How to Decorate With Mason Jars

Display candy in mason jars in your kitchen.

Whether you buy a lot of preserves such as strawberry or grape jam or have a collection of old mason jars in the attic, rescue them from the fate of the recycling bin and put them to use around your house for decoration. Mason jars offer a variety of options, such as adding a bit of whimsy in your children's rooms or sophistication in the dining room.

Things You'll Need

• Mason jars and lids
• Mini pebbles or sand
• Tea light candle
• Curling ribbon
• Old-time candy
• Crayons
• Colored bath salts or small soaps
• Seashells

Instructions

1. Remove mason jar lids and run the lids and jars through the dishwasher or clean by hand, then let them air dry.

2. Walk through your home to brainstorm options where your mason jars can add to the theme.

3. Fill one jar halfway with mini pebbles or sand from outside, then drop a tea light candle into the jar. Tie a silver ribbon around the lip of the jar, then place on the dining room table to add a glow during a special meal.

4. Line mason jars up along a ledge in your kitchen, then fill each one with a different old-time candy such as lemon drops, gum balls and red hots. The candies will add a spot of color in the kitchen and give the room a retro feel.

5. Peel off the labels from broken crayons in your kids' toy boxes; fill jars with crayons. Consider keeping crayons of the same hue together, then lining up the jars in a rainbow pattern. You can also do this with colorful small blocks and plastic toys scattered around the house. Curl a colored ribbon around the lid to match the contents of the jar.

6. Add mason jars to a shelf in your bathroom, then fill with colored bath salts and small soaps. Replace the caps so the scents don't dissipate over time.

7. Take a few mason jars with you on your next trip to the beach. Fill jars halfway with sand, then collect small shells and add to the jars. Place filled and capped mason jars along your back porch or on the railing.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase mason jars in grocery stores or online.

References

• Planet Green: 50 Ways to Hack a Mason Jar