the center, and surround it with any of the described items, provided what you use isn’t easily flammable. For simple but temporary dazzle, place several tall sprigs of autumn stems with colored leaves in your empty vase.

Winter

• For a temporary holiday centerpiece, start with three or five oranges. Use whole cloves to pierce and cover the oranges entirely or create a pattern. Place the oranges in the bottom of your vase, and surround them with red berries and holly leaves. Other fillers include nuts, pinecones, fir boughs or ribbon. For a more permanent centerpiece, fill your vase with brightly colored pot pourri, and toss in a few colored Christmas ornaments to add shine and glitter. Floating Christmas candles in a glass vase add festive flair to your home.