Design

Vintage marmalade jars from Liverpool.

5 ways to repurpose them for everyday use!

As a designer history fascinates me, and items beautifully crafted in the past can be enjoyed in the modern day.

I’m not going to lie, I was in a secondhand store messing about and, out of the corner of my eye, I see stacks and stacks of small pottery jars unlike anything I have ever seen before (and I am a scavenger at heart folks. If it’s out there I have probably seen it!!)

Yet, I was completely charmed by these round, handmade, 5” tall jars. They had “Liverpool” stamped on the bottom. I selected 8 of these vintage marmalade jars for $3.00 each and hauled those little beige bad-boys to the cash register!!

These handmade earthenware jars, once full of the UK’s finest preserves, jams, and marmalades, were a product of the Hartley Company, established in 1871, and stamped Liverpool on the base of the jars. Hartley Company has a fascinating history, and although the fine English jellies, jams and marmalades are long gone, the small crockery jars have survived and are still common. This is such an easy way to add charm, and have some fun along the way.

Hartley Factory Photo Credit: 28dayslater.co.uk

Folks one thing you need to know right now,… I don’t buy things and put them on a shelf!
I use them… every chance I get!
Figure out ways to enjoy the parts of the past that you bring home.

Here are my top 5 adventurous ways to incorporate these historical little vintage jars into your everyday life...

…but keep in mind the possibilities are endless. Get super creative and figure out how to get the most joy from everything you bring into your life.

1) These vintage jars are glazed earthenware so they are completely food-safe. Whoot Whoot!
I baked individual servings of bourbon banana pudding in these old jelly jars! Scrubbed ‘em clean first, then baked and served a slamming dessert in these incredible little jars. Just hand your guests a spoon and enjoy a homemade face full of goodness. Layers of warm pudding crumbled vanilla wafers and ripe bananas…yes ma’am!

2) Use the vintage jars to stay organized! In my guest bathroom I put items guests might need on full display. No need to dig through the cabinets. Stack toothpaste, q-tips, new toothbrushes, vertically inside the jars and set out for guests to help themselves.

3) Welcome your guests by name! Use these jars as place markers writing the name of each dinner guest directly on the jar as you set the table. Since these vintage jars are glazed they holdup to markers, and even chalk markers that are water-soluble will work well. The guest’s name, written in marker, will not come off with use, but will easily come off with water at the end of the night.

4) I love a unique everyday centerpiece. No special occasion needed. Take 8 jars, 5 jars, or even 3 and gather them into a circle. Now fill with your favorite floral mix. The size is completely customizable! Experiment with the scale to figure out what look you want for your flower arrangement. Why not? It’s just a pile of jars!

5) Use as chilled beer mugs for an outdoor summer bbq! Before your guests arrive, chill the jars in the freezer, and then as they arrive, pour on the cold beers. The earthenware provides excellent insulation to keep the beer as cold as possible… and it’s super casual… and reusable!! No plastic cups needed. Nothing against a good red solo, but you’ve got to admit these little Liverpool jelly jars are a whole lot more fun!