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Simple Cranberry Evergreen Jars Holiday DIY Decor
Several years ago I made my very first version of these jars. I literally snipped pieces off the Christmas tree and used quart sized mason jars and leftover cranberries. I was in love with the classic, simple beauty that they gave off (both when lit and unlit).
Almost every year since then, I have made up some version of these pretty jars. I usually make 2 or 3 to decorate our holiday table and island countertop. This year as I went to grab the mason jars from the pantry, my eye caught the glass jars that I used for my candy corn centerpieces at Halloween this year. I picked them up at the dollar store at the end of the summer and I thought their smooth, clear surface would look great with greens and cranberries floating inside.
It turns out I was right – they look fantastic!
Here’s what you need for these (VERY) Simple Cranberry Evergreen Jars:
Mason Jars or other glass jars
3-4 small snips of evergreen per jar
Water
Fresh Cranberries
Floating Candles
How to make:
1. Fill jar about 3/4 of the way with water. Add evergreens and arrange them so they are a bit spread out across the jar.
2. Add a handful of cranberries. Fill water to the top, leaving a tiny bit of space for the floating candle. Nestle the candle into the cranberries.
That’s it! Isn’t it lovely?
We just love these jars! They look beautiful during the day and then at night they flicker and shine with a perfect festive glow!
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how long wll the cranberrys keep before you have to change them: and do they give off aroma? they look beautful
They don’t give off much of an aroma. I usually make these jars up a day or two before Christmas Eve and we keep them up through New Year’s Eve. They hold up just fine over that week!
How long do the cranberries last in the water?
I usually make these jars up a day or two before Christmas Eve and we keep them up through New Year’s Eve. They hold up just fine over that week!
Do the cranberries dye the water?
No, the water stays pretty clear! Sometimes the water gets a little hazy after a few days (from the evergreen sap) so I will change out the water and put fresh greens and berries in if I have more. I usually make these jars on Christmas Eve and they last about a week (until our New Year’s Eve party!).
Could I use little battery operated candles.
I would only recommend using battery operated candles if you can ensure that the candles will some how sit in a way that they do not touch the water at all. Many battery operated tealights have little compartments on the bottom for the batteries. I don’t think the compartments are water-tight and if any water got inside, they would likely corrode the battery compartment and ruin the candle. When I use floating candles in these jars, the candles sit directly in the water.
Hobby Lobby sells a nifty little glass contraption that will float any tealight. They come in a pack of 4, and I think I just paid $3.49 when they were half off. That’s the route I would go if using battery powered lights.
I’ll have to look for those – thanks!