Christmas candle holders, pine branches and glass jars: the magic of the Nordic style lights up with small simple gestures and some details collected between the woods and the kitchen. A scented candle, a recycled jar, the atmosphere of December.
An afternoon at home is enough, perhaps while it’s raining outside or there’s that cold wind typical of the holidays. Here the idea was born: transforming simple glass jars into Christmas candle holders, following the Nordic philosophy, where light is the protagonist and every object finds its natural place. DIY candle holders are not just decorations: they become little stories, made of pine branches, twine, pine cones and linen ribbons.
In a messy kitchen, between flour and falling fir needles, a familiar and intimate scene takes place. No hard and fast rules, just small gestures repeated calmly, without haste. And then, let’s face it, very little is needed: jars, a few candles, rough twine, green twigs collected during a walk. The smell of the resin remains on the fingers.
Choose the right jars and materials
Nothing new is needed: for Nordic style candle holders, glass preserving jars are perfect. Each shape has a character: the larger ones for large candles, the small ones for a diffused effect. An old jam jar, perhaps still a little sticky, finds a new life. The important thing is to wash them well and remove the labels: just hot water, a little patience. Once dry, we’re off.
Collecting pine or fir branches is almost a ritual. If you are not lucky enough to live near a forest, you can also use florists’ green. Natural twine, a few small pine cones, red berries or simple white ribbons complete the picture. Even an old dried orange slice adds a little extra flavor. And, of course, candles: preferably small, like tealights, or low cylinders to avoid accidents.
How to decorate candle holders: ideas and variations
Start by wrapping the string around the jar, securing the green branches as if they were a scarf. The knot? Better not perfect, it gives that sense of a lived-in home. A few more turns, maybe a side bow. The great thing is that each jar will be different: some remain essential, just greenery and string, others accommodate pine cones or red berries. Some add a slice of cinnamon, some add a wooden star, some prefer the white hand-knitted cotton.
For an icy effect, just brush the glass with vinyl glue and sprinkle with sugar (or coarse salt): drying, it creates that opaque patina that recalls cold mornings. Small detail: sugar works well immediately, but it tends to melt if the room is very humid. Salt, on the other hand, holds up better over time, perfect for those who want to keep the jar even after the holidays. One more detail? A small twig stuck under the knot, or a Christmas miniature found at the bottom of a drawer. Nothing has to look perfect. Objects that are too symmetrical quickly tire you.
Practical tips for a welcoming (and safe) atmosphere
Using low candles reduces the risk of overheating the glass. Be careful not to bring the decorations too close to the flame: a few millimeters of distance is enough. It is better to avoid synthetic materials, which dissolve. The jars should be placed on stable surfaces, away from light curtains or drafts. For those who love perfumes, adding some spices inside, such as a cinnamon stick or two cloves, creates a subtle note every time the candle heats up.
Finally, it is worth letting yourself be guided by the moment: the light that refracts on the glass, the greenery that slowly dries, the house that smells of the forest. Even a small mistake can become a detail to remember.
And then, when it gets dark early outside, a row of illuminated jars tells the story of winter better than many words.
You might also be interested in: Homemade Christmas perfumes: 4 mixes that warm up the room
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