It's definitely the most wonderful time of the year, as evidenced by the abundance of Christmas cookies and DIY decorations in our lives. And 'tis the season for indulging in a multitude of treats, which means you'd better have your dessert game on lock. Not a baker? Not to worry. These 21 mason jar dessert recipes won't have you whipping out the chef's torch or dirtying every bowl + baking sheet in your kitchen — all you need is some mason jars and a sweet tooth. Read on for our favorite mason jar dessert recipes, and just try not to pin them all.
We know, we know, Mason jars again? Believe it or not, this uber-versatile craft goodie is still being reinvented. From summer cocktail glasses to hanging planters and even mosquito-fighting candles, your collection of mason jars can take on a new meaning with just a simple dip of paint and a bit of creativity. Check out these whopping 56 DIY mason jar crafts to repurpose your jars and put them to good use.
1. Polka Dot Jars: A few dots of puffy paint go a long way. Allow the adorable, fruit-inspired jars to dry overnight and you are ready to go. (via Whipperberry)
2. Hanging Macrame Vase: Show off the knots you learned back in Girl Scouts and string up this one-of-a-kind vase. (via Brit + Co)
3. Key Lime Pie: No bake and already divvied up? This is the perfect summer dessert to impress your guests. (via A Million Moments)
4. Vertical Herb Garden: Take your herb garden to new heights with this vertical planter tutorial. (via Brit + Co)
5. Summertime Sun Tea: Assemble the drinks and let the sun do all the work for you. Your guests will thank you for it. (via Thirsty for Tea)
6. Fabric Flower Vases: Raid your scrap pile and you’ll have cute new vases in no time. (via Dwelling In Happiness)
7. Mason Jar Aquarium: Have the kids each make their own underwater creation and take the opportunity to do a little Oocean lesson. This project is so much fun they will never suspect they’re learning at the same time. (via Hello, Wonderful)
8. Balloon-Dipped Jars: No messy paint or tape required here — just good old-fashioned balloons. (via Brit + Co)
9. Fancy Tumbler: Now you can drink your iced coffee in style. (via Pretty Providence)
10. Superhero Bank: Get your little sidekick excited about saving with a super cool bank they helped make. (via Fireflies + Mudpies)
11. Chalkboard Lid Labels: A simple coat of chalkboard paint will let you know what’s in stock at a single glance. (via Momtastic)
12. Cocktail Gift: This is one favor you’ll want to give out at the start of the party. (via Something Turquoise)
13. Citronella Candles: Add a little mood lighting and keep those pesky insects away at the same time. This one is an all-around winner. (via Marty’s Musings)
14. Picnic Caddy: Use it as a silverware caddy or stick a few flameless candles in the jars for instant ambiance. (Clean and Scentsible)
15. Storage Shelf: Give yourself a little extra storage without actually sacrificing your counter space. You will be amazed you didn’t think of this sooner. (via Poofy Cheeks)
16. Cozies: These cozies only take a few minutes to make and would be a great thank-you gift for any summer party. (via I Heart Naptime)
17. Layered Crayon Candle: Don’t toss out that pile of broken crayons! Reuse them to make a new colorful layered candle instead. (via Hello Giggles)
18. Cupcake Holder: We’re suckers for pretty packaging, and this one takes the cake ;) (via Nellie Bellie)
19. Painted Succulent Planter: Place a few rocks in the bottom of each jar for added drainage and remember not to overwater. Even the most novice gardener can keep these babies flourishing. (via Lolly Jane)
20. Cupcake Wrapper Storage: Instead of shoving all your cupcake wrappers in the back of the cabinet, put them on display and add color to your countertop. (via Table for Two Blog)
21. Glitter Vase: Every day is a good day when you have a glittery vase full of fresh flowers on your table. (via Perfect Wedding)
22. Hair Station: Mismatched knobs and hanging jars make this storage solution as practical as it is pretty. (via Nefotlak)
23. Lego Head Jars: Throwing a LEGO party this summer? Save your jars and make these adorable decorations to add a bit of flair to any table. (via Beau Coup)
24. Upcycled Belt Lantern: Run to the thrift store and buy every (faux) leather belt you can find. Then come home and make a few of these lanterns for your patio makeover. (via Nothstory)
25. American Flag Jars: Perfect for all the upcoming patriotic holidays, these painted jars are easy to put together and make a big impact. (via Mason DePax)
27. Bride and Groom Jars: These would look adorable at a bridal shower or on the dessert table at the wedding. You’ll be looking for every excuse to display this dapper pair. (via The 36th Avenue)
29. Match Stick Jar: Holy match sticks! You’ll never have to dig through your junk drawer for a lighter ever again. (via The DIY Playbook)
30. Mini Pies: Use the lid to cut out crusts for individual chocolate pies. These little gems are *almost* too cute to eat. (via Brit + Co)
31. Pallet Wood Planter: Grab the next pallet you find and let your kitchen table make a huge statement. (via I Heart Nap Time)
32. Patina Paint Job: With just a few simple steps, you can make your jars looks like they’ve been around for decades even though you just took them out of the box. (via Suburble)
33. Picnic in a Jar: If nothing else, this is a surefire way to get your kids to eat their vegetables so they can get to that cookie at the bottom. (via The Gunny Sack)
34. Salt + Pepper Shakers: In under an hour, you can have a pair of salt and pepper shakers to perfectly match your kitchen decor. (via Landeelou)
35. Gold-Dipped Planter: Hang your favorite herbs from a tension rod by the kitchen window for easy access during the dinner rush. (via Sincerely, Sara D)
36. Dirt Pudding: Made of layers of chocolate pudding, cool whip and crushed Oreo cookies, these pudding are so good even the adults will love them. (via Better in Bulk)
37. Utensil Holder: The buffet line will move with ease once you put out this DIY utensil holder. Attach it to the fence for a more permanent solution if you constantly eat al fresco. (via Design, Dining and Diapers)
38. Soap Dispenser: Throw out that old plastic soap dispenser (but save the pump!) and give your kitchen a straight-from-the-magazine look. (via Love Grows Wild)
39. Solar Lamp: These are perfect for adding a warm glow to any outdoor get-together. (via Creative Cain Cabin)
40. Terrarium: Get your hands dirty and make a living terrarium. Your kiddos will love putting in each layer and watching it thrive on the windowsill. (via Parent Pretty)
41. Toothbrush Holder: Now even your toothbrush can get the Mason jar treatment. (via Country Chic Cottage)
42. Tinted Jar Candle: It’s like getting two tutorials in one! Learn how to tint your jars and then make a candle inside. (via Something Turquoise)
43. Twine Holder: Does your ribbon and twine end up a tangled mess? Well, not anymore with this bad boy. (via ‘a Casarella)
44. Rainbow Cake: These cakes are baked right in the jar and will add just the right amount of whimsy to any party. (via Lovely Little Details)
45. Craft Kit in a Jar: Know someone who likes to get their DIY on? Give them a customized craft kit in, you guessed it, a Mason jar! (via The Gunny Sack)
46. Easy Buffet Service: Create a grab-and-go station so guests get their napkin, silverware and cup at the same time. Everything will be streamlined so you’re not running around looking for extra forks at the last second. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
47. Whipped Cream: Now you can have whipped cream that’s better than the store-bought stuff with just a few flicks of the wrist. (via Saveur)
48. Storage Jars: Gather a few different knobs to make a collection of storage jars that double as decorative art. (via Lolly Jane)
49. Air Freshener: If there’s one room in the house that could use an air freshener, it’s the bathroom. At least this one is nice to look at. (via Creek Line House)
50. Pin Cushion: Whip up a quick pin cushion and corral all your loose sewing needles before you have to find them the hard way. (via Wait Til Your Father Gets Home)
51. Ice Cream: Pre-scoop ice cream and set out a buffet of toppings like sprinkles and chocolate chips for a refreshing summer dessert. (via Pen and Paper Flowers)
52. Kids’ Table Favors: Fill the jars with things like crayons, a snack and a small toy, and the kids will be happily entertained all afternoon. (via Brides)
53. Makeup Jar: Are you a glass-half-full kind of girl? Then this one’s for you. (via Birchbox)
54. Red Velvet in a Jar: Bake your favorite red velvet cupcakes, then take them apart and stuff them in a jar. Attach a wooden spoon and you’re done. (via Cakies)
55. Sprinkles Pen Holder: Here’s a simple and unexpected new use for sprinkles. (via The Farm Chicks)
56. Glitter Vase: A layer of pink glitter makes this iridescent vase stand out from all the rest. (via My Common Slice of Suburbia)
My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.
Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:
- Free People Super Wide Stripe Soft Headband
- Solar Eclipse Hand-Painted Brush
- Refy Lash Sculpt Mascara
- Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum
- Caitlyn Minimalist Custom Tiny Toi et Moi Birthstone Ring
- Free People Quilted Micro Pouch
- Saltair Golden Hour Body Wash
- Noyz Perfume Discovery Kit
- Versed The Glowing Skin Collection Gift Set
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera
- SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes
- Sol De Janeiro Rio Body Trio Discovery Set
- Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle
- Darn Tough Critter Club Lightweight Micro Crew Socks
- Lego Icons Tiny Plants + Flowers Set
- Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
- Alo Holiday Candle
- By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace
- Yuletide Stemless Wine Glass
- Lush Snow Fairy Lip Mask
- Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag
- Flippy Instax Mini Picture Frame
- Oomiay Cannoli Earrings
- Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set
- Ototo Mon Cherry Measuring Spoons
- Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set
- Ban.do Quilted Blanket
- Favorite Daughter Classic Logo Cotton Twill Baseball Cap
- Chunks Colorful Bobby Pins
- Custom-Made Birthdate Pendant
- Dame Massage Oil Candle
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver Quad Goals Lip Oil Kit
- Fig.1 SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
- Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee
- Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles
- Madewell Metal Mini Bow Stud Earrings
- Otherland Fallen Fir 3-Wick Candle
- OSEA Super Glow Body Set
- Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette Gift Set
Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!
Amazon
1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum
Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.
Summer Fridays
2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.
Urban Outfitters
3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera
For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.
SeaVees
4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes
Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!
Dieux
5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle
Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.
Anthropologie
6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace
Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!
Urban Outfitters
7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag
I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!
Target
8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set
You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.
Kulfi Beauty
9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set
This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!
Dame
10. Dame Massage Oil Candle
This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!
Life is Good
11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee
Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!
Compartés
12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles
These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!
Nordstrom
13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set
I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!
Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!
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Lasagna has to be the biggest temptation in the world for going-back-for-seconds (and thirds?), right? A huge tray of meaty, cheesy pasta that’s just asking to be picked at, even when you’re way past full! So let’s prevent the meagre leftovers and too-tight belts by portioning that lasagna up mason-jar style. Use fresh pasta sheets that can be cut to the shape of your jars,and add in some sliced zucchini for a splash of color. Finish it off with lots of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a super satisfying dinner. Prefer a veggie version? Try the mason-jar style with one of these veggie lasagna recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 x 14 ounce cans chopped tomatoes
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 heaped Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 packed cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packed cup shredded mozzarella
- 3-4 sheets fresh lasagna
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook on a medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until the onion starts to soften. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up any pieces, until browned.
- Add the garlic, tomato puree, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir together, then stir in the canned tomatoes. Bring to a gentle bubble and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Take your four mason jars (we used squat, 16.5 ounce mason jars), and cut circles out of the lasagna sheets that will fit the jars. You need 2 lasagna circles per jar.
- Now make your white sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Stir with a whisk to let the flour and butter cook slightly for one minute. Add in the milk, a splash at a time, while stirring with the whisk. Incorporate each splash of milk before adding the next, until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Stir in a good pinch of salt and pepper, plus a quarter of the cheddar and quarter of the mozzarella, and turn off the heat.
- Divide one third of the meat sauce between the mason jars. Top the meat with slices of raw zucchini. Spoon on a heaped tablespoon of the white sauce and top with a lasagna circle. Repeat.
- Top the second layer of lasagna circles with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining white sauce. Divide the cheddar and mozzarella between the mason jars. Place the jars on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is browned and the sauce is bubbling.
- Carefully remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly before serving topped with sprigs of fresh thyme.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook on a medium heat for 5-6 minutes, until the onion starts to soften. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up any pieces, until browned. Add the garlic, tomato puree, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir together, then stir in the canned tomatoes. Bring to a gentle bubble and simmer for 15 minutes.
Take your four mason jars (we used squat, 16.5 ounce mason jars), and cut circles out of the lasagna sheets that will fit the jars. You need two lasagna circles per jar.
Now make your white sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour. Stir with a whisk to let the flour and butter cook slightly for one minute. Add in the milk, a splash at a time, while stirring with the whisk. Incorporate each splash of milk before adding the next, until you have a smooth, thick sauce. Stir in a good pinch of salt and pepper, plus a quarter of the cheddar and quarter of the mozzarella, and turn off the heat.
Divide one third of the meat sauce between the mason jars. Top the meat with slices of raw zucchini. Spoon on a heaped tablespoon of the white sauce and top with a lasagna circle. Repeat.
Top the second layer of lasagna circles with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining white sauce. Divide the cheddar and mozzarella between the mason jars. Place the jars on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is browned and the sauce is bubbling.
Carefully remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly before serving topped with sprigs of fresh thyme.
Do you have a favorite mason jar recipe? We’d love to hear!Tweet us @BritandCo with a pic, and follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.
In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.
"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."
"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!
Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?
Universal Pictures
Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."
Universal Pictures
A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.
"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"
When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?
Universal Pictures
We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."
Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?
Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios
While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."
But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."
Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"
I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!
What is the first Mamma Mia about?
Universal Pictures
The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).
Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?
Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal
Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.
TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.
This post has been updated.
There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.
Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:
"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!
Enda Bowe/Hulu
Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."
But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.
"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."
Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.
"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"
Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.