How To Reuse A Thrifted Flower Frog Vase To Banish Bad Odors In Your Home

Flower frog vases aren't just another retro thrift find. Their origins are believed to date way back to the 16th century, but they became especially popular in the 1920s and 1930s when florists started using them to create flower arrangements. Floral foam largely replaced them after its invention in 1954; however, flower frogs are making a comeback due to their sustainability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. But these oddly named vases can do more than just hold flowers. They can also aid in making your home smell good by doubling as incense holders. (Fun fact: Incense is also a decades-old practice Nate Berkus & Jeremiah Brent use for a fresh-smelling home.)

Although flower frogs come in a variety of materials — glass, ceramic, silver, lead, or even metal with pins or spikes — not all of them are suitable for burning incense. The ceramic versions with a covered base, a large hole in the center, and smaller holes around the top are what's needed for this incense burner hack. Cone and stick incense will both work, as the cones fit neatly in the central opening, while the sticks can be placed in the smaller outer holes. Items that are both decorative and functional are always a win, especially if you're after a clutter-free living room, and the flower frog does a great job of that.

Apart from your thrifted flower frog vase, the only other provisions you need are your choice of incense and something to light it with. Start by giving the vase a good cleaning to ensure it's free of dust or debris. Next, place a cone incense in the center hole, or insert stick incense into the smaller holes. When you're ready, light the incense and enjoy its fragrance. With its perfectly placed holes, the flower frog vase is well-suited for this task, almost as if it were meant to do double duty as an incense burner. Ceramics are also ideal incense burners since they are very heat-resistant.

For eco-enthusiasts, there's the added bonus of reducing waste by breathing new life into something that might otherwise have reached its sell-by date. Then there's the aesthetic appeal. It not only helps with odors, but also adds a decorative, vintage element to your space. This particular style of flower frog is also unobtrusive, so it can work on your coffee table, mantle, or even a bookshelf. 

Because incense masks rather than eliminates odors, it's worth trying different scents depending on the smell you're trying to banish from your home. Cedar or cypress, for example, can make a big difference when you've been cooking meat or fish. Animal lovers can benefit too, as incense can be a quick fix for getting rid of pet odors in your home. However, you will need something pet-friendly, like lavender, valerian, or frankincense. If you do have fur friends, make sure to place your flower frog incense holder out of their reach to avoid any inquisitive mishaps.