As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to bring that cozy autumn vibe into your home. Decorating for the season doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With mason jars and lanterns, you can easily create a warm and inviting space that feels like fall. These two simple items can be transformed into stunning decor pieces with just a few tweaks, making your home feel rustic, relaxed, and ready for those chilly evenings by the fire.
Here are some creative ways to decorate your home with mason jars and lanterns this fall. From centerpieces to porch displays, these ideas are easy to pull together, but they have a big impact.
1. Mason Jar Candle Holders: Simple Glow with a Rustic Touch
One of the simplest ways to use mason jars in fall decor is by turning them into candle holders. This project is perfect if you love soft, flickering light but want to add some seasonal flair. Start by filling your mason jars with small autumn-inspired elements like mini pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, or even cinnamon sticks. The earthy tones and textures inside the jar immediately evoke that fall feeling.
Next, place a votive candle or tea light in the center of the jar. As the candle burns, the light will bounce off the natural materials inside, casting a warm, golden glow that feels both rustic and elegant. You can group a few of these together on a dining table, a mantle, or a coffee table for an effortless fall display that doubles as mood lighting.
2. Lantern Centerpieces: The Heart of Your Fall Table
Lanterns make perfect centerpieces for fall, offering both form and function. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply decorating for the season, lanterns add a touch of charm and elegance to any table. For fall, you can take your lantern to the next level by incorporating seasonal items inside and around it.
Start by choosing a lantern that suits the scale of your table. Large lanterns make bold statements, while smaller ones offer subtle elegance. Place a candle or LED lights inside the lantern—this will provide the soft glow that makes the space feel inviting. Surround the candle with faux fall leaves, miniature gourds, dried flowers, or berries to enhance the autumnal look. The beauty of this setup is that it’s incredibly versatile—mixing natural elements with the lantern’s structure adds depth and texture to the display.
If you want to keep the focus on the lantern itself, consider keeping the surrounding decor minimal. A simple lantern with a candle inside, surrounded by a handful of small pumpkins or some dried wheat, can be just as stunning as a more elaborate setup.
3. Hanging Mason Jar Lanterns: Lighting Up Your Porch or Entryway
Hanging mason jar lanterns is another easy yet effective way to bring a soft, welcoming light to your home this fall. These lanterns are ideal for porches, entryways, or even indoor spaces like hallways and living rooms. They add an instant touch of rustic charm and can be customized to fit any space.
To create your own hanging lanterns, start by wrapping some twine or wire around the lip of a mason jar, making a handle that you can use to hang it. You can hang the jars from hooks, branches, or even a sturdy string draped across your porch. Inside the jars, place flameless candles, fairy lights, or LED string lights for a warm, safe glow. You can even add some fall elements like faux leaves, small pinecones, or berries around the lights to enhance the seasonal look.
These hanging lanterns are perfect for welcoming guests or lighting up your space on cool fall evenings. Whether hung in a group or scattered around your outdoor area, they create a soft, magical light that makes any space feel cozier.
4. Lanterns with Fall Foliage: Decorating Mantels and Shelves
Lanterns paired with fall foliage are a match made in autumn heaven. The combination of flickering light and vibrant leaves instantly transforms any space into a cozy, fall retreat. This idea works especially well on mantels, bookshelves, or console tables where you can create a layered, curated display.
Start by placing your lanterns on the surface you want to decorate. For mantels, it’s often best to use lanterns of varying heights to create visual interest. Once the lanterns are in place, add in your fall foliage. Faux leaves, dried flowers, berries, and even twigs work beautifully here. Drape them around the lanterns or tuck them into the corners to create a full, lush look.
If you want to add even more depth to your display, consider adding some small pumpkins, gourds, or pinecones alongside the foliage. These elements will bring in those classic fall colors and textures, helping to tie the whole display together.
5. Mason Jar Flower Arrangements: Rustic and Simple
Mason jars aren’t just for candles—they make fantastic vases for fall flower arrangements too. With their rustic, country charm, mason jars are the perfect way to display autumn blooms like mums, sunflowers, or even dried wheat. Plus, they’re easy to customize with ribbons, twine, or even a coat of paint.
To create your own mason jar arrangement, start by choosing your flowers. Mums and sunflowers are classic fall options, but you can also experiment with dried arrangements using wheat, lavender, or even cattails for a more rustic look. Once you have your flowers, arrange them in the mason jar, cutting the stems to the appropriate length. If you want to add some extra fall charm, wrap the neck of the jar with twine or raffia and tie it into a simple bow.
These arrangements work well on side tables, window sills, or as part of a larger fall display. They’re simple, beautiful, and instantly bring the warmth of the season into your home.
6. Lantern Porch Display: Welcoming Guests with Style
For those who love making a statement with their fall decor, a lantern porch display is the way to go. Grouping lanterns of different sizes on your front porch is a simple but effective way to create a warm, welcoming space. Not only do these displays look fantastic during the day, but they also create a magical atmosphere once the sun sets and the lanterns begin to glow.
To create your own porch display, gather a few lanterns of different heights and styles. Place them in a group, either directly on the ground or on steps if you have them. Inside the lanterns, place candles, LED lights, or even small pumpkins or gourds. Surround the lanterns with other fall decor items like hay bales, larger pumpkins, or cornstalks to complete the look.
This display is sure to catch the eye of anyone who passes by, and it’s a great way to welcome guests into your home with that warm, fall feeling.
With just a few mason jars and lanterns, you can easily bring the essence of fall into your home. These simple, affordable items allow you to get creative while embracing the rustic charm of the season. Whether you’re lighting up your porch, creating a stunning centerpiece, or adding a little warmth to your mantel, mason jars and lanterns are the perfect way to decorate for fall.