Awhile ago I mentioned that mason jars are one of the simplest and most effective decorating ideas for parties. In truth, any glass container is my favorite everyday accessory for both decorating and organizing. There’s almost no end to what you can do with jars — big or small, with lids or without, squat or tall — they all work beautifully.
Why I love jars: they’re practical, attractive, and often free. Many jars come with food purchases, so you can collect them without spending extra. Chances are you already have glass containers tucked away in your cupboards that could be put to much better use.
Budget-friendly ideas that pull double duty throughout the house
Sewing kit jar (inspired by Martha) and three jars from my personal collection
Jars are useful in every room — craft spaces, laundry rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. Use them to store supplies, display collections, or create small, focused vignettes.
Dress jars up for display: wrap them with twine, ribbon, or adhesive decorative strips to match your decor. A simple wrap can transform a plain jar into a stylish accent.
Try pairing jars for layered displays: place two jars together and fill the center with colored water, sand, shells, or seasonal items. The contrast between glass and contents creates an eye-catching centerpiece.
Simple jar with ribbon and other combinations
When you start looking through cupboards, you’ll discover many useful shapes and sizes: glass ice buckets, vases, canning jars, spaghetti sauce jars, jelly jars, baby-food jars, and more. Try to think beyond the obvious and imagine new functions for each container.
Practical uses and decorating prompts
Do you have cupboards full of jars and vases that could be repurposed for decorative storage in the pantry or elsewhere around the house? Could you use the glass containers you already own to create simple, attractive centerpieces for a table or mantel? Consider these ideas to get started:
- Pantry organization: store dry goods like beans, rice, or pasta in clear jars for a tidy, uniform look.
- Bathroom storage: keep cotton balls, Q-tips, or bath salts visible and accessible.
- Craft and office supplies: organize buttons, beads, pencils, and brushes by size or color.
- Kitchen utility: use jars for utensils, loose tea, or to preserve homemade condiments.
- Decorative groupings: cluster jars of different heights with fairy lights, flowers, or seasonal fillers for a quick centerpiece.
Jars are versatile, sustainable, and easy to style. Once you start experimenting, you’ll find dozens of ways to use the glass containers you already have to add function and charm to your home.
For more specific ideas, there are many resources and lists that focus on repurposing common jars like spaghetti sauce jars — they’re a great place to start when you want simple, practical projects.