Do you have a short string of mini Christmas lights that doesn’t have a home this holiday? Try stuffing the whole string of lights into a canning jar with just the plug end sticking out. Plug it in and set it on a shelf or a windowsill and you have a lovely spot of color to brighten your space.
Small strands of mini lights work best— if you decide to use a strand that has more than 100 lights, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too hot. And incidentally, this is a great use for a strand of lights with a section of burned-out bulbs. Amid the tangle of lights and wires in the jar, you won’t be able to tell that some of the lights are not working. Holiday decorating in a flash– works for me!
I'm Mary, wife to John, and mom to 10 kids ages 3-20. Six of them were adopted, from Ethiopia and Korea. I spend my days applying Bandaids, reminding kids to use their inside voices, persuading kids fractions are useful, cooking spicy ethnic food, and snapping gig after gig of pictures. Very late at night, I write about it all.
Someone gave me one once that had potpourri in it. When it was plugged in, it heated the potpourri and smelled wonderful and looked cool too. Great with holiday colored Potpourri.
Heather BT
I like this idea too — my mil used to have one in her bathroom. It makes a nifty night light. I also liked your play on words — Christmas lights — in a flash??
Jean
I have one of the potpourri jars, but never thought of just putting lights in the jar. Great tip!! I have a few corners that could use a little twinkle!
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What a cute idea:) I might just have to do this.
Very cute idea! We’ve switched to the LED lights–they cost practically nothing to run and don’t get hot at all!
Canning jars filled with those cinnamon cented pinecones from Wal-Mart are my favorite.
Now that’s what I call “canned lights”.
Great idea!
Love it! what a great idea.
I have seen them both with and without potpourri in them. They look great and are easy to do. Good reminder for the season. I have also seen people use them year round with solid blue or white lites in them.
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Cute idea.
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Laane on the World
Have a great day!
That is a fantastic idea!
That’s a cool idea!
awesome idea ~
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