One of the latest trends in kitchen decorating accessories is filled bottles containing colorful veggies, fruit, whole spices, and herbs. Many people do not know what the mystery liquid is that saturates and preserves the color and shape of the contents, and they buy expensive ready-made varieties instead of trying to make their own. The secret ingredient is ordinary white vinegar! These items are known as decorative vinegar bottles and the vinegar acts as a preservative.
Forget about buying overpriced bottles of peppers, citrus slices, onions, bay leaves, and other natural items. It is possible to make decorative vinegar bottles containing colorful fresh produce, herbs, and spices, and they will not become discolored or spoiled. The vinegar bottles can be given as gifts, or they can be used to decorate a kitchen or dining area of almost any style. Try these easy ways to make decorative vinegar bottles, and have fun assembling vibrant containers of interesting natural items that will last indefinitely.
Necessary Supplies for Decorative Vinegar Bottles
To make decorative vinegar bottles you will need heavy clear glass containers with corks or tight-fitting lids, white vinegar, and small fresh items to fill the containers such as small red peppers, chopped onions, green cooked lima beans, sprigs of dill weed, thin citrus slices, or any other types of produce and herbs with interesting designs. A long flexible wooden skewer can be used to adjust the items once they are in the decorative vinegar bottles. The skewer is not necessary if the items will be layered, but it is required if the contents will be arranged in decorative ways down the sides of the glass. A butter knife is also helpful when trying to make decorative vinegar bottles. The handle can be used to push the items down without damaging the fragile contents.
Optional Supplies for Decorative Vinegar Bottles
Raffia, cardstock, and scissors are optional supplies when finishing the decorative bottles. The raffia will give the vinegar bottles a finished appearance. Cardstock can be stamped and used to make gift cards for a beautiful presentation. Consider using scissors with a decorative edge to cut small cards from sheets of cardstock. Use a punch and ribbon or raffia to attach the cards to the decorative vinegar bottles. Delve into your creative side to create beautiful decorative vinegar bottles. Charms typically used to decorate wine bottles or even glass beads can be tied to ribbon or raffia for added beauty, interest, and appeal.
Content Options for Decorative Vinegar Bottles
Many different fresh fruits and veggies can be used to make decorative vinegar bottles. Make decorative vinegar bottles using coarsely chopped white or purple onions, diced bell peppers of all colors, wax beans, tiny carrots, baby corn, and chili peppers of various hues. Other items that can be used are black and green olives, bay leaves, pearl onions, and peppercorn. Choose items in the colors desired, and experiment with layers and arrangements along the sides.
Procedure for Assembling the Decorative Vinegar Bottles
Smaller items such as chopped onions and peppercorn should be placed on the bottom since they would fall in between other items if placed on an upper level. After placing the smaller items, add something larger and more colorful such as small whole or chopped vibrant peppers. Slice narrow peppers crossways to display the intricate membranes inside. They will look like tiny wheels. End with a layer of green lima beans or olives. Push bay leaves, thin slices of citrus with the peels, or sprigs of dill weed down each side.
Fill the decorative bottles almost to the top with white vinegar, and cap them with corks or tight-fitting lids. The bottles will not be opened again, and super glue can be used to permanently attach the tops. This step is not required, but it will prevent kids and other curious people from opening the decorative bottles.
Finish the decorative bottles with raffia bows. If desired, attach small cards using the suggestions in the aforementioned optional supply list. The finished decorative vinegar bottles will look as good as or better than those sold in stores, and they will cost far less. Unlike those sold in stores, the contents can be carefully selected and combined to create the perfect pieces that will last as long as the fruits, veggies, and spices remain saturated with vinegar.
