Outdoor Lighting Inspiration: Use Lots of Jars

When decorating for the outdoors we tend to err on the side of spending close to nothing since most things get ruined when we forget to bring them inside. So we're constantly on the lookout for affordable ways to spruce up our little balcony with stuff we've got around the house. And if we look under the sink we definitely will find the mismatched jars we would need to create this simple, striking lighting:

Thankfully we can get loads of votive candles for cheap to have on hand. Dropping one in each mismatched jar or glass and then clustering them on the center of the table will cast a beautiful glow on our guests' faces and provide a great centerpiece and focal point for an outdoor space. It's cheap, cleans up easily and looks thought out and beautiful. Here are 4 other things to do with glass jars and bottles and some of our favorite outdoor lighting options.

(Image: Chelle Paperie)

Comments (21)

Hot damn that's pretty.

posted by carlitadee on June 2nd 2009 at 4:18pm
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What a great idea for a casual outdoor summer wedding or party! I love it.

posted by mlleErica on June 2nd 2009 at 4:27pm
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That is really pretty. I might steal this for our upcoming backyard engagement party!

http://www.makemineeclectic.wordpress.com

posted by jessimarie33 on June 2nd 2009 at 4:42pm
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I did this for a garden party a couple of summers ago and it was lovely. I like that they've used more jars as glasses too.

posted by MatildaScott on June 2nd 2009 at 5:22pm
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That's beautiful. thank you for the tip!

posted by souk1501 on June 2nd 2009 at 5:59pm
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I've used jars and candles for warm outdoor lighting, and they produce a beautiful glow. Also, the larger jars shield the candles from the wind much better than small votives. Just an added bonus, especially here in San Francisco when it can become windy and chilly at the drop of a hat.

posted by dbtanner on June 2nd 2009 at 9:02pm
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Love, love, love!

posted by beckyjo on June 2nd 2009 at 9:38pm
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Love. But getting the labels off can be so annoying. . .

posted by kiljoywashere on June 3rd 2009 at 11:42am
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i love this idea. I think i might steal this for my wedding/house/dinner party/life in general! so relaxing! that would be great for a bathroom as well! **BRAVO!

posted by Oneformybaby on June 3rd 2009 at 12:54pm
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I LOVE THIS! this would be great in the bathroom as well! definitely putting this in my wedding scheme.

posted by Oneformybaby on June 3rd 2009 at 12:56pm
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My sister in law and her aunt got more crafy and etched bees, butterflys, etc. on appropriate honey jars, etc...then wired them to hang in the trees or from a grapevine swag....very, very beautiful for a wedding.

posted by Marcee-ah on June 3rd 2009 at 1:12pm
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*crafty

posted by Marcee-ah on June 3rd 2009 at 1:12pm
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My sister in law and her aunt got a little more crafty and etched Texas-appropriate flowers/bees/bugs onto honey jars and other types of jars, then wired them to hang from tree branches or grapevine swags. Absolutely beautiful for a summer wedding. Little candles and sand...all aglow. Perfect!

posted by Marcee-ah on June 3rd 2009 at 1:14pm
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Getting the labels off is easy, just fill them with water and submerge them in a sink full of water, come back after awhile and the labels should run right off.
Then run through the dishwasher like any other dish.
We eat alot of classico brand pasta sauce at my house and the squarish mason jars are awesome.

posted by DahliaCactus on June 4th 2009 at 12:35pm
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How romantic! I'm swooning.

posted by Queenoffun101.blogspot.com on June 4th 2009 at 2:43pm
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Just an update on that picture. Our good friend Mia took that one, she looks stunning in this picture, as do the mason jars: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fizkiks/2952623565/in/set-72157608210918503/

My wife and I did the entire wedding ourselves, but it was easy because my wife is a custom invitation designer for chelle paperie in baltimore. http://chellepaperie.blogspot.com/

Ben

posted by Ben Kutil on June 4th 2009 at 6:08pm
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thanks ben!

posted by laure on June 5th 2009 at 4:52pm
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Okay, so I've thought about doing this very thing, but became nervous after my girlfriend had some votives in a few ball jars on her window sill and one burst/shattered from the heat!
How do you know if the glass is heat/candle resistant??
Thanks!

posted by cjs1024 on June 7th 2009 at 9:47pm
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i always save my glass jars from the market. i hate just tossing them in the recycling bin when i know i might have an even better use for them.. i also can't seem to stop buying vintage mason jars to fill my 1920's farmhouse themed kitchen with... they make the perfect container for grains, rice, granola and pasta.. i even use them for my left overs since i try not to have anything plastic in the kitchen (in keeping with the 1920's theme!). now i am going to fill my garden with them the next time we have a night that isnt pouring rain and enjoy the glow of safe candlelight....!!!

posted by austin Charles Benton on June 19th 2009 at 8:13pm
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very simple cool idea but does anyone know a trick for cleaning out the jars once the candle melted down?

posted by ang123 on June 30th 2009 at 4:17pm
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Add some garden hooks, and you can enjoy jars anywhere! Spotted this hip use of jars along one of the main drags in Austin. http://www.heynowwhoanow.com/decorate/jarful-o-happy/

posted by HeyNowHadley on June 30th 2009 at 7:05pm
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