10 Creative Uses for Ball Jars

As anyone who has been to my house in the past year knows, I love ball jars.  I know they're not for everyone but if they fit your style, a set of 12oz ball jars can be a great stand-in for a set of drinking glasses.

When we moved last year, I knew I wanted to do just that: fill my cabinet with these jars instead of drinking glasses.  But, over the year, I've found many other great uses for them, too.

Ten Uses for Ball Jars

1.  Pencil & Pen Cup: Display away!  Everything is easier to find when it's organized, and this can give a fun look to a simple, rustic, creative space (like my home office!).

2.  Frosted beer glass: Since they're resilient and come in large packs, throw a bunch of ball jars in the freezer next time you're having a party. Your guests will enjoy a stylish frosted beer glass!

3. Storage: Because they each come with an accompanying screw-on top, the greatest use for a ball jar is the one it was originally intended for: storage! I find them to be especially great for loose stuff like rice, pasta, and nuts.

4.  Vase: Depending on the flowers, fill a ball jar with water and you've got yourself a perfect vase.

5.  Cotton Balls & Q-Tips: This is especially great for a guest bathroom.  Throw cotton balls and Q-tips in a jar and display them on a countertop surface in the bathroom. The jar gives the cottony goods almost an apothecary-esque look.

6.  Snacks & Candy: Great to use at a party in place of bowls.  You can fill these up, screw on the lids, and place them where they'll be for the party without worrying about the dog getting into them.  Right before the party starts, take the lids off, and you're good to go.

7.  Candle: Stick a tealight or even pillar candle in one of these jars and you have a lovely glow that can go anywhere.  Particularly great for rustic weddings.

8.  Iced Coffee:  Leftover coffee in the morning?  Pour whatever's left in a jar, screw on the lid, and throw it in the fridge.  In the afternoon, fill it up with ice and pour some milk over it and you've got yourself a perfect iced coffee.

9.  Measuring Cup:  Ounces are actually marked on the sides of the jars.  If you're like me, you only have one, maybe two, proper measuring cups in the house.  Which can be a real bummer when it comes to measuring dry & wet stuff at the same time.  Ball jars to the rescue!

10.  Drinking Glasses: Of course, my original intention!  These jars are great for anytime drinking, and they make a glass of lemonade or iced tea feel just a little more special.

*  *  *

What is your most creative use for a ball/mason jar?

❤ Lauren