Decorating with Demijohns

Demijohns!

Let’s do some demijohn decorating!

For those of you who are not familiar with the history of demijohns, we will take a step back in time to 1400’s Europe where these beauties were traditionally used to transport and store wine.

If you’re lucky enough to find one still covered with the original wicker, or straw, then you’ve really hit the jackpot!

Demijohns come in many colors, but the antique ones are quite often green.

The word demijohn is French. The word is used to described a large, narrow necked bottle made to transport liquids. Another name for demijohn is carboy.

These beauties serve as a wonderful decorating tool around the home.

Many stores sell a current day version of demijohns, but nothing compares to the vintage and antique ones filled with the character of bubbles, dimples, and wavy glass.

Bottles made after 1870 will have smooth bases, while bottles made before 1870 will have have marks on the bottom from the pontil used by the glass maker. Also, most of the bottles from Europe were free blown with an imperfect shape.

You may also find a string mark in antique demijohns where the bottles were tied to the neck before shearing. Speaking of necks, the older bottles have flat collars as well.

If you’re feeling “bottled up” 😂🤣this winter, decorate away with demijohns!

We’ve included some awesome inspiration along with this article.

Enjoy!

(We do not own these images.)