Mason Jars- Some things never get old

2013 marks the 100th year anniversary of the Ball brothers iconic mason jar. To celebrate, a limited edition, vintage inspired blue jar has been released. Unfortunately, these are only temporary so don't miss out! This mason jar can be a collectible or used in numerous fun, cute, and creative ways! Whether you are hosting a lunch, BBQ, or simply decorating a room, these jars can add a vintage feel while spicing up average designs. With summer right around the corner, these can be a practical and easy DIY project for any event. Here are some creative ways to make use of the mason jar! (The blue jar will probably make these THAT much cuter too, but if you don't want to ruin that limited edition jar, reuse your old ones!) P.S. You can purchase these blue mason jars at Ace Hardware - a 6-pack of the 1-Pint jars are only $11!

As a desert jar! Perfect for dessert buffets using parfaits, sundaes, cupcakes, s'mores...

And is an easy party favor to-go (what guest wouldn't want a take home tiramisu?)

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Used to serve lemonade, cocktails, or soda. Punch a whole in the lid and put in a cute colored stripe straw for the kiddies table - or for a specialty cocktail.  Perfect for that summer BBQ!  

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A new way of presenting your summer garden. 

This allows you to have that indoor herb garden while being decorative as well!

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Tired of the mess surrounding your sink? 

Use the jar to hold bathroom necessities from cotton balls to toothbrushes. 

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Also a unique but cute way to store pastas or spices! 

However it can be useful for storing anything, like supplies on your desk. 

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A new and less expensive way to present flowers! We only needed three stems of these beautiful white hydrangeas to make this simple and elegant arrangement.

Great for indoor and outdoor party decor (can work for any event).

Kristen Beinke Photography

Using the jar as light or by placing a candle inside can provide a private, low-key feel to a diner party or as a permanent fixture over your dining table.

You could also slip in a votive candle for extra detail at your guest tables!

   

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Possibly my favorite idea is using the jars to show memories. 

Like past vacations, pictures, or meaningful objects. I collected sand from every beach that we visited in Kauai on our honeymoon and have debated using this concept as continued beach decor in our bathroom.

This would be a cute idea for weddings, engagement parties, or even birthdays.

Just place pictures of where they met, past trips, or things they plan on doing. Great little keepsake ideas!

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Some Paper Crystal Inspiration

I always try to weave in small details that represent the interests of my bride and grooms in their wedding decor.  No matter how silly the thought at first, it can make it fun and a truly unique experience for the wedding guests.  I get my inspiration from the world around me and think of ways I could pull it in somewhere.  I sometimes have entire weddings planned out in my mind that are just waiting for the right couple to bring it alive.  

When I was in Las Vegas, I was told that I just had to go see the Chandelier Room at the Cosmopolitan.  Here are a few photos that I hope inspire you to think outside of the box and have some fun with the details of your big day.

This seems to be laser cut paper strung together to make hanging garlands.  It looks kind of like seaweed, a wild element you could incorporate for an undersea theme.

I literally laid in the middle of the lobby on the floor to get this shot.  It seems as though it is an ivory chiffon material with crystal detail on the edges.  Lamp shades come to mind immediately, or pretty skirts.  Maybe the lamps in your lounge area could mimic mini versions of these.  Take away what you will...It sure is fun to play!

And here is the gigantic chandelier that shoots up three stories in the center of the hotel and can hold up to 500 people in its nest of over 2 million beaded crystals!  Pretty wild my friends.  I wonder what it would be like living inside a huge chandelier?  

Under mixologist Meriena Mercer's direction, The Chandelier houses three unique bar experiences: a high-energy hot spot, sophisticated high-tech cocktail haven and inviting lounge with a feminine touch.

The first floor of The Chandelier features a DJ and is devoted to intricate specialty drinks like Thai Down -- tequila with Thai basil, strawberries, ginger and a Thai chili syrup -- and Madame Curry, a mango margarita with Chinese five spice and curry flavors.

The second floor is a cradle for creativity featuring cocktails designed with molecular garnishes served tableside from a modern bar cart. A separate cocktail kitchen designated for molecular exploration is stocked with gadgets galore, including a sous-vide vacuum, a Pacojet to make spirited sorbets, a spherification center and a complete index of chemicals used in molecular gastronomy.

One resulting cocktail is the Fire Breathing Dragon, a raspberry, lemongrass, Thai chili libation garnished with a dehydrated raspberry that is treated with liquid nitrogen. Once the raspberry enters the mouth, smoke releases from the berry, hence the fire breathing.

The third floor, a flirty lounge inspired by the neighboring shops, exudes femininity and offers creatively infused cocktails. Floral elements, including house-made rose and lavender syrups and violet sugar, are used to make a mix of modern and classic drinks.

Cocktails include Bed Thyme, made from chamomile and lavenders syrups with thyme cognac and pear liqueur, and Violet Femme, a gin and elderflower cocktail rimmed in violet sugar with edible violets.

Next time you are in Vegas, I highly recommend that you check it out!