Cranberry and Pine Mason Jar Candle Holder (Easy Holiday Decor)

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This might be the easiest holiday decoration you’ll ever make. Fresh pine sprigs and bright red cranberries in a mason jar of water, topped with a floating tea light. It takes about five minutes, costs just a few dollars, and looks beautiful from Thanksgiving right through New Year’s. Make a row of them for the mantel or a long table.

Supplies

• Mason jar or any clear glass jar
• 6 to 7 small pine, cedar or fir sprigs
• 12 to 15 fresh cranberries (or a handful more for a fuller look)
• Water
• Floating tea light candles
• Optional: ribbon, twine or a cinnamon stick

How to make it

1. Tuck the pine sprigs into the jar, trimming them so they stay below the rim.
2. Fill the jar about 3/4 full with water and let the greenery settle.
3. Drop in the cranberries a few at a time. They’ll float to the top.
4. Set a floating tea light on the water.
5. Tie a ribbon or twine bow around the rim if you like, then light and enjoy.

Tips

• Use real wax floating candles. Battery tea lights aren’t waterproof, so if you want flameless, skip the water and nestle the LED light on a bed of cranberries instead.
• Never leave a candle unattended, and keep it away from pets, little hands and dry greenery.
• Change the water every few days. The cranberries and pine stay fresh about a week.
• Add citrus: a few orange slices make it smell even more festive.

More ways to use it

• Line them down the center of the Christmas dinner table
• Set one at each place setting with a name tag tied on
• Make a trio in different jar sizes for the mantel
• Give one as a hostess gift with a box of floating candles

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Fresh work best. Frozen ones get soft and cloud the water.

Can I make these ahead?

Assemble them a day or two ahead and add the candle right before guests arrive.

Do the cranberries make it smell?

The pine gives a fresh scent. Add orange slices or a cinnamon stick for a stronger holiday smell.

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