23 New Uses for Serving Pieces

Turn underused possessions into daily assets with these innovative ideas.

Soup Tureens

Display big, beautiful blossoms. Large flowers, such as hydrangea, roses, and peonies, are less likely to flop around than smaller ones, says Annie Williamson, a showroom designer at Replacements, Ltd., located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Chill bubbly. “I put a tureen in the center of the table and throw in ice cubes and a bottle,” says Kein Cross, a designer in New York City.

Make a dramatic entrance. Fill the tureen with potpourri and station it near the front door for a pretty, fragrant welcome.

Create a planter. Place small flowering potted plants, like African violets, on a layer of pebbles or a plastic lid (for drainage). Cover the pots and soil with a blanket of moss (available at florists).

Stash the cookie cutters―plus the sprinkles and the food coloring.