Decorating Ideas for Glass Vases With Lids

Terrarium

• A lidded vase is the perfect container for a terrarium. Place an inch of pebbles in the bottom and sprinkle it with activated charcoal to keep the terrarium fresh. Pour in three or four inches of potting soil and plant a small seedling, succulent, fern or patch of moss. Water it lightly, just so that water starts seeping down to the pebble layer. Put the lid on the vase and water it periodically just to keep it moist. If your terrarium becomes very steamy with condensation, remove the lid to let it dry out a bit.

Sand Art

• Sand art is a well-known kids' craft with its layers of brightly colored sand in bottles and jars but you can make a more sophisticated version in your glass vase. Fill the vase partway with plain beach sand. Add interesting stones or pebbles, seashells, driftwood, beach glass and other found items and set the lid on the vase.

Seasonal Decorating

• Use your lidded vase to decorate for the seasons. During the winter holidays, fill the vase with shiny ornaments or a string of lights. In spring, make a display with moss and budding twigs or wheatgrass topped with painted eggs. For summer decorating, add a small piece of floral foam in the bottom and attach a collection of small silk flowers. Place a silk butterfly on a wire suspended above them. Fall leaves, pinecones or miniature gourds could be used for an autumn arrangement.

Infused Oil

• Infused oil is delicious for cooking but it also makes a beautiful kitchen display in a lidded vase. Fill your vase with fresh, whole herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint, chives, dill or any herb of your choice. Whole spices, garlic cloves and hot peppers also make interesting visual additions. Fill the vase of seasonings with a light oil such as canola or safflower and place the lid on. Use the infusion for decoration only and dispose of it after two weeks.