I love mason jars. They are so versatile and can be used in so many different ways. Here are 8 of my favorites!

1. DIY Double Boilers

Put the metal rings from the mason jar in the bottom of the pan (or slow cooker) and fill with pan with water. Heat the water. Put the chocolate, or whatever you want to melt, into a mason jar and set the jar in the hot water, making sure that the jar is sitting on the rings and not the bottom of the pan.

2. Lunch Containers

Mason jars make excellent refrigerator storage. Cut lettuce and produce inside mason jars stays crisp, which makes them the perfect container formake-ahead lunches.

3. Seed Sprouters

While we are on the subject of salad, why not sprout your own sprouts with a jar strainer lid that does double duty as a sifter? By the way, the mason jar sprouter is a super easy DIY project: just cut a piece of window screen the size of a flat lid.

4. Salt Shakers

Replace the flat lid of a mason jar with the pour spout from an old salt container! You could also purchase a shaker attachment rather than just poking holes in the flat lid with a nail like your grandpa did.

5. Store Craft Supplies

Because they come in so many sizes, mason jars are also ideal for corralling craft supplies.

6. Creative Centerpieces

Have you seen these faux-mercury glass vases made from mason jars, mirror spray paint, and vinegar? These would also make terrific wedding centerpieces.

7. Christmas in a Jar

This is one of my fave Pinterest projects-- Winter Wonderland in a Jar AKA the homemade snow globe. Also think making terrariums, great for school projects.

8. Lovely Winter Luminaries

If you prefer the romance of candlelight, mason jars provide the ideal windbreak for candles. Fill the bottom of jars with sand, add a votive candle, and use them instead of paper bag luminaries to guide party guests up to your house.