Rocks

• Polished rocks can be used in many ways as a foundational element in the bowl.PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  Gather up a variety of polished agates, onyx, carnelians and other rocks. Fill the ivy bowl with the stones and cover with water to the lip. Place in the center of other, larger rocks for an earthy effect. Wrap raffia around the neck of the bowl as a finishing touch. Other rocks to consider using include minerals, such as quartz crystals, amethyst, citrine, and others that you can find at rock shops or gem and mineral shops. The smaller, polished stones make beautiful displays, especially if you layer them by color. Water pearls are like glass pebbles -- fill the bowl with one color or layer several for a rainbow effect.
  
  water pearls
  
  

Candles

• Candles add elegance and mystery to any centerpiece.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Fill an ivy bowl with clear or colored water pearls to about a third of the way up. Add a tall, slender tapered candle and wrap the neck with a colorful satin ribbon tied into a bow. You can also fill the bowl with water and set one or more floating candles inside. The bowls are also nice in odd-numbered groups. To add a glowing effect, use water pearls or quartz stones at the bottom. Another idea is to make the ivy bowl the center object and place cylindrical pillar candles on either side. Surround the bowl and candles with fruit or greenery.
  
  

Flowers and Greens

• Choose scented and colorful flowers to place inside the ivy bowl.Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Use the bowl as a vase for a flower centerpiece. Purchase colorful flowers from your local flower shop or pick a nice bouquet from your cutting garden. Clean and trim the stems and set the arrangement inside an ivy bowl filled three-quarters with water. Add greenery or vines such as ivy, jasmine, honeysuckle and ferns to drape over the lip or to surround the bowl.
  
  

Other Ideas

• When it's not used as a centerpiece, fill the ivy bowl with nuts, fruit, colorfully wrapped small candies or potpourri and add a colorful ribbon around the neck. Other items to use are small mementos from your travels or a set of favorite miniatures. If you practice meditation or just want to scent up your environment, fill the ivy bowl partially with sand, rice or aquarium rock, and insert several long incense sticks. Whatever you choose to create with your ivy bowl, you can leave it as a stand alone item, or surround it with other objects.