Use Sliced Fruit, Water, And Candles To Turn Mason Jars Into A Gorgeous Centerpiece

To borrow a phrase from pop culture, "Sometimes, things that are expensive are worse." Luckily, one of the most elegant, versatile centerpieces makes a thrifty opportunity for using up produce that's past its prime, or putting surplus Mason jars to good use. All it takes to make attractive centerpieces is Mason jars, sliced fruit, floating candles, and a splash of water — a foolproof concept that consistently delivers.

To do it, simply wash an extra Mason jar for a shiny, clear surface. Then, slice up some fresh fruit and stuff it in the jar. Pro tip: Citrus fruits that can be sliced into wheels make for a particularly eye-catching aesthetic here. Any type of fruit you happen to have on hand will make a colorful candidate for the job. From there, fill the fruit-stuffed jar with just enough water to reach the brim, and pop in a floating tea light candle. The warm glow of the flame will float above the fresh fruit for a cozy, sophisticated centerpiece. 

Low-cost and high-class, extra Mason jars are the perfect tool for DIY party decor. These centerpieces are vertically low enough that they can be placed on the dinner table without obstructing your view of your dining companions. Or, strategically place them on the food table at holiday parties and potlucks for a mature touch. Word to the wise: The dim glow of the tea lights makes these Mason jar creations look especially pretty at nighttime events.

Customizing the type of fruit and color of the candle you select tailors this centerpiece to fit your event or theme. On the Thanksgiving dinner table, for instance, a Mason jar filled with orange slices and a burgundy floating candle would make a perfect autumnal centerpiece. For Christmas or New Year's, try stuffing that Mason jar with bobbing cranberries, pine needles or rosemary sprigs, whole cinnamon sticks, and a dark green or mauve candle for festive flair. To translate this DIY marvel to an upscale cocktail hour, you could fill the jar with lime wheels and a cobalt blue candle. For the weekend brunch table, try grapefruit wheels, pink peppercorns, and a pink candle. Lemon wheels, lavender sprigs, and pale yellow candles would brighten any summertime cookout. 

These fruity Mason jar candles don't require a lot of time or any special techniques to assemble. You could even enlist the help of the earliest-arriving friend at a dinner party to slice the fruit while you put the finishing touches on the food. It's a great way to help guests feel included during party prep, and it ends in a super cute finishing touch, to boot. 

Have we piqued your crafty inspiration? If you're feeling ambitious, we've also rounded up ways to create a showstopping centerpiece from repurposed yogurt glass jars and rustic egg cartons.