Goodbye Plain Mason Jars: The Cuter DIY That Adds Vintage Charm

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Decorating with mason jars is far from a new trend, so styling them in unique ways can be challenging. You might even be asking yourself, Are mason jars as home decor going out of style? While these ubiquitous jars may not be as popular as they were at their peak in the early 2010s, there are still lots of innovative ways to make them look bespoke. In short, they're not going out of style if you know how to give them a fresh look.

Whether you want to use them to store craft supplies or add them to a holiday mantel vignette, you can transform their look with a whimsical embellishment: a lace doily. It's a simple yet beautiful DIY that turns mason jars into vintage countertop decor in a flash. Some ideas include tying a doily to the lid of a jar, turning a mason jar into a lacy lantern, or simply filling a jar with doilies to make tabletop art.

If you're lucky enough to already have some handmade heirloom doilies, this is the perfect way to celebrate them. Alternatively, you can often pick them up at thrift stores for very little money. You'll find plain and colorful doilies in all shapes and sizes — some even have embroidered motifs in the centers or borders. Of course, you can also buy vintage-inspired doilies new. This 5-piece set of beige Xelsluthe Handmade Crochet Round Lace Doilies in mixed sizes costs about $9. If you want something colorful, consider this 26-pack of Kilofly Multicolored Cotton Crochet Doilies for around $21.

One super simple way to transform a mason jar is to glue a doily to the lid and then tie some twine around the neck of the jar to give it a more rustic look. Take this idea a step further and glue doilies to the walls of the mason jar. Then use the jar sans lid as a vase for fresh-cut flowers. Wildflowers are an ideal option — they have a whimsical aesthetic that pairs well with vintage doilies. If the flowers keep flopping over, a Mason Jar Lifestyle Galvanized Metal Flower Organizer Frog Lid will keep them upright and beautifully arranged.

Want to reuse your old mason jars to light up your outdoor living space? Pop a small LED tea light into the bottom of a mason jar and then fill the jar with lace doilies. It's a safer, longer-lasting alternative to candle lanterns. Make sure that the light gives off a warm, yellow glow rather than a cool-white light. If you prefer the flickering of a real flame, glue the doilies to the outside of the jar instead of putting them inside. For a cutesy touch, tie thin ribbon around the mouth of the mason jar, just beneath the lid.

Beyond making the jars into lanterns, you can also simply squish the doilies into the jar — and that's it! You have some quick textural art for a tea party tablescape or bookshelf display. Finish this charming adornment with a double bow made of Ldfdrt Spring Floral Ribbon or a similar fanciful embellishment. This is a particularly great way to make use of a large collection of doilies you don't know what to do with or don't want to ruin with glue.