This is filed under “Why didn’t I think of that?”.  Here’s a quick way to add instant impact to your centerpiece vases: cover them with placemats.

Home by Sunset has the step-by-steps on how to do this super-easy, super-inexpensive project to take your centerpieces from nice to WOW. (Found via Heavy Petal - a really cool gardening blog.)

I can picture using some really neat beaded or capiz shell mats or how about a gorgeous shantung? Brocade? Start searching at home & bath stores for interesting finds (especially in the clearance bins).

So, I’m thinking how awesome the placemats are and … hmmm, wouldn’t vases be cool wrapped with:

• Vellum (printed and solids available from Martha Stewart Crafts, Paper Source)
• Grasscloth
• Sheets of moss (available at craft stores and floral supply houses)
• Rich, textured fabrics
• Hot wrapping papers (think Whimsy Press, eieio, Midori)
• Vintage wallpapers (eBay!)
• Modern/contemporary wallpapers (Nama Rococo, Design Public)
• Sheets of punched tin
• Tree bark or wood laminate sheets
• Rows of ribbon in coordinating colors and different sizes. (I love this one! This was actually a candidate for the 1st DIY book but didn’t quite fit.)