Empty canning jars can quickly become autumn lanterns, vases, or charming nature-inspired decorations. Discover 20 easy ideas using colorful leaves, twine, pinecones, acorns, branches, and other treasures from the autumn outdoors.
What You’ll Need
- Clean canning jars of various sizes
- Dried autumn leaves, pinecones, acorns, chestnuts, moss, and twigs
- Natural twine, jute ribbon, or lace
- Candles or small string lights
- Seasonal flowers and grasses depending on your chosen decoration
1. Lantern with Leaves and Pinecones: Wrap natural twine several times around the neck of the jar and finish with a bow. Arrange bold autumn leaves on the sides, fill the bottom with small pinecones, and place a warm light source inside. The jar looks beautiful on a wooden table.
2. Hanging Illuminated Jars: Decorate three jars of different sizes with colorful leaves and tiny string lights. Make hangers from sturdy twine that securely fit around the necks, and add wooden beads. Hang the finished lanterns at different heights from stable hooks.
3. Autumn Vase with Jute: Wrap a wide jar with a strip of coarse jute fabric and tie a simple twine bow around it. Fill it with a bouquet of dried grasses, faded blooms, and large colored leaves. The clear bottom lets the stems stand out.
4. Pair of Lanterns for the Windowsill: Attach dried leaves to the jars so they partially overlap and create a colorful mosaic. Decorate the necks with twine and bows. When lit, the leaf patterns become more vivid and create a cozy atmosphere.
5. Simple Candle Holder with Jute Band: Wrap the center of the jar with jute ribbon, place two colorful leaves on the front, and tie everything with twine. Set the candle holder on a wooden slice and surround it with moss and acorns.
6. Vase with Burgundy Flowers: Adorn the neck of a tall jar with decorative lace and thin twine. Add striking burgundy flowers, rosehip branches, greenery, and yellow leaves to water. This lush arrangement makes a perfect centerpiece for your dining table.
7. Trio of Small Lanterns: Prepare three similar jars and place a single dominant leaf in a different autumn color in each. Tie twine around the necks and insert small light sources inside. Arrange the jars in a row on a table runner and add pumpkins, chestnuts, and loose leaves.
8. Autumn Landscape in a Jar: Spread moss on the bottom of a larger container to create a soft green base. Add a pinecone, a few acorns, and smaller dried leaves standing upright. Finish the neck with several turns of twine and a loose bow.
9. Hanging Lantern for the Garden: Fill the jar with a string of tiny lights and add a few yellow leaves. Make a sturdy hanging loop from twine and secure it well around the neck. Hang the decoration from a strong branch, making sure it’s sheltered from strong winds.
10. Candle Holder with Birch Bark: Wrap the lower half of the jar with a strip of decorative bark. Tie twine around the neck, tucking in a dried leaf and small pinecones. Leave enough space inside around the candle.
11. Country Vase with Heather: Cover the middle of the jar with a light fabric band and a narrow brown twine. Fill it with hydrangeas, heather, and branches with autumn leaves. The soft natural tones pair beautifully with wood and ceramic accents.
12. Lush Lantern with Pinecones: Arrange large colorful leaves on the outside of the jar and line the bottom edge with pinecones of various sizes. Decorate the neck with twine and a simple wooden bead. Place the finished lantern on a rustic tray.
13. Candle Holder Lined with Twigs: Place short, straight twigs closely together around the lower part of the jar. Secure them with several rows of natural twine. Tie an autumn leaf and a small pinecone to the front to cover the joint.
14. Delicate Vase with Dried Grasses: Decorate the jar with a wide strip of lace and a twine bow. Arrange leafy branches, rosehips, and dried grasses in muted tones inside. Let the stems spread out freely for an airy bouquet.
15. Illuminated Leaves and Ferns: Press leaves and delicate fern fronds onto the sides of the jar. Wrap twine around the neck, add a bow, and hang an acorn. When lit, the plant silhouettes are beautifully projected around.
16. Colorful Lantern with a Window: Coat the outside of the jar with a matte layer in a warm earthy orange shade, but leave a leaf-shaped window in the center. Wrap the neck with twine. The light shines mainly through the cut-out, highlighting its outline.
17. Floral Vase with Jute Bow: Attach a jute band with lace around the jar. Tie a bow on the front and add a dried leaf. Fill the vase with purple autumn flowers, rowan berries, and yellow leaves.
18. Glowing Jar Full of Chestnuts: Scatter chestnuts and acorns on the bottom of the container and loosely add small string lights among them. Wrap the neck with jute ribbon and add oak leaves. Distribute the lights evenly so the whole filling glows.
19. Outdoor Lanterns with Metal Hangers: Decorate two jars with autumn leaves and twine, and place a light inside. Use sturdy metal loops attached under the neck for hanging. Hang the lanterns from stable hooks under a roof, where they’re protected from rain.
20. Autumn Set on a Tray: Combine a tall vase with hydrangea and oak leaves, a larger illuminated jar with colorful leaves, and a low candle holder lined with twigs. Group everything on a round wooden tray and fill empty spaces with a small pumpkin, acorns, and dried leaves.
Final Tip
Before you start, wash, degrease, and dry the jars thoroughly. Use only clean, well-dried natural materials. Never leave decorations with an open flame unattended, keep them away from leaves, twine, and other flammable parts, and always place jars on a stable, non-flammable surface. Safer alternatives include small string lights or flameless candles.
