15 Ways to Use Mason Jars

Service for one, all in one. Napkin and silverware look great tucked into a jar meant to be the drinking vessel. If you don't have enough jars for each person, just organize silverware in jars.

Like fireflies winking in the dusk, a row of jars strung with lights hangs from rafters. Pendant light kits found at local hardware stores make the conversion simple.

When used as a container for forcing blubs, Mason jars mean you get twice the beauty: tendrils of roots and towering bulb.

Before guests arrive, dish servings into Mason jars to simplify serving time at a buffet. 

Floating a single blossom in a jar with a little water makes a charming display. A bow of raffia tops it with flourish.

Adding a simple pump to the jar puts your dish or hand soap on display in a sturdy source.

Attaching bright paper labeled with IDs transforms jars into clear storage.

A little dirt at the bottom of a jar hints at the contents of this thoughtful favor. Raffia holds pretty gardening gloves on the jar filled with a seed packet and plant ID stake.

Vintage mason jars make great containers for a kitchen herbarium. Almost any herb can be started from seed in a mason jar. Chive, thyme and rosemary are excellent choices. When they outgrow their space, cut herbs as needed, or transplant them into a larger container or into the garden.

These sundaes are more than just another excuse to ride the Mason jar wave. There's genius under that screw-top, thanks to inspiration from Silver Lining Creamery in Rapid City. Bake the cake batter in the jars; pile ice cream, fudge and nuts on top; then stash them in the freezer. They're perfect for serving at parties or any special occasion.

Red Velvet Sundae Jars 

A row of jars puts tall items at your fingertips. Separate by type, color or function. 

Pour lemonade or sangria into these jars for containers guests don't have to worry about breaking. 

Corral tiny notions in a jar topped with a felt pincushion. Thread, needle cases, pins, buttons. They'll all benefit from a secure spot.

Insert a straw into lids with holes (or punch a hole in a lid) to create homemade sippy cups. No spills. Grown-up and tyke-approved. 

Cookies on sticks or candy-coated pretzel sticks—anything tall and gooey looks great in a jar. 

Tea lights set in sand inside Mason jars add light and charm to an outdoor patio. The carefully hung lights dangle above a dining table and seating area. To make your own, use twine and s hooks to hang the jars from thier handles.