I Love... Jars As Glasses

Now, you rather lovely people reading this loved the jar lanterns on the blog the other day (or maybe you really loathed the post and couldn't stop looking at it whilst despairing of me!). So, as I'm now rather taken with jars and all the possibilities available, today's post is looking at a great new trend - using jars as drinking glasses...

Oh yes indeed, more wonderful wedding recycling! Keep your empty jars, wash them thoroughly and re-use them on your wedding day as a cute drinking glass. They look great filled with crushed ice and cocktails (hmmm, mint julep - yes please!) or it's a great twist for a simple drink like lemonade - it's all in the detail and using the every day on your special day in an unusual way is so so effective.

So take a look at these sweet ideas and start saving your jars. You know I'm going to say that a little bit of ribbon will make them look better (and that's true) but also think about going for some stripy straws for a cute styling touch - bang on trend for fun summer weddings.

 Above - my my, how simple and how fabulous? These jars has ribboned tags tied around them, one for each guest, and then the guest's take 'their' glass to choose their top tipple. No more wondering which glass is yours when you put it down and if you put seating assignments on the backs of those tags, you've got your seating cards sorted as well. And check the stripy straws... Image - Clayton Austin

 Above - love this - milkshake drinks in big jar dispensers and a handmade drinks 'stall'. Totally fabulous, lots of fun and definitely cute. Also, easier on the budget than expensive champagne or cocktails. I think the dispensers are fab and I'm super excited as I'm having some of these made at the moment! Image - Jonda Spurbeck

 Above - ooooh, lemonade. Such a fresh idea for a post-ceremony drink (and your non-drinkers won't feel left out of things either!) Love the little tags on the straws which are, again, a great way to make sure everyone's drinking what they should be! Also, how cute is the little doily drinks mat? Very! Image - Kinser Event Company 

 Above - just had to show this pic because a) it's more of those fab dispensers but also b) this is how to really look after your guests, especially on a hot day. You need to have lots of water available and the added fruit in these jars make plain old tap water something more exciting, interesting and unusual. Now that's a great detail. Image - Pottery Barn

 Above - I'm really taken with how this looks - the big barrel with ice and drinks for guests to help themselves from. That just seems so laid back and generous, it's perfect. And the practical side of me says those lids will stop bugs, flies and other undesirables from falling into your drinks. Ideal combination. Image - via Down South Delights

 Above - really, how gorgeous are these jars? Pretty pink drinks, a slice of zesty lemon and a so sweet wrap of ditsy print ribbon. Oh I love this. Apart from one thing - can you spot what it is? Yes my eagle eyed readers, it's that crease in the table cloth. Venues - please re-acquaint yourselves with your irons asap. Thank you.  Image - Simply Love Studio

Above - everything about this image makes me happy. The straw, the drink, the fruit, the jar, those nails, that gown and the coloured sash. I bet this was a personality packed wedding and I love that. Image - via Wedding Bee

Delicious Details - Jar Lanterns

There is something undeniably magical about candlelight - it's soft, it's romantic and it bathes everyone around in a gorgeous creamy glow. See, even writing about candlelight casts an atmosphere! So, candles are just perfect for weddings and they look even better when they're in lovely glass lantern holders that reflect the light and give it an even more dreamy quality.

But lanterns look best when there are lots of them - the odd one plonked around will have no effect, you want lots of them, you want abundance, you want it to look special, magical and slightly ethereal. So jar lanterns are brilliant - save up your glass jars (or hire them) and there you go. Long burning tealights are perfect and you can add ribbons, raffia or any other decorative flourish to put your personal stamp on your lovely lanterns.

So, here's some beautifully inspiring images - I hope they make you feel all warm and happy...

 Above - love these hanging jar lanterns. They're relatively easy to make and there are plenty of instructions on line but if you've got pliers, wire and some time, you should be able to make your own. I think the hanging ribbons are a great touch too - you can imagine them moving slowly in the evening breeze and they add an even softer touch to this set-up as well. Image - Oncewed

Above - proof that the abundant look really works. How simple is this styling and how effective is it? Really, just lots of jars of different sizes totally fill the centre of the tables and they look fabulous. Love the little placemarker jars at easy setting as well. Brilliant. Image - Square 17 

 Above - more gorgeous hanging lanterns with fabulous tissue paper and twine wraps for extra impact. This is an easy way to bring your wedding theme into the design. You could wrap the jars with ribbon, lace, doilies, coloured wool or twine... Image - via LoriCaroline

 Above - I really like these jars. The raffia is a great rustic touch and the candles floating in the water look great. I'd mix up the water levels though to stop everything from looking too uniform and to give a more visually interesting look. Those cute glass pebbles would weight the jars down nicely as well. Image - via Our Labor Of Love

 Above - such a great idea if you want non-hanging lanterns (or indeed, if you want to add more to your hanging lanterns!). I love the thought of filling the outside space at your reception with touches like this, especially if you'll be outside in the evening. How fab would it look if there were lots of there to welcome evening guests or to line the paths and driveways at the end of the evening when guests leave? Make their last memory of your wedding an absolutely beautiful one... Image - via Wedding Waterfall