Using Mason Jar Centerpieces to Add Color to Your Table Settings

In this post: Do you enjoy the simple charm of mason jars? Here are ways to use mason jar centerpieces to add character and color to your table settings and home decor.⇒

What is it about mason jars?

Did you ever wonder why people love them so much?

Is it that they remind you of a gentler time, when people actually bothered with canning and took time with the little things that make home more special? That’s definitely part of it for me.

But I also love the broad variety of colors they come in, both old and new, and what these colors add to a table setting.

Add to that their versatility and the endless ways you can use them, and they are a must for every home collection. Need a quick little vase for flowers? Pull out a large mason jar. Want an assortment of arrangements for a long table? Mason jars it is again! Hang them, stack them, tuck them here and there.

Let’s look at ideas and tips for using mason jars in your home decor, vignette styling and centerpieces for entertaining.

Photo Credit: Simply 2 Moms

Mason Jar Centerpieces

My favorite way to use mason jars is for floral centerpieces. They can be clustered together in groups for an impactful offering or used individually on smaller tables for a sweet little presentation. They can be tucked inside larger serving pieces or placed on platters or in large bowls. They can hold an assortment of varied blooms or bring together a gathering of only one type. They can be tapped for their unique colors, bringing out the palette of your table decor.

Below find ideas for displaying mason jar florals, then read further for tips on using the jars in your decor or to decorate your party or wedding. You’ll also find a summary of the different colors and styles of jars available that you might be interested in using.

How to Display Mason Jar Florals

You’ve created a floral arrangement. Now how will you present it? There’s a lot more to displaying florals than just putting a single vase on a table. Will you display multiples? Will you place them inside a carrier? Can you hang them? Or stack them? See the tips below.

• Ladder Display: Arrange mason jars filled with flowers on the steps of a wooden ladder.
• Hanging Jars: Hang jars from a tree or pergola using twine or wire.
• Table Runner: Line up jars in a row down the center of a dining table.
• Window Sill: Place jars along a window sill for a bright and cheery display.
• Wall Mounted: Attach jars to a wooden board and mount them on the wall.
• Chandelier: Create a mason jar chandelier and fill each jar with flowers.
• Fence Decor: Attach jars to a garden fence for an outdoor floral display.
• Crate Display: Place jars inside a wooden crate for a rustic centerpiece.
• Step Display: Place jars on each step of a staircase.
• Shelving: Display jars on open shelves for a simple, elegant look.
• Table Centerpiece: Group jars of different heights together in the center of a table.
• Bike Basket: Fill a bike basket with mason jars and flowers for a whimsical outdoor display.
• Swing: Place jars on a wooden swing hanging from a tree.
• Porch Railing: Line up jars along a porch railing.
• Mantel: Arrange jars on a fireplace mantel.
• Bookshelf: Integrate jars into a bookshelf display.
• Birdcage: Place jars inside an open birdcage for a vintage look.
• Lantern Holder: Hang jars from a decorative lantern holder.
• Table Numbers: Use jars as table number holders for weddings or events.
• Stump Display: Place jars on top of tree stumps in a garden.
• Vintage Scale: Use an old kitchen scale to display a jar of flowers.
• Wooden Box: Arrange jars in a wooden box or drawer.
• Picnic Table: Line up jars along the center of a picnic table.
• Hanging from Hooks: Attach hooks to a wall or board and hang jars from them.
• Basket Display: Place jars inside a woven basket for a charming touch.

Photo Credit: Timeless Event Planning

Ways to Use Mason Jars in Your Decor

Mason jars are not just for table florals. They are so versatile they can be used all around your home. Consider using some of these ideas to add cheer to your home spaces.

• Candle Holders: Fill with sand or pebbles, then add tea lights or pillar candles.
• Flower Vases: Perfect for fresh or artificial flowers.
• Fairy Lights: Fill with string lights for a magical glow.
• Herb Planters: Plant small herbs for a functional and fragrant centerpiece.
• Succulent Gardens: Create mini succulent terrariums.
• Seashell Display: Fill with sand and seashells for a beach-themed centerpiece.
• Fruit Displays: Layer colorful fruits for a fresh, edible centerpiece.
• Floating Candles: Fill with water and add floating candles and flower petals.
• Painted Jars: Paint the jars in your theme colors for a coordinated look.
• Seasonal Filler: Fill with seasonal items like pinecones in winter or acorns in fall.
• Rustic Lanterns: Wrap in twine or burlap and add a candle inside.
• Vintage Photos: Place small, vintage photos inside for a nostalgic touch.
• Colored Water: Fill with colored water to match your decor scheme.
• Lace Wrapped: Wrap in lace for a delicate, vintage look.
• Chalkboard Labels: Add chalkboard labels for a customizable touch.
• Marble Display: Fill with colorful marbles for a playful effect.
• Candy Jars: Fill with candy for a sweet centerpiece.
• Themed Collections: Display small collections, like antique keys or buttons.
• Floating Flowers: Fill with water and floating flowers.
• Wine Corks: Fill with wine corks for a cozy, wine-country feel.
• Beaded Jars: Glue beads on the outside for a textured look.
• Mini Aquariums: Create tiny, low-maintenance aquariums.
• Seasonal Blooms: Use seasonal flowers for a constantly changing centerpiece.
• Monogrammed Jars: Add monogram decals for a personalized touch.
• Mason Jar Terrariums: Create tiny ecosystems with moss, pebbles, and small plants.

And 25 More Ways…

• Lemon and Lime Slices: Fill with water and lemon/lime slices for a fresh look.
• Floating Candle and Flowers: Combine floating candles with submerged flowers.
• Pineapple Vase: Use the jar as a vase inside a hollowed-out pineapple.
• Glow in the Dark: Paint the inside with glow-in-the-dark paint for a fun effect.
• Bookworm Jar: Fill with small books or scrolls of quotes.
• Button Fill: Fill with colorful buttons for a whimsical touch.
• Feather Display: Fill with decorative feathers.
• Potpourri Jars: Fill with potpourri for a fragrant centerpiece.
• Burlap Wrapped: Wrap in burlap and add a bow for rustic charm.
• Mason Jar Drink Holders: Combine with drink dispensers for a functional centerpiece.
• Confetti Fill: Fill with confetti for a celebratory touch.
• Mini Landscapes: Create tiny landscapes with sand, rocks, and small figurines.
• Holiday Themes: Decorate with holiday-specific items like Easter eggs or Christmas ornaments.
• Beeswax Candle Jars: Fill with beeswax and a wick for homemade candles.
• Copper Accents: Paint the lids or rims with copper paint for an industrial look.
• Vintage Buttons: Display a collection of vintage buttons.
• Ribbon Wrapped: Wrap with colorful ribbons to match your decor.
• Beach Scene: Create a miniature beach scene with sand, shells, and tiny beach chairs.
• Lavender Jars: Fill with dried lavender for a calming aroma.
• Shell Candles: Fill with shells and place a candle in the center.
• Painted Ombre: Paint in an ombre effect for a gradient color look.
• Burlap and Lace: Combine burlap and lace for a rustic, elegant touch.
• Snow Globe Jars: Create waterless snow globes with miniature trees and fake snow.
• Confetti Vase: Coat the inside with glue and add confetti for a festive jar.
• Gemstone Fill: Fill with polished gemstones or crystals for a sparkling centerpiece.

Photo Credit: Glamour and Grace Blog

Creative Ideas for Using Mason Jars in Wedding Decor

Beyond the home, mason jars are a popular choice for wedding decor given their adaptability and charming aesthetic. They can add a unique and personalized touch, creating a memorable and enchanting atmosphere. Try some of these ideas for your next event or party.

• Centerpiece Vases: Fill mason jars with fresh flowers, greenery, or a mix of both, and place them as centerpieces on reception tables. Add a ribbon or lace around the jars for extra elegance.
• Hanging Lanterns: Hang mason jars filled with fairy lights or candles from tree branches, a trellis, or a tent ceiling to create a magical, glowing atmosphere.
• Aisle Markers: Line the wedding aisle with mason jars filled with flowers or candles, attached to shepherd’s hooks or placed directly on the ground.
• Guest Favor Jars: Fill small mason jars with homemade jam, honey, candies, or bath salts, and add a personalized label for a charming wedding favor.
• Table Number Holders: Use mason jars to display table numbers. Fill the jars with sand or pebbles and place a decorative stick or frame with the table number inside.
• Beverage Dispensers: Use large mason jars as beverage dispensers for lemonade, iced tea, or signature cocktails. Add a chalkboard label to identify the drink.
• Candle Holders: Create a romantic ambiance by placing tea lights or votive candles inside mason jars. Decorate the jars with lace, twine, or burlap for a rustic touch.
• Photo Display: Fill mason jars with fairy lights and insert photos of the couple or loved ones. Place the jars on tables or along pathways for a personal and warm decor element.
• Dessert Jars: Serve individual desserts like parfaits, cheesecakes, or cupcakes in mason jars. These can double as both decor and a delicious treat for guests.
• Escort Card Display: Attach escort cards to mason jars filled with flowers or candles. Arrange the jars on a table or shelf for guests to easily find their seating assignments.

Photo Credit: Cali Girl In A Southern World

Different Types of Mason Jars

Did you know there are many different types of mason jars? Indeed there are and they are often distinguished by color, size, brand markings, and even texture. Following is a list of some of the particular options, each with its unique design and style, offering a wide range of possibilities for both practical use and decorative displays.

• Standard Mason Jars: The classic, smooth-sided jars that are most commonly used for canning and storage.
• Ball Mason Jars: A popular brand known for their high-quality canning jars with smooth sides or embossed logos.
• Kerr Mason Jars: Another well-known brand, often featuring embossed designs.
• Quilted Crystal Jars: These jars have a diamond-patterned texture, often used for jams and jellies.
• Wide-Mouth Jars: Have a wider opening, making them easier to fill and clean.
• Regular-Mouth Jars: The standard mouth size, suitable for most canning and storage purposes.
• Hobnail Jars: Feature a textured, hobnail pattern for a vintage look.
• Atlas Mason Jars: Known for their distinctive, retro-style lettering and thick glass.
• Vintage Blue Jars: Classic blue-tinted mason jars, often found in antique shops.
• Amber Mason Jars: Jars with an amber tint, providing UV protection for the contents.
• Green Mason Jars: Jars with a green tint, adding a unique touch to displays.
• Square Mason Jars: Feature a square shape instead of the traditional round design.
• Hexagon Mason Jars: Have a hexagonal shape, often used for decorative purposes.
• Decorative Embossed Jars: Feature various embossed designs, such as fruits, flowers, or logos.
• Smooth-Sided Jars: Have no embossing or patterns, offering a sleek, clean look.
• Faceted Mason Jars: Feature multiple flat surfaces or facets, adding a decorative touch.
• Mini Mason Jars: Smaller versions, often used for spices, samples, or small gifts.
• Handled Mason Jars: Have a handle, often used as drinking glasses or mugs.
• Mason Jar Mugs: Similar to handled jars but specifically designed as drinking mugs, often with lids and straws.
• Storage Mason Jars: Designed for pantry storage, often with screw-top lids or flip lids.
• Tall Mason Jars: Taller than standard jars, used for storing longer items like spaghetti.
• Short Mason Jars: Shorter and wider, perfect for spreads, dips, or desserts.
• Bail Lid Mason Jars: Feature a wire bail and glass lid with a rubber gasket, often used for dry goods.
• Decorative Lid Jars: Come with decorative lids, such as daisy cutouts or decorative metal designs.
• Colored Glass Jars: Available in various colors such as pink, purple, or teal for a vibrant touch.

Photo Credit: Concept Photography via Style Me Pretty

Collectible Mason Jar Colors

Apart from style differences among mason jars, the aspect that really sets the most valuable ones apart is age. Authentic vintage mason jars are highly collectible and come in a range of charming colors. These vintage colors add a nostalgic touch to any decor or collection. Here are some of the colors you might find.

• Aqua Blue: The most iconic color, often referred to as “Ball Blue,” with a light blue-green tint.
• Cobalt Blue: A deep, rich blue that is highly sought after by collectors.
• Amber: A warm, brownish-yellow color that provides UV protection for the contents.
• Clear: Transparent jars that allow the contents to be easily seen.
• Green: A light to medium green color, less common than blue or clear.
• Purple: A rare and beautiful lavender to deep purple hue, usually resulting from sun exposure over time.
• Olive Green: A darker, more muted green, often associated with older jars.
• Milk Glass: An opaque white or off-white color, giving a classic, vintage feel.
• Black: Actually very dark purple or amber, appearing almost black, extremely rare and highly collectible.

In my home, there are so many different vessels that I use for florals, but few are as delightful as mason jar centerpieces.

They have a gentle simplicity, give a nod to the past, can provide interesting color, or be uncomplicated when needed. They are at once unpretentious yet can display exquisite florals, all the while hinting at what’s beautiful about the home.

And if you’re so inclined, you can always use them for canning!