Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and getting creative with decor.
If you’ve recently burned through your favourite soy candle, don’t toss out that mason jar! Our 8 oz and 16 oz jars are not only sustainable, but they also provide the perfect canvas for DIY projects that add a personal, handmade touch to your home decor. Plus, they make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Below are five fun and easy ways to repurpose your empty candle jars for Thanksgiving, all with a cozy, candle-inspired twist.
1. Mini Pumpkin Votives for the Thanksgiving Table
One of the easiest ways to repurpose your mason jars is by transforming them into adorable mini pumpkin votives.
What You’ll Need:
- A cleaned-out 8 oz mason jar
- Orange acrylic paint (or pumpkin colour of your choice)
- Green twine or ribbon for the “stem”
- Soy tea light
How to Make It: Start by painting the outside of your mason jar. For a more rustic look, use a sponge to create a textured finish. Once the paint is dry, wrap green twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar to mimic the stem of a pumpkin. Drop in a soy tea light to create a warm glow. These little pumpkin-inspired votives look stunning when lined up along your Thanksgiving table or fireplace mantle.
2. Thankful Tree Centrepiece
For a more meaningful twist on Thanksgiving decor, turn your 16 oz mason jar into the base for a “Thankful Tree” centrepiece. This interactive display allows guests to write what they’re grateful for on paper leaves and hang them on the “tree” throughout the celebration.
What You’ll Need:
- A 16 oz mason jar
- Sticks or small tree branches (collected from outside)
- Twine
- Red, yellow or orange ribbon
- Craft paper or pre-cut leaf shapes
- A pen or marker
How to Make It: Start by arranging small tree branches in your jar to resemble a miniature tree. For added charm, you can wrap the jar with ribbon in fall colours. Cut out leaf shapes from craft paper and punch a small hole at the top of each. You should have at least two per guest. Cut the same amount of twine pieces. Each piece of twine should be roughly 4 inches.
Place the leaves and twine, along with a pen or marker, beside your Thankful Tree, so guests can write what they’re thankful for and tie the leaves on the branches. Not only does this add a heartfelt touch to your decor, but it also encourages meaningful conversation during your gathering.
3. Mason Jar Luminaries with Fall Foliage
Illuminate your home with mason jar luminaries that capture the beauty of fall. These luminaries are simple to make, creating a warm, flickering ambiance perfect for cozying up on a cool Thanksgiving evening.
What You’ll Need:
- 8 oz or 16 oz mason jar
- Mod Podge (or craft glue)
- Real or artificial fall leaves
- A brush
- Small pillar candle or soy tea light
How to Make It: Begin by coating the outside of your mason jar with a thin layer of Mod Podge. Gently press the leaves against the jar, ensuring they stick well. Once you’ve arranged the leaves as you like, brush another layer of Mod Podge over them to seal everything in place. Let the jar dry completely before placing a small pillar candle or a soy tea light inside. When lit, the leaves will glow softly, creating a beautiful and natural centrepiece for your Thanksgiving table or windowsill.
4. Harvest Jar Gift Sets for Family and Friends
If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to share gratitude with friends and family, why not repurpose your mason jars into charming harvest-themed gift sets? Fill the jars with goodies, decorate them, and give them as gifts for a special Thanksgiving treat.
What You’ll Need:
- A clean 8 oz or 16 oz mason jar
- Small seasonal treats (like creme pumpkins, candy corn, gummy pumpkins, pumpkin-shaped chocolates, or spiced nuts)
- Fabric scraps (in fall colours or patterns)
- Ribbon or twine
- A gift tag
How to Make It: Fill the jar with seasonal goodies. To give it a festive finish, cut a fabric scrap large enough to drape over the jar’s lid and secure it with twine or ribbon. Attach a small gift tag with a sweet Thanksgiving message or a “thankful for you” note. These little jars make perfect hostess gifts or party favours for guests to take home and enjoy.
5. Autumn-Inspired Mason Jar Utensil Holders
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner? Give your table an extra festive touch by turning your empty mason jars into utensil holders with an autumn twist. Not only do these jars add rustic charm to your tablescape, but they also keep your silverware organized in style!
What You’ll Need:
- 16 oz mason jars
- Burlap or fall-themed fabric
- Mini sized Fall decorations (like pine cones, acorns, or faux pumpkins)
- Hot glue gun
How to Make It: Wrap the middle of your mason jars with a strip of burlap or a piece of fall-patterned fabric. Secure it in place with a bit of hot glue or by tying a ribbon. Add an extra decorative touch by hot gluing mini pine cones, acorns, or small faux pumpkins onto the jar. Once finished, place your silverware inside and line these decorative jars up along your Thanksgiving table or buffet. They’re practical, stylish, and perfectly on theme!
With a little creativity, your empty mason jars can be transformed into beautiful and meaningful Thanksgiving decor or heartfelt gifts. Whether you’re crafting a glowing centrepiece or giving a thoughtful gift, these DIY projects will help you make the most of your mason jar collection—and add a warm, personal touch to your holiday season.
Happy crafting, and Happy Thanksgiving!
