How to Use Inexpensive Mason Jars for Outdoor Decorating

Turn humble mason jars into a decorative outdoor display.

Mason jars are synonymous with country living. These jars are used to can produce and store jellies, jams and preserves. But mason jars also make attractive, simple decorations. Capture the essence of a relaxed country lifestyle in your outdoor decor by incorporating canning jars throughout the seasons. Mason jars make versatile candleholders, vases and hanging decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Roll copper wire
• Wire cutters
• Needle nose pliers
• Cut flowers
• Shears
• Sand
• Votive candles
• Cranberries
• Shells
• Marbles
• Coffee beans
• Candy corn

Instructions

Floating Flowers or Votives

1. Place several mason jars on a work surface. Wrap a length of copper wire around the lip of each jar. Leave 1 inch extra and clip the wire off with wire cutters. Twist the ends of the wires together with needle nose pliers.

2. Loop another length of wire through the first wire on opposing sides of the jar so that you create a hanger. Leave an extra 1/2 inch on each side and cut the wire off with wire cutters. Bend the ends up and wrap them back around the wire hanger, using needle nose pliers, to secure the wire hangers.

3. Fill the jars halfway with water. Use shears to remove the blossoms from cut flowers, leaving just a small length of the stem. Place one blossom in each mason jar. Hang the jars on tree branches or a trellised area of your yard for a fresh cut flower display. Alternatively, fill the jars halfway with sand and place a votive candle in each jar for an evening display.

Filled Jars

1. Place the jars on a work surface. Select a theme for the decorations. For example, you might choose a beach cottage theme.

2. Fill each jar with objects that coordinate with your selected theme. If you selected a beach cottage theme, you could fill the jars with small shells or tumbled stones from the ocean. Other items you might consider filling the jars with include coffee beans, cranberries, candy corn, jelly beans and marbles.

3. Position the jars along a walkway, around a patio space or on a table as a centerpiece.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a combination of hanging jars and filled decorative jars for your patio or other outdoor entertaining space.

• Wear eye protection when using wire cutters.

References

• Things Festive; Outdoor Wedding Decorations -- Mason Jars; October 2009
• The Inspired Room; The Most Simple Party Decorating Idea Ever; September 2008

Resources

• Hoosier Homemade; Decorating With Mason Jars; August 2010