It's So Easy To Upcycle Old Mason Jars Into Dazzling Centerpieces

Whether they're lining the narrow shelves of your pantry as storage vessels or holding the fruits (and veggies) of your home canning efforts, mason jars can be as attractive as they are functional. In a world where glass kitchen storage is forever sought-after and often expensive — even though we found some highly-rated glass pantry jars at Dollar Tree, of all places! — mason jars are the budget-friendly template. They're the default to which we turn again and again when we need to store spices, noodles, preserves, or even junk drawer standards like clothespins, loose screws, and old keys. So, why not use them for table décor, too?

Turns out that those surplus mason jars we've been hoarding have another very worthy use: centerpieces for our table, whether it's for daily beautification or adornment for a special occasion. Just as these jars will contain almost any kind of food or food-adjacent implement in your cooking space, so will they effectively and aesthetically display flowers, ribbons, and all sorts of décor. These centerpieces don't necessarily require tons of energy or funds, either, but just a little creativity. 

We've compiled some inspo for lovely mason jar centerpieces you can duplicate at home, but don't think you're limited to just these photos! Mason jars lend themselves to all sorts of situations, and they can often be used over and over again. Next time you're laying out a tablescape, don't pay big bucks for themed décor. Instead, grab those overflow mason jars and your stash of crafting supplies.

Nothing heralds the arrival of spring like daisies, and little else shows off their beauty quite like mason jars painted inside with milky white paint for a frosted look. This understated aesthetic is ideal for daily decoration that doesn't need a special occasion to enjoy. If you have access to an ongoing supply of fresh flowers, great! Otherwise, artificial blooms are your best friend. Pair with our spring and summer sheet pan butter beans recipe for impeccable mealtime vibes. 

When you're leaving cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve, light his way with a gorgeous arrangement of mason jars filled with pinecones and lit candles. Silver ribbon sings the song of the season in a way that's less in-your-face than red or green, though nobody will judge you for substituting a wintery tartan. As the calendar creeps closer to New Year's Eve, this arrangement will also evoke luminarias on your dining room table. Battery-operated votives are a safer option for those with children or pets in the house. 

If you've already brainstormed a Costco wedding cake to save money on your nuptials, you might also be interested in the versatility, beauty, and low cost of mason jar centerpieces. Baby's breath is usually used as a floral filler, but it stands alone in simple, tasteful arrangements that evoke cloudlike softness. Rustic ribbon adds visual interest to the jar, but may be omitted at your discretion. When you want a dreamy wedding on a shoestring, keep the look simple and the flowers inexpensive.  

You don't need to know the origins of birthday cake to know that sweetness is the order of the day when celebrating someone's special day ... and that includes the centerpieces. Colored mason jars are used in this display, but clear ones will work just fine. We love the romantic contrast of blushing pink roses, knotted yarn, and delicate fairy lights for a dainty look with powerful impact. The size of your table will dictate how many jars you should have in your tableau. 

Chocolate is always popular on Easter, and you can bring that trend to your holiday brunch when you stuff mason jars with colorful candy eggs. Pastel grosgrain ribbon is really all you need to distinguish these centerpieces (check the bargain displays at your local craft store for more savings there). If you really wanted to gussy them up, you could line the bottom with some paper "grass." Best of all, these simple displays require no glue or permanent alteration, meaning you can reuse the jars almost immediately after your special event. 

Outdoor parties have one advantage over indoor celebrations: you might, depending on your yard or space, have trees or canopy cover overhead from which you can dangle centerpieces. It's amazing how the simple act of suspending a mason jar adds new visual interest, even when the interior is something as cheap and basic as baby's breath. In this photo, plain brown twine adds that rustic touch that's beloved in contemporary décor. Just make sure your twine (or ribbon, etc.) is secure and your knots are tight to prevent any breakage or other accidents. Also, keep them off to the side and away from walking paths where people might bonk their heads on hanging mason jars. 

Given the history that candy corn has with Halloween, is it any wonder that we choose this candy above all others when we want to evoke the delights of autumn on our table? This centerpiece really couldn't get simpler: just fill mason jars with candy corn and arrange them on the table. The addition of seasonal gourds and/or fall leaves (fresh or artificial, depending on your climate) will evoke pumpkin spice and everything nice, whether you keep the arrangement for your own enjoyment or use it for a harvest bash.

Planning a party for a little one? Baby showers, sprinkles, gender reveal parties, and first birthdays will all pop when you combine small plush toys with yarn balls and paper hearts. Of course, you can choose the color scheme in accordance with the theme, but baby blue, light pink, and off-white are a classic combination. As a bonus, the little soft toys can be collected for the guest of honor or their pint-sized guests after the party. Consider writing little messages on the hearts and collecting them for the child's parents to put in baby's memory book. 

You might use a mason jar to sip a three-ingredient sea breeze cocktail at the beach, or you could bring the beach to your summer table with some sand in a mason jar and all the maritime decorations you care to add. Ideally, the sand would come directly from your favorite seaside getaway, but in the absence of the real thing, playground sand will do just fine. Consider placing your mason jars on a pretty tray with seashells all around so that your display is movable if needed.