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How to Put Lemons & Limes in a Jar for Kitchen Decoration

You can use bright and lively lemons and limes for nearly everything in your kitchen, from cleaning to cooking. Inside clear glass canisters, lemons or limes double as cheap, cheerful decorating options that cost little more than the canisters themselves. Opt for fresh fruit if you use the lemons and limes on a daily basis or in well-made plastic pieces for permanent decor.

Things You'll Need

  • Knife
  • Sugar
  • Bleach
  • Flowers
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Instructions

  1. Canisters

    • 1

      Arrange lemons and limes in a clear kitchen canister for an uninhibited view of the fruit. Opt for frosted or etched glass canisters for a more decorative look. When using solid canisters, choose wide-mouthed containers that allow you to mound the lemons and limes above the rim so you can see the fruit.

    • 2

      Opt for lid-less canisters for fresh or plastic fruit, which gives the arrangement a more casual appearance, a look that works well in family-style kitchens. Add another element of decor with an ornamental or colorful lid when using fake lemons and limes. Choose a finish that coordinates with the hardware in the rest of the kitchen, such as antiqued bronze or canisters with a decorative handle. For a bright effect, use colored lids that complement the lemons and limes, such as purple, or keep with the citrus theme and use an orange lid. Do not use lids with fresh lemons and limes: Keeping citrus in an airtight space can promote early spoilage.

    • 3

      Gather canisters in different heights when decorating with a collection of lemon and limes to create a staggered arrangement. Or, opt for canisters that are all the same height for a more symmetrical, traditional look. An odd number of canisters creates the best effect when staggering heights, and use an odd or even number with same-size canisters.

    Arrangement Ideas

    • 4

      Separate the lemons and limes when working with smaller canisters to create a more defined look. Mix the lemons and limes in large canisters to achieve a casual effect.

    • 5

      Arrange the fruit along the contours of the shapes of the canisters, whether you mix the lemons and limes or separate them. This moves the decor away from purely utilitarian, with fruit tossed into a canister until needed, and highlights the shape of the canister and the different sizes of the lemons and limes.

    • 6

      Stack similar-sized lemons and limes with the ends pointing in different directions when working with tall, narrow canisters.

    • 7

      Slice the lemons and limes and place the slices inside the canister. Fill it with water and add one tablespoon of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of bleach per quart of water. Arrange fresh flowers inside. In addition to adding an unexpected decorative element to your bouquet, the lemons and limes help to prevent the cut ends of the flowers from callousing over, keeping them fresher for longer. The sugar provides food, and the bleach prevents fungi growth.

    Placement Ideas

    • 8

      Place the lemon and lime canisters in a corner of your kitchen counter to add color and brightness to the space without encroaching on your work surface.

    • 9

      Situate the canister or canisters near your bar area to add color and to keep two common drink additives close at hand.

    • 10

      Use the lemons and limes in canisters on the center of your kitchen table as a quick, natural centerpiece.