We’re heading into the time of year when the flickering of candles in jars makes staying indoors far more appealing than heading out into the cold, dark nights. A few tealights or scented candles in a jar create instant atmosphere, making autumn and winter evenings feel warm and inviting.
Candle jars and votives also make great seasonal gifts, whether you make your own or buy your favourite scents ready-made. But what happens to all those jars when you’re left with an old candle, reduced to just a wick and a glass?
The obvious answer is to create candles from old candles by refilling the jars with fresh wax (if you’d like to try this, check out our range of glass jars for candle-making, and follow our step-by-step guide). But if you’re wondering how to reuse candle jars in more inventive ways, there are plenty of options. Below are six unique ideas for candle reuse, perfect for adding charm to your home or gifting during the colder months.
Top Tip: Cleaning Out Candle Glass
Almost all of these ideas involve cleaning the wax residue from the candle glass first. This can easily be done by either filling the jar with boiling water and letting the melted wax float to the top. Alternatively, place it in the freezer overnight and scrape away the flakes. If the glass still looks a little smeared, wash it in hot, soapy water. Adding a drop of white vinegar will give your candle jars extra sparkle, especially if you’re repurposing them as Christmas jars for festive gifts.
Delicious Desserts
If you’re confident that you have managed to get all of the wax off the jar, one of the tastiest ways to reuse it is to fill it with a dessert of your choice. They lend themselves very well to cold treats like a lemon posset or a chocolate mousse, and if your jars are heat-resistant, you can serve warm crumbles or spiced puddings.
If you’ve collected a few old candle jars, they make ideal serving dishes for a dinner party. Wow your guests with homemade mini tiramisus or berry trifles in cute little pots. They’ll never know that just a short time ago they housed glittering candles in a jar on your mantlepiece.
Trinkets/Jewellery Pot
Many candle jars find a second life as a holder for stationery or beauty products, but give yours the much more important job of looking after all those little trinkets that don’t have a place. This could be by the bed, on the kitchen worktop or by the front door so that you know exactly where to find the items next time you need them. This works especially well for jewellery.
They also double up as storage jars for all those little collections that children like to build- seashells, pebbles, conkers or acorns gathered on autumn walks, all look charming displayed in candle glass.
Miniature Plant Pots
Another clever form of candle reuse is to create a green-fingered centrepiece for your table by replacing the wax in your candle jars with soil and a small plant. Succulents or herbs work great for this, or you could take a cutting off one of your favourite flowers from the garden and recreate a mini version indoors. A few of these dotted around the home can really add some colour and warmth, brightening up your home during the darker months.
For a seasonal twist, try decorating the glass by painting it or including some elements of decoupage.
Other ‘Smellies’
Having spent most of their lives helping to create wonderful smells around the home, an ideal way to reuse a candle glass is to hold other scented products. Bath salts are a great example. Display them neatly next to the tub and sprinkle a few in the water next time you plan to relax amongst the bubbles. Or, if you’re more of a bath bomb than a bath salts person, use the jar to keep your larger bath bombs safe and dry so you can split them into smaller pieces and use them across multiple soak sessions.
Similarly, you could use them to hold potpourri in strategically chosen places for an effortless way of making each room smell fantastic.
Garden Caddy
Even when gardening slows down for winter, your old candle jars can still be useful. Set your used candle votives free into the outside world and use them to help keep all of your gardening paraphernalia in one place. Reels of twine, plant labels and markers, open seed packets, hand pruners, pencils, and more can all fit in a larger glass and you’ll never find yourself hunting around the shed wondering where you put them again.
Sweet Seasonal Gifts
Another foodie option is to make cute gifts out of your old jars and gift them to the people you love; an excellent way to spread some cheer during the festive period. There are two ways you can go with this idea. One is to fill them with homemade jam, chutney or preserves, or the second is to layer sweets and chocolates inside. Tie on ribbons, fabric or bows, and you’ve created a DIY Christmas gift.
This works best if you have lids that fit your jars, but you could always stretch some cloth over the opening and secure it with an elastic band if you don’t. An old candle jar dressed up for the season can look just as beautiful as a shop-bought hamper.
Find the Perfect Candle Jars for Autumn & Winter
These ideas don’t just apply to old candle jars; you can create the same cosy, seasonal feel with new ones too. At The Bottle Jar Store, we stock a wide range of candle jars in bulk for crafting, decor and festive gifting.
From classic glass jars for refills to stylish containers that double as storage or seasonal presents, you’ll find plenty of options to get creative this autumn and winter. Explore our full range today and give your next project the perfect finishing touch.
