I love to collect jars and bottles for use as vases or centerpieces, or even creative gifts when filled with something special! I collect these jars and bottles from things I buy at the grocery store—such things as pickles, jams, and lemonade. Occasionally I’ll find a great buy on an original mason jar. Traditionally used for canning, these vary in color and size and really make unique vases. They look quite pretty grouped together on shelves as décor.

So I gathered some of my collection and designed these simple and inexpensive place settings, using various items I had around the house. For this BBQ setting, I used the theme of Red, White, and Blue, since we will soon be celebrating the Fourth of July.

I started by filling each jar half full with sand and rocks to hold the various decorative items I would be placing inside. I went through my crafting box and found some felt balls, along with some wire, and began by twisting the wire around the felt balls to create tall twisted wands to stick in my jars. Then I took popsicle sticks and wrote names for placeholders. I purchased some mini sparklers and twisted candles that I also stuck in the mason jar, along with a few more felt balls and streamers for some added color!

These little jars came out looking great. The elements are all controlled in the jar and yet the kids were excited because of the colors and goodies inside. When it gets dark, we might even light the sparklers! So get creative and use some inexpensive items you might have lying around to decorate your outdoor table this summer!