Multi-Use:Mason Jars

While scouring spring flea markets, be sure to stock up on mason jars for all your entertaining needs. These classic jars are the perfect multi-use party accessory. With a bit of thoughtful planning, they can easily be incorporated into all aspects of your event, from your floral centerpieces to lighting to post-party clean-up.
Photos: Etsy

Aromatic Jelly Jar Candles

Reused jelly jars are ideal vessels for votive candles. Create a rustic table setting by adorning a collection of jelly jar candle holders with pliable plant clipping (rosemary and eucalyptus are good options). Simple secure the ends of the clippings with a small piece of wire to create a one-of-a-kind eco-chic tabletop.
Photo: Martha Stewart

Mismatched Candlesticks

Who says table accents have to perfectly match in order to create a sense of design coherency? An assortment of found candlesticks (scour garage sales, flea markets and the like for inexpensive finds) look chic when paired with elegant tapers in a neutral hue. 

Photo: Martha Stewart

Recycled Jack O’ Lanterns

A quick coat of earth-toned paint and some strategically placed holes are all you need to transform a collection of used aluminum cans into display-worthy eco jack o’ lanterns. Line your walkways with these easy DIY lanterns or arrange them on a bar or buffet.

Photo: Martha Stewart

Recycled Cityscape

Hosting an affair in your favorite big city? Create your own modern eco cityscape on every table. Reused aluminum cans are the perfect vessels for the project. Begin by washing cans with warm, soapy water and allow them to fully air dry. For a skyscraper-feel, create a pattern of organized holes on all sides of each can. A non-petroleum-based votive will complete your urban-eco theme.

Photo: The Knot

Making Waves

Create an ocean-inspired scene right on your tabletop. To begin you’ll need two large glass vases. Be sure that one vase is slightly smaller so that it can easily fit inside of the larger vase. Place a white paraffin-free pillar candle into the center vase. Fill the outer vase with turquoise tinted water using organic or vegan food coloring to make instant waves at your next eco-party. (Eco-tip: Can't find recycled glass vases? Opt for practical vases that you are likely to reuse post-party).

Photo: Martha Stewart

Apothecary Bottles

Instead of using electricity to light an outdoor buffet or bar, consider this simple, yet romantic solution. Gather clear apothecary bottles (which can often be found in bulk at flea markets) and fill them with wicks and lamp oil. Arrange the bottles inside of a hurricane (you can reuse it after the party) to protect the flames from the wind. Depending on the size of the individual bottles, the flames should last for at least several hours.

Photos: Martha Stewart

Candlelit Footpath

Why burn up extra electricity if you can avoid it? If you’re considering hosting an evening affair, add some style (and some safety) to a footpath with mason jar candleholders (they would look equally pretty for a daytime party). Place a soy (or other eco friendly) candle into a reused jar and alternate with some simple seasonal flowers (as pictured below). After all the guests are gone, wash each mason jar with warm, soapy water (after the jars have cooled from the candlelight, of course) and reuse for extra storage or as a vase. Or, opt to keep the jars as decorative candleholders that you can use year-round!

Photo: Once Wed

Elegant Table Setting

White linens, white china and candlelight. I can hardly think of three images that are more classic. To achieve this look arrange a line of reclaimed glass mason jars (which can often be found by the boxful at garage sales and thrift shops for a few cents each), staggered according to size, down the center of a table. Drop a simple, white soy (or other naturally based) votive in each jar for instant (recycled) elegance. 

Photo: Love Still Stands

Post party: consider reusing the jars as drinking glasses, vases, for desk storage…  

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse: Birdcage Lights

Here is just another (beautiful and entirely romantic) example of how to reuse common items by repurposing them into something entirely new.

Photo: Dog n Bird