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Organizing with Mason Jars

February 9, 2016 by 73 Comments

Since getting married, my appreciation for Mason jars has grown. Not only are they decorative, but they are incredibly functional, as well.Above my stove, I have three quart-sized Mason jars, in which I store white flour, popcorn kernels, and brown rice. I would like to add more jars to my collection, but I’m not sure what to put in them. Any ideas?

On the counter next to the stove sits a two-quart Mason jar filled with brown sugar and two larger jars filled with all-natural cane sugar and a mix of white and wheat flour. I confess that the larger jars aren’t genuine Ball Mason jars. You’re going to laugh, but they’re actually old pickle containers from the early ’90s, compliments of my mother (shh, don’t tell anyone).

Do you use mason jars to organize your kitchen?

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Filed Under: DIY Home, Home Organization Tagged With: Ball Mason jars, Mason jars, organizing with mason jars, pickle containers

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Comments

  1. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 2:53 am

    I put steel cut oats in one…in my others I have flour and sugar like you. I've seen people that eat a lot of breakfast cereal put it in there to help keep it fresh.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:15 pm

      My family eats a lot of steel cut oats, but I haven't purchased any since I've been married. You've made me want to go buy some!

      Ellie

      Reply
  2. Betsy

    February 9, 2016 at 3:17 am

    Dried beans work well in jars! I love Mason jars also, but I use them to store my pens in. πŸ™‚ They are so versatile! I love how you keep sharing little bits of your life with us all. Thank you!

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:17 pm

      Dried beans are a great idea. Thanks, Betsy!

      Ellie

      Reply
  3. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 4:17 am

    Cool! I just found your blog. Mason jars are for sure my favorite way of organizing!

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:17 pm

      Glad to have you as a reader! πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
  4. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 5:55 am

    You could put beans in them or maybe even pasta. Do you like cooking on your electric stove? I too have an electric stove and I hate it. I find gas stoves much better for cooking. But we have to work with what we have. Plus we are renting. Perhaps when we get our own place all my dreams will come true. Lol.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      I like the idea of storing pasta in a Mason jar.

      My electric stove works pretty well, but I do agree that gas is better. My electric burners are constantly getting pieces food stuck to them, which caused a pot to be engulfed in flames a few months ago. Thankfully my husband was home to come to my rescue! After that incident, we bought a fire extinguisher. lol.

      Ellie

      Reply
  5. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 7:29 am

    You could put kosher salt in one on the stove. Or corn starch or corn meal or oatmeal.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Those are great ideas! Thanks!

      Ellie

      Reply
  6. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 9:13 am

    In my family we use Mason Jars to store things to! And for tea you just have make sure the water isn't to hot so the bottom doesn't crack. My mom has these nice big ones that are very pretty but also very functional. They definitely get put to good use!

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:45 pm

      They definitely are functional! πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
  7. Marisa

    February 9, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    We use mason jars for all of our spices. We got the 1/2 pint cute little ones to use. We also use the big quart ones for any storing any dried herbs from the garden.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:44 pm

      Hi Marisa,

      I've never seen someone use Mason jars for storing spices. That would make for a very cute spice cabinet!

      Ellie

      Reply
  8. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 2:12 pm

    a variety of beans (red, white, black) and yellow and green split peas always look nice and if you find the old fashioned zinc lids, it adds to the decorative look

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:47 pm

      I really enjoy split pea soup, although I've never made it for my husband, so I'll have to make sure he likes it before buying a bunch of split peas. But I do agree that they would make nice decorations. What recipes do you make with your dried beans?

      Ellie

      Reply
  9. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    You can put noodles in mason jars, or individually wrapped candy or chocolates. In my house, I use big glass jars that I fill with homemade cookies or muffins. It looks better than a plastic box.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:48 pm

      A jar filled with candies would be wonderful! But I think I would be tempted to eat too many. lol.

      Ellie

      Reply
  10. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Great idea! Another good thing to put in large jars is the dry ingredients for cakes, brownies, cookies, pancakes, etc. It saves tons of time when you're ready to make some:) Oh, just give it a quick whisk before scooping it out to be sure it's all mixed evenly! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:48 pm

      That's a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing. πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 9, 2016 at 10:25 pm

      You're very welcome:) My sister and I owned and ran a cafe recently and with a lot of young customers here in England we did a lot of pancakes (they're eaten as dessert here)! It was a life saver to have the mix already prepared! πŸ™‚ Your blog is very enjoyable, Ellie:)

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 10, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      How neat! What was your cafe called?

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 10, 2016 at 10:06 pm

      We named it Ranch House (actually I'm from the US with an American mom and English dad and have only been over here for 3 years) and decorated with a western theme. It was very fun and somehow got nick named "The Ranch" by most of our customers:)

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 8:27 pm

      Love it! Did you also serve stereotypical American cuisine (eggs, bacon, sausage, etc)?

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 12, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks:) No, we didn't do those, but things like BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and wraps, burgers and burger wraps. Also Mexican such as enchiladas, nachos (and BBQ pulled pork nachos), tacos and lots of desserts. Our peanut butter stuff was a bit hit here since it's not the typical. Oh, and we also started a burger and named it "King Ranch" consisting of the normal burger, toppings and BBQ pulled pork. πŸ™‚

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 12, 2016 at 7:34 pm

      That sounds delicious! πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 14, 2016 at 11:07 pm

      Thank you! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  11. Cassie

    February 9, 2016 at 4:04 pm

    You could put lentils, dried beans, split peas, homemade hot chocolate mix, homemade brownie mix, oatmeal, quinoa, you could always can meat, vegetables, applesauce, jams, jellies, etc. Hope these are some new and different ideas for you to consider!

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks for sharing those ideas, Cassie! What are your favorite lentil/dried bean recipes?

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Cassie

      February 10, 2016 at 4:55 am

      Well, in my family we have done a ham lentil soup, and a ham split pea soup, which if we get a really cheap ham we will make it with potatoes and green beans, then with leftovers make a casserole dish, or soup with the leftovers. When we make soup with leftover ham we normally save the bones and make our own ham broth and it gives the soup a lot of the ham flavor! And with dried beans you can always make homemad refried beans, and other things. There are 11 people in my family so we always go for cheap meals… But we haven't done as much with dried beans and lentils because we like quick meals and the fact they are not my dad's favorite! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 10, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      Those sound like great meals, Cassie! So you have 8 brothers and sisters? Where are you in the family lineup?

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Cassie

      February 13, 2016 at 1:29 am

      Yes. I'm the second oldest child… But the eldest daughter. DEFINITLY a lot of responsibility! Lol

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 13, 2016 at 2:34 am

      Wow! That would be a ton of responsibility! What are the ages of your siblings?

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Cassie

      February 13, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      My oldest brother is 17 1/2, I'm 16, next sister down is 14, next 12, next is a set of twin girls that are 9 1/2, my little brother is next… He is 7 1/2, and next is a set of boy girl twins who are 5 1/2.

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 15, 2016 at 5:55 pm

      Sounds like a busy but exciting life! I'm sure that the experience you have gotten as the oldest daughter will be a great help as you start your own family someday. πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
  12. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Oh, and how could I forget, chocolate chips! As well as nuts. But definitely chocolate chips! Lol

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:43 pm

      I would love to put chocolate chips in a jar, but having them right in front of my face all the time might be too much of a temptation. πŸ˜‰

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 10, 2016 at 12:51 am

      Just put them in the cabinet if you have room they you would be temptation to eat the chocolate chips.

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 10, 2016 at 4:55 am

      I know what you mean!

      Reply
  13. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    This is off of the subject, but I was just wondering if anyone else was having trouble seeing the Duggar Family Blog. I can get Nashville wife and The Bates family blog, but the Duggar one will not come up. Any suggestions? It just appears to try to come on. This has been happening for about 1 week. Thanks,

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:42 pm

      Hi there,

      A few readers have mentioned having this problem over the past week. It seems to only be happening to those who use Internet Explorer. Is that the web browser you're using? We recommend switching to either Firefox or Google Chrome (can be downloaded for free). You can also try updating to the newest version of Internet Explorer to see if that solves the problem.

      Let me know if the issue persists.
      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anita

      February 10, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      I use safari on iPad, and it kept closing the page. It'd reload and then it'd close.

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      I'm sorry to hear that, Anita. We're trying our best to solve the issue and hope to have everything back to normal soon. In the meantime, you might try installing Google Chrome or Firefox on your iPad, if that's a possibility. So far, we haven't heard of anyone having problems accessing the blog with either of those two browsers.

      Ellie

      Reply
  14. Anonymous

    February 9, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    I've recently come across the idea of using jars for a lot of storing in the kitchen myself. I also love how easy they are to decorate with. I tie fabric scraps or used bands from presents around the tops that go with the colour of my kitchen. Also, simple yet elegant labels or a glass with fresh flowers are a nice way to touch things up in a beautiful way.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 9, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      Such cute ideas! πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
  15. Tara G.

    February 9, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    I've seen many creative people find a plethora of uses for these and make them look charming while they function. I, however, prefer to have minimal items on my counter tops. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  16. Beth

    February 10, 2016 at 12:49 am

    You could put tea bags in the mason jars.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      I like that idea, Beth! I was never much of a tea drinker, but this winter I've become one.

      Ellie

      Reply
  17. Kell

    February 10, 2016 at 1:07 am

    I love to use the smaller ones as air freshners- add baking soda and your favorite essential oil to it. I use a cupcake liner cup as a top and screw the rim back on. Inexpensive and no harmful chemicals.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 10, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Kell,

      That's clever! And the fumes can still escape through the cupcake liner?

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Kell

      February 12, 2016 at 2:42 am

      Yes… I forgot to say that you need to punch holes in the liner, using a fork. What is nice, is that you can control how strong or weak the scent is. Blessings

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 12, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      Thanks, Kell. I'm going to try that right now. πŸ™‚

      Blessings,
      Ellie

      Reply
  18. Anonymous

    February 10, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    I use antique Ball jars in blue-green with zinc & glass lids in my sewing room to store my buttons. I use one or two jars for each color, and more jars for my vintage buttons. I must have 20 jars of different sizes, picked up at yard sales and antiques shops. The zinc lids can be harder to find than the jars, and you have to be sure to get lids that aren't too mangled or dented from the years. The thickness and the glass color on the antique jars is far better than the colored jars they're producing these days. Also, I had a brand new Ball jar break in the canner while I was making pickles. What a mess. Never had a jar break before in decades of canning. Jardin bought Ball and I don't think they're making the new jars quite the same these days. That, or quality control has slipped.

    Reply
  19. Anonymous

    February 10, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    My JoAnn store has a display of inserts you can put on top of a Ball jar for arranging flowers. The inserts look like metal mesh grids or are punched out in a spoke arrangement. JoAnn also has bags of lids that have a plastic grommet in the center around a hole where you can put a straw. These are not Ball brand products, but another company. These products seem to have arrived at the store since Christmas, maybe with spring seasonal wares?

    Also, be careful storing salt in a Ball jar with a metal lid. You will eventually corrode the lid. Ball sells plastic lids that fit their jars. The plastic lids are safe around salt. You can find those lids at Wal-Mart.

    Reply
  20. Anonymous

    February 10, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    Try a Google type search of 'in a jar', and your imagination is the limit!

    Reply
  21. Anonymous

    February 10, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    Maybe for the back of the stove you could put a jar of bran so you can put a bit into your cooking to increase fiber.

    Reply
  22. Anonymous

    February 10, 2016 at 4:20 pm

    Birdseed, don't forget our feathered friends.

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 10, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      I use big popcorn tins for bird seed. Mouse-proof.

      Reply
  23. Anita

    February 10, 2016 at 10:00 pm

    I use so many jars! I have 1/2 gallon jars, quart jars, pint jars, 1/2 pint jars and 1/4 pint jars. I vacuum seal lots of stuff in them. Spices, coffee, beans, cereal, rice, corn, wheat, sugar, oatmeal, salt, etc. The flour won't vacuum seal because it gets sucked into the sealer. The jars vacuum sealed work really well to keep out weevils. Ironically, I'm not very organized about things, including my jars. How do you organize thousands of jars? One day…

    Reply
  24. Anonymous

    February 11, 2016 at 3:24 am

    Coffee/coffee beans

    Reply
  25. Anonymous

    February 11, 2016 at 5:10 am

    Quinoa is one thong I store I jars along with other things already mentioned. Having it near my oven reminds me to use it instead of pasta. I also store various things to use as a reading and/or nuts and raisins which are healthy to add to dishes. I am roasting veggies alot now and adding a few nuts or raisins at the end is so good. My favorite combination are bite sized pieces of butternut squash, rutabaga, carrots, sweet potatoes and quartered red potatoes. Toss in olive oil. Throw on cookie sheet. Bake 30minutes..move them around and bake another 15 to 20minutes or until soft. 400 degrees. Then sometimes at the end I add afew nuts pr raisins. Soooo good and healthy.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 9:51 pm

      That recipe sounds delicious. I've been looking for a dish that includes butternut squash, so I might just give it a try. πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
  26. Anonymous

    February 11, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    This is quite unrelated, but I've been wondering if you have any regular workout routine that you enjoy? Any other ways that you use to stay fit and healthy? Also, do you have any favorite beauty products? You always look amazing, and I'm always looking for new ideas and things to try! πŸ™‚
    Blessings,
    Emmeline

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 9:49 pm

      Hi Emmeline,

      I try to exercise a few times a week. Sometimes my husband and I run a mile at the gym, other times I do sit-ups, squats, lunges, etc at home, and then other days I'll do a workout DVD at home. I can write a post with all the details if you would like. πŸ™‚

      Thank you for your kind words! I have recently started using natural beauty products. Mineral Fusion is my favorite brand. I'll add that to my list of future posts, too.

      You have a beautiful name!
      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 11, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      I would love to read posts on both topics! πŸ™‚
      Thank you!!!
      ~ Emmeline

      Reply
  27. Anonymous

    February 11, 2016 at 5:13 pm

    Since I live in the Midwest I use a mason jar for ice salt that way it's easier to get the salt out instead of the bag.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 8:28 pm

      That's handy! It must have to be a fairly large mason jar, with all the snow that falls in the Midwest.

      Ellie

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 14, 2016 at 5:30 am

      I use 3 large size mason jars. And also use a juice jars that's big enough to fit the rest in.

      Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 15, 2016 at 5:56 pm

      Thanks for sharing! πŸ™‚

      Ellie

      Reply
  28. Alberta Rose

    February 11, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    In my indoor pantry I use mason jars to hold legumes, sugar, small pasta, graham crackers and raisins (when you only have one child, there are no siblings to hold a teenager accountable for pigging out on crackers and/or raisins. With a nice clear mason jar you can ask your 13 year old "What does the Bible say about gluttony and dishonesty?". Right now in the fridge there is a mason jar labelled "Bacon grease", one labelled "Chicken drippings", one labelled "Vegetable Broth". If you have a Tetra-pak of soup, pasta sauce, those sorts of things which are "Use within 7 days of opening", you can extend it to 14 days by pouring it into a mason jar. In the freezer there is usually at least one mason jar filled with cooked beans. Black beans freeze the best, followed by any variety of white beans. Pinto beans if you cook them until just tender will freeze well. In the inside pantry there is a list of mason jars in the garage pantry. Currently on the list are "Sugar, Salt, Brown Sugar, Brown Drops. The last is my way of hiding the chocolate chips from the aforementioned 13 year old who has inherited his mother's sweet tooth, as well as a means to help me resist temptation. Back before Tupperware, Rubbermaid, Glad Storage Containers, jars were used to cook and freeze things. I'm going back to those days.

    Reply
    • nashvillewife@gmail.com

      February 11, 2016 at 8:34 pm

      Those are all clever ideas, Alberta Rose. I had no idea that putting soup or sauce in a mason jar would extend the life to 14 days. That's going to be a helpful piece of knowledge for me. I love tomato soup, but my hubby doesn't. I buy Tetra Paks from Trader Joe's but I have a hard time finishing a whole container in just one week.

      Thanks for all the tips!
      Ellie

      Reply
  29. Anonymous

    February 12, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    I don't understand how you can take something from a (sterile) Tetra Pak and extend its life after it's been opened by pouring it into a non-sterile jar. It's still going to be exposed to air in the jar's headroom, and then you're adding any contaminants that might have landed in the jar, too. (Ask your husband – he should be very familiar with sterile practices.) Are you FREEZING this jar after it's filled??

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      February 13, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      I am also wondering if the ledge behind the stove is a place for any stored food. It gets warm there which can help any bacteria in the foods there multiply.

      Reply

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