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The Home Accessory <br> <i>Hiding in Your Cupboard</i> Country Living

Awhile back I mentioned that mason jars were my top party decorating idea ever. Well, I must admit that a glass container of any sort has to be my favorite every day decorating and organizing accessory of all time. Is there no end to what you can do with a glass jar? Big jars, little jars, lidded jars, fat jars, tall jars, they are all good!

And the best thing about jars? You can collect tons of them for free when you buy food! Another frugally fantastic solution. And in all likelihood, you have glass containers and jars in your cupboard right now not being used to their full potential!

I love frugal ideas that can serve many purposes,
all through the house.

The Home Accessory <br> <i>Hiding in Your Cupboard</i>
Sewing kit, Martha… other three from my personal collection

Use them in every room of the house….
craft areas, laundry rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens…

The Home Accessory <br> <i>Hiding in Your Cupboard</i>

Country Living

Dress them up for decorating! Wrap a simple jar with
brown string, ribbons or decorative rub on stickers!

The Home Accessory <br> <i>Hiding in Your Cupboard</i>

Martha Stewart

Double them up! Put two glass containers together and
fill the center with colored water, sand, or shells!
The Home Accessory <br> <i>Hiding in Your Cupboard</i> Jar with ribbon, Martha…all others Pottery Barn

Once you start digging in your cupboards for containers, you’ll probably find all sorts of options.
Glass ice buckets, vases, canning jars, spaghetti jars, jelly jars, baby food jars….think outside the obvious about what you could use them for!

Do you have cupboards full of jars and vases you could pull out to use for decorative storage in the pantry or around the house?
Can you think of ways you could use the glass containers you already have to create fun centerpieces?
What are your ideas for jars?

Apartment Therapy Re-Nest has a list of 10 things
you can do with spaghetti jars….click here!

43 Comments

  1. Pat Morello

    I just read one recently that I’ve implemented. I use alot of vintage lace. Wind it onto clothespins and store in a large glass container. The lace is protected from dust, stays nice on the clothespins and you can see what you have. It’s working out well for me.

    Reply
  2. leonetlola (Valerie)

    Yes I have, I LOVE that too !
    I my kitchen I have some jar with
    homemade pickles
    dried pumpkin seeds (to use next year)
    dried “roses tremieres” seeds
    homemade jams
    and…….
    white and black pinot grapes in “marc de Gewurzstraminer” from Alsace France ! (I came back with our hotel chef’s recipe !)

    Have a great day Melissa !

    leonetlola (Valerie)s inspiring blog post..Amis du soir, Bonsoir.

    Reply
  3. Debbie

    I love the great ideas for using those glass jars. There is a florist in my city who is known for their unique arrangements. They use glass containers with simple flowers but include something like lemons or olives along with a few flowers. I see a few more ideas from your pictures. Thanks!

    Debbies inspiring blog post..World Series Baseball

    Reply
  4. Suzann

    I love glass jars too, but I have not ever thought of them in this way. BUT, I’m really thinking that baby food jars, grouped together would make an amazing display for candles. I can see those tiny tealights in a cluster of jars glowing outdoors in the summer night. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Suzanns inspiring blog post..Mama Cleans House AND…

    Reply
  5. Jinx

    I don’t have much in the line of jars. I guess recycling is a habit, & I have a lot of plastic containers.

    So, I find myself shopping for bargain containers, vases & hurricanes. I fill them with pasta, sand & shells, glass beads, ornaments, silk flowers, candles….something different in every room. East, fast & oh so versatile!

    Jinxs inspiring blog post..A Little Autumn Decorating

    Reply
  6. Kristen

    I love glass jars too! It’s such an easy way to display pretty things that are otherwise undisplayable (yes, I am aware that I made up a word). I like to put beautifully packaged tea bags, coffee beans, and multigrain rice in jars. Yum.

    Kristens inspiring blog post..When I Should Have Been Cleaning…

    Reply
  7. Coco

    I love jars too…I have to admit I have never thought of reusing food jars. My creative mind will be working overtime now!

    Cocos inspiring blog post..a quick & easy project…

    Reply
  8. We are THAT family

    I have some antique mason jars on top of my black cabinets that hold giant colorful gumballs, old spools, and buttons. I LOVE these jars!

    We are THAT familys inspiring blog post..Not Exactly the Fifteen Minutes of Fame I’d Hope For…

    Reply
  9. Lauren

    I don’t have many glass jars (yet). But I like keeping my glass items on display with a lot of the same ideas you have shown. My Trader Joe’s blackberry jam comes in a very nice jar so I have been collecting those recently. It is so nice to be able to reuse the packaging!

    Laurens inspiring blog post..Making the most of it

    Reply
  10. Debbie

    HI MELISSA! I just did a post this week and here is the permalink http://ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com/2008/10/glittermaniaextravaganzagigantorific.html where I decorated mason jars with glitter for halloween and such. I love jars! We use them for cotton balls, Q tips, pencils, erasers, sewing supplies~they are great for separating different colors of thread, packages of needles, scissors, scrapbooking supplies, small farm trowels, seeds of different sorts…cooking utensils, nails and screws….I didn’t realize it but I guess I use jars alot! Hahahaha! Come take a look when you get a chance!
    Blessings,
    Deb

    Debbie @ ribbonwoods inspiring blog post..I’ve been Booed! OOOOOOOh~~~~~~~

    Reply
  11. Courtney

    I love all these ideas Melissa! I am a huge fan of jars too, although I have to admit that I’ve sent far more to the recycling bin recently than I should have. Thanks for the tips. Too often I go and spend money on them at Ikea or the Container Store, when the ones I’ve already put in my recycling bin would work just fine. When my first daughter was a baby, I saved all the baby food jars and used them as votive holders. I was planning to attach wire to them and turn them into hanging votives but never had the time. But the thought was there!

    Courtney @ Nesting Instinctss inspiring blog post..we found out our new little chick will be a…

    Reply
  12. Debbie

    Hi MELISSA! I tried to post this once, and I’m trying a second time! I just did a post on decorating mason jars for Halloween. When you get a chance come over and take a look http://ribbonwoodcottage.blogspot.com/2008/10/glittermaniaextravaganzagigantorific.html . Also we use jars for everything! I use them for cotton balls, Qtips, extra bath salts, sewing supplies, scrapbook supplies, planting~small hand trowels, seeds, or for kitchen items~tea bags, different flavors of coffee, dry creamers…I make cute little tags so everyone knows what they are…we use them for nails, screws, small items that you want to see what they are!
    This is a great post and great topic!
    Thanks,
    Deb

    Debbie @ ribbonwoods inspiring blog post..I’ve been Booed! OOOOOOOh~~~~~~~

    Reply
  13. Tara

    What a great idea and post, I love all the pictures and ideas. I was recently in a craft store near my home and they used jars for everything: ribbon, buttons, stamps, tags, etc. What a neat way to be organized and to display your goodies! Thanks for the inspiration!

    ~ Tara ~

    Reply
  14. Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

    Don’t tell the Farmers but EVERY cabinet and every cubby hole in this place is filled with compotes, vases, glass containers, jars, dishes, serving bowls…..well, you get the idea. I really need a butler’s pantry to keep them all in one place where I can see them and use them.

    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wifes inspiring blog post..Mother-in-law

    Reply
  15. Stephanie

    I have a vase/container just like the one pictured with the candle and cranberries. I have done that at the holidays. I have also received a container like that from a friend with fresh cranberries, sm. pine bough and a candle. Very beautiful, smelled great and was so thoughtful!
    Stephanie

    Stephanies inspiring blog post..Autumn Gave a Party

    Reply
  16. Catherine

    Melissa,
    I love jars too and use them as cannisters. I make labels for them and tie them with jute around the neck of the jar. Great post!
    Hugs,
    Cathie

    Reply
  17. katiedid

    Hi Melissa! You have such great posts this Fall! I have been swamped with kids school, soccer, volunteer work and design work that I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like.
    Mason jars!!! I need to stop recycling them and use them in my very unruly office! Thanks for the thought!
    Katie

    katiedids inspiring blog post..Something Wicked This Way Comes…….

    Reply
  18. Lorrie

    I think I have glass jars in every room of my house. I’ve started using more of them for storing food leftovers as I slowly get rid of all the plastic containers that are old, cracked and bad for me and for the environment. I use them in my pantry as you’ve pictured above, in my sewing room for ribbons, beads, notions, etc., in my bathroom for cotton balls and such, for flower vases…the list goes on. You’ve given me some new ideas as well! Thanks for the great post.

    Lorrie

    Reply
  19. DebbieCalif

    Hey Melissa, I love mason jars and use them for everything from sewing supplies, to seeds, small garden tools, tea bags, different flavors of coffee, powdered creamers. I love also to decorate with them, I posted this week on glittering some with black and orange glitter for Halloween, will do some for Christmas, with red and green. They also make great candles by putting a small glass container that sets inside the top with a candle in it. I showed this on my blog…I tried to add the permalink but it won’t let me post it.
    Blessings!
    Debbie

    DebbieCalifs inspiring blog post..I’ve been Booed! OOOOOOOh~~~~~~~

    Reply
  20. Darcy

    I just recently went for the basic and got some candy corns and put them in a glass jar and set them out on my bookshelf. But after hearing my 19 month old ask “mmmm?” and sign “more” about 500 times in one morning and then sob uncontrollably when I said “no” I had to put them up…
    I also have a new puppy and she keeps getting one of my crochet projects and running off with it, pulling out stitches and then chewing on it. My FIL suggested that I put it in a jar. I had never thought of that, it would keep it safe and it would be pretty.
    Lastly, I just used up the last of some white wine vinegar that was in a fun bottle with a narrow top and a ball shaped bottom. I am going to put some ribbon on the top (to cover up where the lid went) and fill it with buttons or beans or lavender.
    I love your pictures in this post, it gives me lots of good ideas!
    darcy
    http://ittybittyblog.wordpress.com

    Darcys inspiring blog post..Hiking at Proxy Falls

    Reply
  21. Miss Mari-Nanci

    Another great idea! And I already collect some. :-) But for candles. Your idea is such a cool idea!

    HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

    Please come over and see my costume!!! For PEA’S Halloween Party on Friday. Are you going?!?

    I am soooo cute, and perky, and pretty!!!!!! Stop laughing! This is the Net, ya’know! And a Party is in Virtual Reality, ya’ know! Where anything is possible!!!! -giggles-

    Happy Halloween hugs,
    Miss Mari-Nanci

    Miss Mari-Nancis inspiring blog post..Fun! Yes! Some real fun!!!! A Party!

    Reply
  22. kat

    it’s not one of my ideas but your post reminded me of it. There is a wonderful blog called the nieniedialogues where she posts that she used baby food jars and put tea lights in them and her hubby used wire to string them from the branches of their trees around their back porch for outside dinners. They are magical.

    Reply
  23. Sallie

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

    God bless,
    Sallie

    Sallies inspiring blog post..Pilgrim's Progress Winners!!!

    Reply
  24. emily

    Lovely! Thank you for the inspiration. Which, I suppose, is the whole point of your blog. Nicely done. This is my first comment here, I think. Came over from my sister the Nester.

    emily @ chatting at the skys inspiring blog post..even the darkness is not dark to You

    Reply
  25. Melissa

    Hi friends! How are you all? Hope you are having a great day!

    Reply
  26. Darla

    I love the candle with the cranberries. Cute and practical ideas.

    Darlas inspiring blog post..Asthmatic Bronchitis

    Reply
  27. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    I am a bather and love all the accoutremonts that go along with it. I luckily have a huge surround surface that I put my oil, bubble and bath salts on. They are in various pretty vinegar and oil bottles, decanters, old whisky bottles and jars. When the sun hits them just right, they are just lovely to look at.

    Laura Ingalls Gunns inspiring blog post..Trick or treaters beware!

    Reply
  28. Kim~HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs

    Hi Melissa,
    Great post! I LOVE glass jars. In my crafting area I use them to store supplies. I also have pasta and rice in some in my kitchen. There are so many uses for glass jars. I just bought some clothes pins to put in a jar in my laundry area (even though I probably won’t use the clothes pins) so I can look at them.

    Kim~HomeIsWhereTheHeartIss inspiring blog post..~* My Bench–Yes It’s Black…lol *~

    Reply
  29. Debbie/Four Angel's Momma

    Hi my sweet BFF!

    I love glass jars and have been using them more and more. I use them in my beach house to display all of the sea glass and beach treasures that I find. I am still looking for some good uses for baby food jars as I have a cat that LOVES eating baby food. I did find some good ideas here in your comments.

    I hope that everything is going well with you, dear heart.

    Love,
    Debbie

    Debbie/Four Angel’s Mommas inspiring blog post..A Self-Portrait or Not allowing the Waves to Drag You Down

    Reply
  30. Alys

    I Have my jars filled with all my games for game night, from decks of cards to dominos! It is a great storage sollution and looks fabulous in the game room! Great post! xo, Alys

    Alyss inspiring blog post..*VOTE*

    Reply
  31. Manualidades

    Una vez más les presento frascos de vidrio, para decorar los ambientes. Para utilizarlos desde el baño, las habitaciones, el salón…..Algo tan sencillo y que no falta en ninguna casa. Y sirven para darles tanta utilidad, floreros, candeleros, centros de mesa…. Podrás vestirlos con simples cintas, cuerdas, piedras, velas, piñas, arena, agua con color, uno dentro de otro!. Son infinitas las opciones. Les dejo las imágenes para ayudarlos a seguir creando con estos simples accesorios.
    No hay límite para la creación!

    Manualidadess inspiring blog post..Creando con simples accesorios

    Reply
  32. Maven

    I’m away on business right now and coming here for a visit makes me feel “at home.”

    I love this particular blog and can’t wait to get home and get creative with my glass jars!

    Mavens inspiring blog post..The Fabulosity Abounds in Quebec City

    Reply
  33. meg duerksen

    in jars around here…dog treats. flour. sugar. gumballs. apples. ribbon. cottonballs. candles.
    i love the cranberries in the glass with candles in december. we always hit sam’s club for cranberries in bulk. :)

    love all these pics melissa!

    meg duerksens inspiring blog post..the play room

    Reply
  34. Ashlyn Carter

    Love this! And love that shelf by the way…any idea where it is from?? Anyways for my wedding we covered hundreds of glass cylinders with lace eyelet – this could be used on mason jars as well..anyways, place a candle in side and you’ve got an elegant glow!

    Ashlyn Carters inspiring blog post..Oh Happy Day!

    Reply
  35. salina

    I totally agree with you on the glass jars! They really are so versatile. I’ve always wanted open shelving too in which to display my things not hide them. Beautiful photos as usual. Thanks for sharing.
    ~Salina

    Reply
  36. Jersey Girl in DC

    WOW! I love those green shelves and white brackets! I need to save this image for my decorating folder – I love it! And all those mason jars are so pretty. Thanks for sharing these!

    Jersey Girl in DCs inspiring blog post..CELEBRATING: Phillies WIN World Series!

    Reply
  37. Trina McNeilly

    Hi Melissa.. your site looks fabulous…wow! I have been thinking about you.. I’m glad you stopped by my site.. I’m working on figuring out how to resize my banner (not quite sure how to do it) and then I’ll submit my info. for the blogroll! Happy weekend!
    x Trina

    Trina McNeillys inspiring blog post..Confessions

    Reply
  38. Joy Cronin

    Melissa: I stumbled across your website somehow. I don’t even remember how. All I know is that I signed up as a subscriber through FeedBlitz. Yours is the first one I ever signed up for. I love all your inspiring quotes and awesome decorating sense! Fabulous! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and inspirations. I look forward to opening my email and seeing that you have added something new. It makes my day! Take Care and Happy Halloween.

    Reply
  39. Lisa

    Lots of great ideas! I will have to look around and see what I can come up with. I do love how the cranberries look with the candles!

    Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Bloggy Giveaway Winners!

    Reply
  40. Tami

    Mason Jars have been an essential part of my life since I was a child. If I wasn’t snapping beans to help can for the winter or my favorite, peaches!
    When we were first married and couldn’t afford the fancy canister sets. Walaaa, Mason Jars! We have eliminated other types of glasses to drink from due to the cheapness of most glass sets. Hubs drinks from the quart,grandkids from a straw in the lid of a pint or half-pint! The 2 quart hold my ribbons that are wrapped around clothes pins (a cool iron takes the wrap marks out!) Now they are stored by color.
    The big ole pickle jar holds my memories, lil tidbits you just don’t know where to store. Epsom Salts in the bath, lanterns on the porch, and of course,Puppy treats! oh and jelly beans for my grand babies!!
    The possibilities are endless!

    Reply

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