Decorative Clear Glass Containers

Clear glass becomes room jewelry when used for storage.

Replace plastic storage containers visible to guests with decorative glass containers. Clear glass makes supplies easy to find and prevents duplicate purchases of daily necessities. Wrangle game or puzzle pieces in a glass vase instead of forgetting them in a covered box. Even simple glass containers, like ordinary florist vases and canning jars, become extraordinary in groups or when given the task of keeping supplies at hand.

Refrigerator Boxes

Glass refrigerator boxes stored ice cream and meats before plastic containers and freezer bags became de rigueur. While some, like most Pyrex pieces, only have clear lids to coordinate with bakeware, many from the 1920s through the 1950s are clear from top to bottom. Stuff a small clear glass art deco freezer box with cotton balls. A collection of art deco-era freezer boxes on the counter keeps supplies at arm's reach and turns a spare bathroom into a stylish boudoir. Hold tea bags in a fruit-themed box. Position the tea envelopes so that guests can read the flavors before opening the box.

Vases

Vases make an impact in numbers.

Clear, plain vases from past floral deliveries languish in the cupboard. While they may be painfully plain compared to cut crystal, inexpensive vases have impact in groups. Fill small vases with glass aquarium stones to hide stems. Add water and place a single flower in each. Line them up on a window sill. A wide vase holds rolled washcloths for guests. Fill a small vase with dice and orphaned game pieces. Set the vase on a shelf with books or games. Pour the contents on the table for makeshift games of dice, or choose a figure when dealing in an extra board game player.

Canning Jars

With imagination, ordinary canning jars become photo frames or sewing kits.

Store sugar and other condiments in canning jars. Clear storage makes it easy to see when its time to replenish kitchen staples. Flip a clean jar upside-down to create a makeshift photo frame. Curve a favorite photo into the up-turned jar. Martha Stewart suggests stashing sewing necessities inside a jar. Fit the lid with a homemade pin cushion. Cut a piece of cardboard using the jar lid as a template. Then, cut a circle from cotton, linen or used jeans to create the cushion. Make the fabric circle 1 inch wider in circumference than the lid. Place the fabric on top of the cardboard. Slip a sliver of cotton batting in between the two. Wrap the excess fabric around the cardboard and hot glue the edges to the underside. Fit the new piece onto the jar and fasten the lid ring tightly over it.

Candy and Sugar Dishes

Do not save candy dishes for special occasions.

A cut glass or crystal lid usually accompanies a glass candy or sugar bowl. Do not hide them in the cupboard awaiting a special occasion. Slip a tea light inside the dish. Slide the lid off, but lean it on the side so that the light catches the faceted glass. Place candy dishes on a dresser for change and other pocket treasures. Fill them with homemade potpourri. Mix petals from the garden and shiny marbles or other findings for fragrance and visual interest.

References

• "Pyrex: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide"; Barbara Mauzy; 2008
• Apartment Therapy: Look! Glass Jars and Bottles as Frames
• MarthaStewart.com: Sewing Kit in a Jar