I’ve always had a soft spot for kitchen projects that do a little extra work while still looking pretty on the counter, and this paper towel holder is exactly that kind of thing. By sliding a wooden dowel through two tall glass candle holders filled with dried cranberries, you get a holder that feels festive, sturdy, and surprisingly polished without much fuss at all.
This is a wonderful project for anyone who likes easy decorating with a practical payoff. It reminds me of the kind of clever country-house solution my generation grew up admiring—using simple materials, adding a touch of color, and ending up with something useful enough to keep out every day instead of tucking away in a cabinet.
Materials
2 tall clear glass candle holders, 9 to 10 inches tall with a center opening wide enough for a 1-inch dowel
Instructions
1. Wipe the glass candle holders inside and out so they’re clear and dust-free, and make sure they sit level on your counter.
2. Lightly sand the wooden dowel if it feels rough, then spray or brush on a thin coat of clear matte sealer and let it dry completely so it stands up better to kitchen handling.
3. Add felt pads to the bottom of each candle holder to protect the countertop and help keep the piece from sliding.
4. Fill each glass candle holder with dried cranberries, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top so nothing spills when you position the dowel.
5. Place a small dab of museum gel under each candle holder, then set them 11 to 12 inches apart so a standard paper towel roll will fit comfortably between them.
6. Slide the wooden dowel through the center tube of the paper towel roll, then rest one end of the dowel into the opening of one candle holder and the other end into the second holder.
7. Center the paper towel roll on the dowel and test the spin; if it feels tight, widen the spacing slightly until the roll turns smoothly.
8. Adjust both candle holders so they are parallel and stable, then press down gently to secure the adhesive underneath.
9. Tie the ribbon in a simple bow around one candle holder stem or around the middle of the dowel for a soft finished touch, keeping it clear of the paper towels.
10. Set the holder in its spot on the kitchen counter and give the roll one last turn to be sure it tears cleanly and the whole piece stays balanced.
Variations & Tips
For everyday use: If you want this holder to stay out year-round, swap the ribbon color with the seasons or leave it plain and let the wood, glass, and cranberry red do the decorating.
For extra stability: Choose heavier candle holders with a broad base, especially if your paper towels are the oversized kind. The more weight in the base, the nicer it will behave on a busy counter.
For a fuller look: Pack the cranberries generously so the holders look lush and rich through the glass; that abundance is what makes the whole piece feel finished instead of makeshift.
For a different filler: Small white beans, coffee beans, acorns, or seasonal faux berries can work too, but dried cranberries give the prettiest color and a classic country-kitchen feel.
To keep it tidy: Don’t overfill the candle holders all the way to the rim, or the cranberries can jump around when you lift the dowel out to replace the paper towels.
Gift idea: This makes a lovely hostess or housewarming gift if you wrap the dowel separately, tuck in a fresh roll of paper towels, and include a note about how to reassemble it in a minute or two.