In brief: To make an Advent wreath with jars, arrange four matching containers, such as mason jars or food jars, on a tray or wooden board. Fill them with floral foam, sand or pebbles to hold the candles. Decorate with evergreen branches, berries, cinnamon sticks and ribbon. The result is a personalized, fire-safe centerpiece for the holiday season.
DIY Advent Wreath with Jars: Creative Ideas
A traditional evergreen wreath isn't your style? Make your Advent wreath with jars this year. It's easy to put together, adds a layer of protection around the candles and leaves plenty of room for creativity. Turn mason jars, food jars or old jam jars into modern holiday décor.
The idea is simple: four jars take the place of a traditional straw wreath base. Arrange them on a tray, fill them with something to hold the candles, then decorate to suit your taste. The result is personalized Christmas table décor that you can style differently every year.
Why make an Advent wreath with jars?
Glass has practical benefits during Advent. It is noncombustible and provides a barrier around the candle flame. Any dripping wax collects in the jar instead of on your tablecloth, making cleanup much easier.
With Advent upcycling, you can repurpose materials you already have at home. Old mason jars get a new lease on life, and their sturdy glass can last for years. Store them away and simply refill them next year.
This look is easy to customize. Try a rustic style with jute and pinecones, or a modern arrangement with white candles and gold accents. The jars give each of the four candles its own space, creating a neat, balanced centerpiece for your table.
A candle flame inside a jar looks more vivid and mysterious. The glass concentrates the light while adding a layer of protection. It creates a rustic, calming glow.
What materials and tools do you need?
First, take stock of what you have. Look for four matching or complementary jars. Mason jars from 500 ml to 1 litre work well. You can also use jam jars, mustard jars or small food cans.
Your base sets the style. Choose a wooden board, metal tray, old cutting board or large ceramic platter. Make sure it is big enough to leave some space between the jars. Aim for a gap at least a hand's width wide.
You will need something inside each jar to hold the candle in place. Candle-holding floral foam works well and can be cut into blocks. You can also use sand, pebbles, dried chickpeas or coffee beans. Their weight helps stabilize the candle.
Pro tip
Before decorating, check that each candle stands securely in its filled jar. Press it firmly into the floral foam or other filling. It should stay steady when you gently wiggle the rim of the jar.
Use natural finds and items from around the house to decorate. Gather evergreen branches, spruce cones, berries or moss. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise and dried orange slices. For a festive finish, use raffia, jute twine, ribbon or gold spray paint.
How do you make an Advent wreath with jars step by step?
1. Prepare the jars and base
Wash the jars thoroughly and remove old labels and adhesive residue. Soaking them in warm, soapy water can help. For stubborn residue, use nail polish remover or oil. Dry the jars completely.
Arrange the four jars on your base in a square or circle. If the surface allows, lightly mark their positions with a pencil. That way, you can put them back in the right spots after decorating.
2. Secure the candles
Cut the floral foam into four cubes, each slightly smaller than the diameter of the jar opening. Place one cube in each jar. The foam should sit about one centimeter below the rim.
Insert each candle into the center of a foam cube. Press it in firmly so it stands securely. If using sand, fill each jar two-thirds full, insert a candle and pour more sand around its base until it no longer wobbles.
Important note
Never leave burning candles unattended. Place the wreath on a firm, level surface away from curtains and other flammable materials. Extinguish the candles before they burn all the way down.
3. Decorate and style
Start with the natural decorations. Arrange evergreen branches or eucalyptus around the jars on the base. You can also attach branches to the jar rims with hot glue or wire. Layer different shades of greenery to add depth.
Add larger accents. Tuck cinnamon sticks, small pinecones or nuts between the branches, using hot glue to hold them in place. For a festive shine, spray a few pinecones or nuts with gold or silver spray paint.
Tie raffia or jute twine around the neck of each jar and finish with a simple bow or knot. You can also add labels for the four Sundays of Advent to make the wreath your own.
The charm of a DIY wreath lies in its imperfections. You don't need four identical jars. Slight differences in size and shape give the arrangement energy and character.
Fill the gaps on the base with small details. Scatter berries, dried orange slices or small wooden stars around the arrangement. Moss softens the look and adds a forest-floor feel.
Three Creative Styles for Your Jar Advent Wreath
Natural Style: Rustic Garden Charm
Make the most of what your garden has to offer. Use unsprayed fir branches, rose hips, ivy and moss. Fill the jars with pebbles or bark mulch, and choose natural-colored beeswax candles.
Tie the branches around the jars with coarse raffia. Skip shiny ribbons, and add dried mushrooms or acorns. This style looks perfect on a wooden table beside a crackling fire.
Modern Style: Minimalist and Elegant
Choose four clear, cylindrical jars that are all the same size. Use a white ceramic or glass plate as a base. Fill the jars with white pebbles or salt, and add slim white pillar candles.
Keep decorations to a minimum. Arrange a single long eucalyptus branch in a winding shape around the jars, or place an individual silver ornament beside each one. The result is clean and timeless.
Fun Style: A Family Craft Project
Get the kids involved in making an Advent wreath. Use colorful candles and jars. They can paint the jars with glass paint or decorate them with glitter stones. Colorful glass nuggets or plastic beads work well as filler.
Add handmade decorations. The
Extra tip
If you use fresh branches, mist them lightly with water to help them stay green longer. Don’t place the wreath directly above a heater. Dry heat will make the branches and berries wilt faster.
How Do You Care for and Store Your Advent Wreath?
Remove any leftover wax after a candle burns down. Let the wax harden completely in the jar, then loosen it from the sides and lift it out as one solid piece. Wipe away any residue with a soft cloth and hot water.
The natural decorations on the base will last about two to three weeks. Replace any wilted branches or berries. The jars and base will stay in good shape, so you can remove the decorations and give them a new look next year.
Store the jars and base in a dry place. Wrap the base in newspaper to prevent scratches. Nest the jars to save space, and keep any leftover floral foam, sand or decorations in a box.
More Ideas: From a Table Wreath to Large-Scale Decorations
Try different sizes. Instead of four large jars, use 24 small shot glasses and arrange them in a long row on a shelf. Light another candle each day during Advent to create a special Advent calendar.
Hang the jars. Drill holes in a small wooden board and attach handled jars with wire to create a hanging Advent wreath for your patio or garden gazebo. Make sure it’s securely mounted.
Pair the jar wreath with other DIY projects. Make small airplanes from the
Keep using the wreath after Christmas. Remove the holiday decorations, fill the jars with soil, and plant small houseplants or herbs. Your Advent wreath becomes an evergreen table decoration.
Conclusion: Make a Personal Advent Wreath with Simple Materials
An Advent wreath made from jars is more than a craft project. It’s a way to celebrate sustainability and express your personal style. Give old materials a new lease on life and create a decoration that feels uniquely yours. The crafting process itself builds excitement for the holiday season.
It doesn’t cost much to make. You can find most of what you need at home or outdoors. For a special touch, choose quality scented candles or use an elegant wooden board as a base. Let your creativity lead the way.
Set aside a free afternoon to get started. Gather your jars and browse the Garden + Outdoor section for decorations. You may also find useful supplies in our Shop, such as the
or to care for your garden plants, which can later provide decorations. Or use the as growing medium if you plant in the jars later.
Light the first candle and enjoy the warm glow of your homemade jar Advent wreath.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What jars work best for a DIY Advent wreath?
- Sturdy preserving jars with wide openings are ideal. Jam jars, pickle jars, and small tins work well too. Make sure they sit securely and that the candle doesn’t touch the rim. Avoid thin-walled or cracked jars.
- How can I secure candles safely in jars?
- Set the candle in a small piece of floral foam and place it inside the jar. Alternatively, fill the jar with sand, gravel, coffee beans, or lentils. These materials surround the candle’s base and help keep it steady. The floral foam should sit about one centimetre below the rim of the jar.
- Are jar Advent wreaths fireproof?
- Glass is non-combustible and provides a safe barrier. Still, place candles in the centre of the jars and keep flammable decorations, such as branches, away from the flames. Set the wreath on a non-flammable base, such as a metal tray or wooden board.
- Can I display my jar Advent wreath outdoors?
- Yes, the jars help shield the candles from the wind. Choose sturdy, weather-resistant candles, such as thick pillar candles, and place the wreath under a porch or in a sheltered spot. Clear wet leaves or snow from the decorations before lighting the candles.
- How can I decorate a jar Advent wreath with natural materials?
- Use items from your garden, such as fir branches, rose hips, pine cones, or dried orange slices. Tie the branches around the jars with raffia or arrange them on the base. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise for a fragrant touch.
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