Over the past year or so, I’ve organized my fair share of parties: there was the baby shower to end all baby showers, Mat’s 30th and let’s not forget the Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (I think many of us wish we could but it’s etched in our memories forever…). One little item that I find always adds a touch of festive fun to my parties and dinners are mason jar centerpieces. They’re cheap, easy to assemble, versatile and oh-so-chic right now. Heck, you can even use the jars as funky glasses when not in use on the table. Today, I thought I’d share some of my creations to inspire your next table setting.
Large mason jar with longer-stemmed flowers
I made this centerpiece for last night’s “bouillabaisse” (recipe to come) dinner party with friends. I found this beautiful sunny bouquet for only $5 at Atwater Market and figured it was too good to pass up. I love the way they turned out. FYI, the flower shop next to the market’s fish monger has the best prices and, as my friend pointed out, the shop owner ain’t too hard on the eyes either.
Mason jars as candle holders
This was my table setting for the now infamous Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and is by far my favourite creation. I borrowed the large mason jars from MJ and filled them at different levels with tiny acrylic beads from Dollorama upon which I placed white candles. If you make these, be careful not to leave them unattended as I’ve heard of mason jars exploding when used as candle holders… :-s And I was concerned the beads might melt and catch fire. Details, details… The important part is that they looked beautiful with the branches and pinecones I picked up at the market. I used simple parchment paper as a table runner, which also protected my new tablecloth from the pine sap. Not so crazy after all, eh? The most expensive item in this setting was without a doubt the Christmas tree paper napkins I couldn’t resist from ZONE.
Small french style mason jars with baby carnations and ribbon
Last March, for my friend’s baby shower – or should I say “baby bash” as it turned out – I needed to come up with an inexpensive way to decorate 30 tables. I found these small mason jars at Dollorama (who doesn’t like to pay $1 for everything?) and got a great deal on the mini carnations with my “flower guy” (see above). The orange ribbon tied everything together nicely ;-)
To recap: mason jars + flowers/candles + smart little extras = perfect table settings. Get everything you need for cheap at:
- Atwater Market for flowers, branches and pine cones (only around Christmas time)
- Dollorama for jars, ribbon and vase filler (acrylic beads)
- ZONE for overpriced but super cute napkins
- Rona on Notre-Dame West for classic mason jars (they’re not as easy to find as you’d think!)
So, what are your tips and tricks for a beautiful table setting?
After 10 years of writing corporate speak as a communications specialist for large companies in Montreal, I’ve finally given into my self-indulgent desire to write my way and share my love for food. Writing and cooking are my creative outlets. When I do them right, they help me relax and comfort me...
Hello there! Love the idea! I think it would be so awesome to use them as lanterns outdoors on a snowy terrasse…or to light the way to the entrance outside.
Another fun trick I like to use is tea cups as centerpieces…(either with small flowers (posies, phlox, mini-carnations…or even candles). Put a few close together. The look is more Alice in Wonderland but if they are all different (I like to buy even chipped ones at flea markets), the look is unpretentious yet still festive. My go-to place for fun branches and inexpensive flowers is “Le Spot” on St-Denis, corner Duluth. And it is very true, Mason jars are a rare find these days.
You seem to be getting rather Martha Stewart here, Jess. That’s not a bad thing – I do that myself. It’s good to share your creativity, in your own way.
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