The weather in Austin this summer has been dreadful, but this week it finally cooled down to the low 90’s, which has put me in the mood for an outdoor dinner party. It will probably be a couple of weeks before we can comfortably sit outside for several hours at a time, but the planning is one of my favorite parts.
I haven’t thought about guests or a menu yet, but have started to think about how to decorate the table. I like to use simple decorations outside, and the idea of a Mason™ jar planter sprang to mind. Mason™ jars can look a bit country, but if they’re styled in the right way, they can also look quite chic. My favorite thing about them is the raised lettering, but on the clear glass, it can be hard to see. However, if the jars were painted, the lettering might pop.
I did a little research and found that all-purpose, indoor/outdoor spray paint works pretty well on glass, so I gave it a whirl. Since I am using the jar as a planter, I thought a flat white paint would work well to offset the green of the plant.
After about twenty minutes of drying time, I filled my painted jar with potting soil and a lovely bright green ground cover.
After finishing the first planter, I decided to make another one; this time I used a satin nickel spray paint and a sedum. I actually like the way it turned out more than the first. Lesson learned: satin finish better defines the jar’s lettering. I plan to make at least two more jars and line the center of the table with them. I’m thinking herbs for the other two. Another idea would be to use jars of different heights and cluster them in the center of the table.
Happy painting and planting!
Photography by Ken Simpson of Photo 552