Today, it’s all about dough bowls and how they can not only be decorative, but functional as well. These days, it seems like you can’t open a home decor magazine or look at inspirational websites like Pinterest, without seeing dough bowls used in some way or another. What started out as a utilitarian object for actual breadmaking, the dough bowl has turned into a go-to vessel for all manner of decor.

First, a little history lesson on dough bowls, compliments of the internet… A dough bowl is a wooden vessel used to mix bread dough. Dating back to colonial times, these bowls were found in every home, and were carved from a large piece of wood. These pieces of art were perfect for letting bread dough rise, because the wood was a natural insulation, and kept the yeast warm.

Although I had no intention of using a dough bowl to make bread, I had admired them from afar for a long time. Initially, some of them were so expensive, I was a little late getting to the bread bowl party. But right after Christmas, I ordered a nice one on Wayfair with some Christmas money I received. Great, so now that I had this coveted object, what was I going to do with it? Below, I’ll show you five ways I came up with to use mine, and I’m sure these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. This is not a sponsored post, but here is the link for the dough bowl I purchased on sale after the holidays Millwood Pines Bellicent Wood Oval Rustic Decorative Bowl & Reviews | Wayfair.

#1 – The first way I styled the dough bowl was to fill it with artificial pears in two different palettes. The first color combination is in autumnal tones, and the second iteration I used last weekend as the centerpiece for a dinner party. Surrounded by lit candles and the place settings, it turned out really pretty and was low enough to not impede seeing those across the table. The dough bowl would also be lovely filled with lemons, limes, artichokes, or avocados. Almost any fruit or vegetable combination would work and would be a beautiful, organic addition to any kitchen counter.

#2 – For a more boho style, a dough bowl can be used is to hold wooden beads and pinecones or some other filler. Wooden beads are also having a moment and are often draped over the sides of baskets or other containers. For this look, I took some of my favorite oversized pinecones and then draped my homemade beads over the side. And voila, you have Boho chic! You can see how I made my bead string here: Bo Ho Ho…. Because we live in wine country, a dough bowl can also be used as a place to toss all of those used corks, which are often a piece of art in themselves.

#3 – Expecting overnight company? Then this next idea is just for you. For this practical application, I moved the dough bowl into the guest bathroom and filled it with an assortment of toiletries and other items that guests would enjoy. Shampoos, soap, toothpaste, a bottle of water, and of course a little chocolate, makes this a welcome addition for guests who may have forgotten something. Placed on the guest bathroom counter, this dough bowl turned welcome basket will let any visitor know that you have thought ahead want them to be comfortable during their stay.

#4 – Having a party? The NFL playoffs just finished yesterday, and the Super Bowl is coming, making this a great time to use your dough bowl for a serving dish. For this application, I washed the bowl out thoroughly and filled it with our latest batch of homemade Chex Mix. Add a pretty scoop and you are all set! I don’t think I would use my dough bowl for wet items like a potato salad, but tortilla chips, rolls, or Chex Mix work quite well, so bring out your dough bowl for your next party!

#5 – Create a centerpiece with a dough bowl using candles, greenery, florals, and other items. One of the nice things about dough bowls is that they are low-slung, making them the perfect height and vessel for a table centerpiece. I really like centerpieces that I don’t have to move before every meal, and that are low enough to see others over. For this application, I just placed a couple of candles with some artifical greenery and placed it on the kitchen table. Simple, yet pretty, and something that could be changed out seasonally at a moment’s notice. Because Valentine’s Day is a month away, I created used that for a timely version. Later in the year, I can envision this filled with springy flowers, fall leaves, or a collection of vintage glass Christmas ornaments.

So, I hope today I’ve given you some inspiration to fill up a dough bowl and create pretty and useful items for your home. If you don’t have a dough bowl, these same concepts could be used with any wooden bowl, oblong glass serving piece, or even a basket or tray. You probably get tired of me saying this, but the possibilities really are endless!

Good tidings,

Diane