If you live where it’s cold outside, like I do, for something fun and really beautiful this winter, follow these simple steps on how to make ice lanterns for that magical winter glow.
We usually don’t get our freezing cold weather until after Christmas. It’s after Christmas, and right on schedule, the cold weather has arrived. These are really fun to make as botanical ice lanterns with evergreens, berries, or your choice of foraged finds (like sea pods, pinecones, dried hydrangeas, winter berries) frozen inside of the ice. But they are also beautiful with just frozen water too! And nothing could be easier to make!
A winter backyard with ice lanterns
Materials needed to make simple ice lanterns or foraged botanical ice lanterns
- Plastic containers and cups or smaller plastic containers
- Heavy duct tape
- Votive or pillar candles
- Greenery like boxwood, evergreen, berries, and flowers (optional)
- Make round lanterns using bowls like this one
- Food coloring if you’d like them tinted (optional)
How to make ice lanterns
- Place a plastic cup inside a 6-cup plastic container and tape it securely to keep it in the center.
- Add tap water around the cup and place it outdoors (or in the freezer) until the water freezes.
- Once frozen, fill the empty cup with hot water, and the cup will release quite easily, as will the mold from the container.
- Return the lanterns outside immediately and add a votive candle or tea light. They look beautiful when lit in daylight, but especially at night.
Display them everywhere outdoors
Can I make these if I live where it doesn’t get that cold?
Yes, you can make them in the freezer portion of your refrigerator. The advantage to making and using them where it’s cold is that they can last for weeks (depending on the time of year) or at least until the weather gets warm.
But yes, you can make them the same way in the freezer and set them out. Depending on the weather, you could put them in a tray with a cold pack under it. They would at least last a few hours even if the temperature were in the 50s. So try it out, and see if it might work for your next dinner party. It’s a nice way to line a pathway.
How long does it take to freeze ice lanterns?
Freezing time depends somewhat on whether you use a larger container or a small container. I have found that allowing at least 24 hours for the water to freeze is a good rule of thumb.
A few tips that will make removing the ice from the containers easier
When removing the cup from the ice (the pocket for the candle) and the ice from the container, use warm water, not super hot water, and only run it under the tap for a few seconds—just enough to loosen the ice. You may have to do that a few times. I have learned the hard way that if the water is too hot and I run it too long over the outside of the container, the ice tends to crack and sometimes break apart.
I would also suggest making a few more ice lanterns than you plan on using in case one or two break when you remove them from the container. If you remove them all successfully, then you will just have more beautiful ice lanterns to work with.
I USE TO MAKE ICE SCULPTURES with a milk carton and FLOWERS!JUST ADD FLOWERS FROM THE GARDEN AND FILL UP WITH WATER AND PUT IN FREEZER!NEXT DAY PEEL OFF MILK CARTON AND TRA LA!!!
THIS of course is good for outside entertaining and in summer time!!!
A BEAUTIFUL IDEA!!
XXX
Elizabeth! I did add some flowers for some Valentine lanterns but I would have never thought it would work in California! I see that you freeze them in the freezer, but don’t they melt too fast? I would love to see yours!
Ice Lanterns are you kidding me. What a fabulous idea!! I love forsythia I need to head down the block and get some at the flower market. Those bases are great need to check them out. Loved this weeks post
Annie, I love these ice lanterns. What a cute idea for an outdoor party.. Maybe I can try them in Tahoe sometime! I have that same vase from Target and I have to dig it out and get some branches to force. Love that look of almost springtime. Good tips too! xo
Kim! These would be so cool on your deck in Tahoe! They would look beautiful lit outside to be enjoyed from inside! Doesn’t your table have a view of the deck? Perfect!
Hi Annie,
Your explanation for forcing forsythia is the best. I don’t have any on our property, but I can spot it on abandoned properties on our island! Also, am intrigued by the ice lanterns and can hardly wait to dig out containers for creating them for our deck this afternoon.
Enjoy the touch of winter before spring shows herself,
Diney on Camano Island
Hi Diney! Is it cold enough on Camano Island for ice lanterns? They really are beautiful! I hope you find your forsythia!I foraged mine too!
Annie,
Great post, as usual. I always look forward to Sunday Five Favs.
Karen
Thank you, Karen! You are so supportive and we all appreciate it! xx
Such a great post. You are so clever with the ice lanterns and sweet water-colored hearts!!! Luca’s mom was telling us that she loves her Always pans!
Annie … ice lanterns … I’m in love. We’ve had some really cold weather here in Northern California. Ok, cold for us. But suddenly it feels like spring. I’d love to make these and see how they do. Lining a path is a great idea … they’re so pretty. So so clever! xo
Hi Annie,
Those ice lanterns are such a great idea! They look beautiful. Nothing better than the soft glow of candlelight outdoors, especially in the snow. Too bad it’s been unseasonably warm here – so they would just melt!
Cute vases,I can picture them with the branches, pretty!
Have a great week!
Xo Heidi
Yes! You’ve been having my kind of weather heidi! I love California winters!
Hi Annie: I made the ice lanterns and put them on the stone wall behind our house in Kentucky. There is a walking trail on the other side of the wall, so others can enjoy them too. They look so pretty! I told all the women in my Bible study so they will check out your blog for the directions. I love your attitude about enjoying every season! Thank you. Pat
Hi Pat! That sounds so beautiful! I would love to see a photo. Would you mind texting me one that I could share? 917-34-4215. Thank you for sharing my blog with your bible study friends! That’s so sweet and generous of you! xx
Annie – Your photos are so much prettier! Funny thing : my husband froze a bucket of ice and carved out a place for the candle today. I looked out and thought he was making an ice sculpture! So, we have a giant ice lantern now. We are easily entertained!
Pat, I loved your photos! Thank you for posting them so I could share! I love the idea of a giant one using a bucket. It’s currently raining….hoping it turns to snow and cold enough to freeze so I can make more!