Simple and Creative Home Decor

Decorative ideas comes easily to some and are more than a bit elusive for others. Home decor articles were part and parcel during my Helium tenure, especially after I became a Channel Steward. The site is now barely a memory and I still have a number of articles originally published there waiting to find a new home.

As usual, life got in the way before I could pull everything from the site, but when faced with so many titles that had less to do with topics I was passionate about and more to do with trending topics and calls for articles, it ultimately came down to which pieces I felt were important to save and which ones I actually cared about.

As a creative person who is also a writer, as well as a teacher of arts and crafts, many of the craft based titles were things I could jump on easily and run with. The decor article here was one of those - can't remember the original publication date.

Those of us who are crafty occasionally feel the need to decorate the spaces through which we move. Sometimes we choose purchased items and sometimes we create (or at least embellish) something of our own. No matter what category you fall into, I hope you'll be inspired to create something unique and lovely.

Decorative Ideas For Hurricane Vases

Sometimes it seems the loveliest décor ideas are also those that are the simplest. Clear glass hurricane vases are quite versatile and can be used to create attractive centerpieces on tables and mantels that are suitable for just about any occasion.

While most vases are typically used to hold fresh flowers, hurricanes often serve double duty because of their similarity in shape to hurricane lamps. A simple trio of hurricanes, in either the same or mixed sizes, combined with white pillar candles can instantly transform a mantel. The hurricane vases can be left plain or dressed up further depending the casualness or formality of the occasion they are being used for.

The addition of greenery, such as ivy, ferns, or evergreen branches will add a little color to the hurricane vase decoration as well as a touch of nature. Arrange the greens in a circle at the base of a single hurricane or in a row in front of multiple ones grouped together.

Pillar candles can be set atop iridescent glass drops inside the hurricane vase or sand, pebbles, seashells, or even marbles. Choose candles and accents that are best suited for the width and height of the vase being used and never place flammable materials inside if planning on lighting the candles.

If the hurricane vase is large enough, consider using one or more flower shaped floating candles. Place the hurricane on a flat mirror large enough to reflect the light from the candles. Arrange leaves along the edge of the mirror, slightly overlapping each other to create a framing border. For additional color, scatter a few flowers (stems removed) among the leaves.

For tall or narrow hurricane vases, especially those with a stem, wrap a length of wide ribbon at the base and tie it into a bow.  In the absence of ribbon substitute a silk scarf or dinner napkin.

Candles aren’t the only thing besides flowers that can be used to create decorations with hurricane vases. Fruit, candies, marbles, colorful glass bulbs, Christmas ornaments, pasta shapes, and nuts are just a few items that can be used to fill the vases when decorating.

Hurricane vases are a must have for any home. They can quickly be used to make centerpieces from simple to sophisticated, and they are ideal for decorating on a budget since they can be used alone or combined with other items already on hand.