The best type of storage combines beauty and functionality, and nothing blends the two quite like a Mason jar. It would appear its charm isn't lost on Meghan Markle, who has filled her Montecito kitchen with jars that she uses to store preserved fruits. She's such a fan of this look, in fact, that she shared it over on her Instagram, and we can't help but feel inspired by her quaint kitchen storage idea.
Dating back to 1858, the Mason jar was invented and patented by John Landis Mason, a tin smith from Philadelphia. His design introduced the screw-top glass jar with a reusable metal lid and rubber ring, creating an airtight seal that revolutionized food preservation.
Over the course of the last 166 years, these jars have served as everything from drink glasses to vases. However, Meghan’s technique revives the original use while doubling as a colorful, homemade decor on any shelf or window ledge.
A must-have for following Meghan's lead: These classic Mason jars have a wide-mouth design, making them easy to fill and clean, whether you’re canning fruits, pickling vegetables, or storing homemade jams. The included lids offer a secure, airtight seal to help maintain freshness and flavor, perfect for storing lemons like Meghan.
There is nothing like an old-fashioned Canning Jar to elevate your pantry or kitchen countertops. The authentic Kilner® Jar, invented by John Kilner and Co. in England, is as much loved and successful now as it was over 180 years ago.
he timeless clear finish of these canning jars looks elegant and rustic in your cupboards, shelves or refrigerator and allows you to easily identify contents. They're a handy, multi-purpose item for your kitchen (like Meghan's), or in your living room or garden with candles or string lights.
While Meghan's modern farmhouse kitchen is by no means compact, her look is replicable in even the smallest of homes. To follow her example exactly, fill your jars with preserved fruits to introduce pockets of color, using the yellows of the lemons and the greens of the limes. However, you can also experiment with everyday essentials, including coffee and pasta, as designers explain.
'Mason jars are such a classic, and they never really go out of style. They are practical for sure, but they also bring in this layer of charm because no two are exactly the same,' begins Brittney Luedecke, owner and lead designer of Signature Styles in San Antonio.
'In a kitchen, they create this cozy, nostalgic vibe that can lean farmhouse, vintage, or even eclectic depending on how you style them. I like using them for dry goods like oats, pasta, or coffee beans. When you line a few up on open shelving, it instantly feels styled without trying too hard. The sunlight hitting a row of vintage blue jars honestly looks like artwork.'
Since Mason Jars are so decorative, especially when filled with colorful goods, they deserve a place on any open kitchen shelf, and the best part? They're versatile enough to impress in any kind of home.
'That is the fun thing about Mason jars. They are not just containers, they are little pieces of history and texture,' Brittney says.
'Whether you are aiming for cozy cottage, rustic farmhouse, or you just want one quirky statement piece, they bring personality in a way that feels effortless.'
