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Filling Apothecary or Glass Jars, for the seasons & holidays, is easy, especially if you’re using large items, like faux squash (for Fall) or ornaments (for Christmas), etc. However, if you’re using a small filler, such as holiday candy (e.g. jelly beans, conversation hearts or candy corn), it can be quite pricey to completely fill up a 14″ tall jar like this one. 
But, I have an easy way to fake-fill these larger jars! Simply roll-up poster board, thin cardboard or card stock into a cylinder-shape, measuring apx. 1/2″ less (in diameter) than the diameter of your Apothecary or Glass jar. Trim the height (of the poster board cylinder) to a height apx. 1″ below the top of your jar (without the lid). Stapling or using tape to hold your poster board dimensions will help it stay in place while you’re trying to accomplish the next step. Insert your poster board cylinder into the jar, also placing a (slightly smaller – in diameter) container in the center of the poster board cylinder (I used a tupperware container), which will keep the poster board or card stock from collapsing under the weight of the candy as you fill the open 1/2″ space between the jar and cardboard.
Now, all you have to purchase is apx. ONE bag of candy to fill the void between the poster board and the side of the jar.
Another way you can accomplish this is to find a cylinder vase that is 1/2″ less (in diameter) and no taller than your jar. If you are lucky enough to find that perfect of a fit, it is truly the best solution.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
What an idea! I have always filled them full. I don’t know why I never thought of that before. I bet it would look cute with red hots too and peppermints at Christmas. Now I have a lot of ideas. Thanks so much for your great ideas!
What a really good idea!!!
Very good idea!! Thank you so much! I am thinking I can even fill some of the void inside the jar with a larger container (like your Tupperware) and fill some on top so people can still grab candy from the center and not disturb what is on the outsides. I have kids who love the candy from the display and then this way they are not disturbing my decorations. 🙂 Thanks again!
Great idea Elizabeth!
I fill mine with a plain glass cylinder vase (for the smaller ones I just use a drinking glass)turned upside down so that I can fill the sides and the top of the apothecary jar. It looks great from every angle including the top.
[…] Cut a piece of printer or construction paper to fit inside the jar and still give room for the sweethearts. Then tape the opening to make a cylinder. More info here. […]
I also fill the inside of my apothecary jars with large drinking glasses turned upside down. I like the poster board idea though! Sounds like it would help you use even less candy if you have a really big jar.
What size bag do you use? 8 oz,16 oz or bigger?
Hi Lindsey… I use 16 ounces usually so I have plenty. Eileen