I’m showing the simple steps on how to make an ice lantern. If you live where it’s cold like I do, then this is something fun and really beautiful for winter! This is one of my Sunday favorites that I share each week with my friends Cindy and Mary Ann!
We usually don’t get our freezing cold weather until after Christmas. These are really fun to make for the holidays with greens and berries. But they are so beautiful with just frozen water too! And nothing could be easier to make!
A winter backyard with ice lanterns
Materials Needed to an Make Ice Lantern
- plastic containers and cups or smaller plastic containers
- heavy tape
- votive or pillar candles
- greenery like boxwood, evergreen, berries, and flowers (optional)
- make round lanterns using bowls like this one
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 water around the cup and place outdoors (or in the freezer) until completely frozen.
- 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. 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. The advantage to making and using them where it’s cold is that they can last for weeks 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.
2. Bring a little Springtime into the kitchen with cute new juice glasses and a few spring-potted plants
Whether you have open shelving, cabinets with glass fronts, or just a tray on your counter, adding a few new (or old) juice glasses in spring colors can be a fun way to brighten up the kitchen with a dose of spring. I love these with flowers or these glasses in bright spring colors.
In addition to new glassware, I love to get ahead of the season, and I am always on the hunt for spring plants like Heather, Hyacinth, and Hellebores. Nothing freshens up the house like a few spring plants or a bunch of tulips! The potted plants will last for weeks, but who can resist buying a bundle or two of tulips on a Trader Joe’s run?
Inspired by Spring in Copenhagen
When Madeline and I went to Copenhagen a few years ago, I loved how they embraced early spring inside and out. Copenhagen is where I got the idea to make ice lanterns. They really embrace the seasons; you know how much we love hygge around here!
3. Don’t forget the Forsythia + Vases from Studio McGee for TARGET
If your local store is still a little short on spring plant offerings, don’t forget about Forsythia! Cut a few branches, and bring them in to force bloom. Forsythia is among the first to bloom.
Tips on cutting forsythia to force it to bloom
- Choose a day to cut Forsythia when the temperature is above freezing
- Cut the branches at the desired length, looking for crossed branches and crowded spots where the branches won’t be missed.
- Put the branches in a bucket of warm water indoors after giving them a fresh cut.
- Some people think you should leave them in water, covered with a sheet of plastic in a basement or cool place (not cold), while you wait for the buds. I do not mind having bare branches in the house while I wait for the little yellow buds to appear. It could take a week or two. The further you are from the actual time they would bud outdoors, the longer it will take. The buds form in the fall, so we are just forcing them to bloom a little earlier than normal by bringing them indoors in January.
- Make sure to keep them watered and give the buds a little mist now and then to ensure they don’t dry out. Avoid putting your branches near a heat source.
- I used this vase from The Studio McGee for Target Collection. It comes in two sizes. Both are great and make a flower (or branches) arranging a breeze. They practically arrange themselves because the size of the opening is perfect!
- These were cut today, so it will be several days, if not weeks, before they bloom since it’s only January.
Update: Eight days later, we have little yellow buds on the Forsythia I clipped! January is not too early to force bloom Forsythia branches!
4. I love these vases from Studio McGee for Target!
5. The Always Pan by Our Place
Everyone’s favorite pan, The Always Pan, comes in fun colors, perfect for Valentine’s Day gift-giving. I sent this one to my mom in the color Heat, but the Spice or terracotta is perfect for Valentine’s Day too. Pair it with a meal that could be made in the pan, a bottle of wine, and maybe some pure beeswax taper candles. Add a pretty handmade heart potholder from A Handmade House.
Madeline has their stackable plates, bowls, and glassware in her studio apartment. Our Place has free shipping. You can try it out for 30 days and if you don’t love it, send it back, and they’ll even pay for the return shipping. But trust us, you’ll love it!
LA CONTESSA says
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
annie diamond says
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!
cindy says
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
kim says
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
annie diamond says
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!
Diane Ruebel says
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
annie diamond says
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!
Karen B. says
Annie,
Great post, as usual. I always look forward to Sunday Five Favs.
Karen
annie diamond says
Thank you, Karen! You are so supportive and we all appreciate it! xx
Mary Ann Pickett says
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!
Juliet says
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
Heidi says
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
annie diamond says
Yes! You’ve been having my kind of weather heidi! I love California winters!
Pat Huber says
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
annie diamond says
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
Pat Huber says
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!
annie diamond says
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!