Vanilla Dreams: DIY Extract Jars to Elevate Your Hosting & Gifting Game
Gather Your Crowd (and Some Vanilla Beans)
What if your next hosting gift had your guests swooning before the first sip of coffee… or even before they untie the ribbon?
We’re big fans of the thoughtful little things here at Crowded Table by design—the small, intentional details that turn a simple gift into a story, and a kitchen moment into a memory. That’s exactly what these homemade vanilla jars are: a humble bottle filled with sweetness, simplicity, and a whole lot of you.
Forget the last-minute bottle of wine or yet another candle that smells like “Fresh Linen #48.” This year (yes, even in July), we’re getting ahead of the hosting season hustle by prepping something that’s elegant, affordable, and full of cozy magic—homemade vanilla extract. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a gift that truly says, "I made this for your table.”
But this isn't just a cute DIY moment. It’s a love letter to intentional hosting. Because every time you hand someone one of these bottles, you’re offering a piece of your table—a warm welcome, a sprinkle of your spirit, and a reminder that inspired gatherings start with inspired gestures.
So whether you’re prepping for the holidays, planning your next dinner party, or just love the idea of vanilla-steeped magic in your pantry, this little project is your sign to gather your crowd, grab some beans, and get bottling.
✨ There’s always a place for you at our table—and sometimes, it comes with a bow on top.
Why Vanilla Jars Belong at Your Crowded Table
Let’s be honest—there are only so many times you can show up with a bottle of wine or a store-bought candle before it starts to feel… predictable. But a homemade vanilla extract? Now that’s a gift with a story. It’s personal. It’s practical. And dare we say—it’s a little bit luxurious.
These tiny bottles may look humble, but don’t be fooled—they’re infused with the kind of love and intention that elevates any gathering. Vanilla extract made by you becomes more than an ingredient; it becomes a moment. A gesture. A whisper of warmth that lingers in every cookie, cake, or cozy mug of something delicious.
And the best part? It’s a gift that keeps giving. Literally. As your recipient uses their vanilla, they can top it up with more alcohol and add another bean to keep the flavor going. It's refillable, reusable, and downright genius. (Is it weird to be this proud of a pantry item? Asking for a friend.)
✨ Our favourite ways to use or gift them:
Hosting Gifts – Tuck one into a basket with fresh cinnamon sticks or tied to a tea towel with twine. Instant charm.
Cookie Exchange Partners – It's a sweet upgrade from the usual sprinkles.
Stocking Stuffers – Because Santa loves a handmade touch.
DIY Dessert Jar Pairings – Layered cookie mix + vanilla extract = match made in holiday heaven.
You can even keep a few stashed away to pull out whenever someone unexpectedly brings you a little something… and now you’ve got a “thank you, right back atcha” in your hosting arsenal.
✨✨ “There’s something deeply joyful about showing your love in the little ways—like a homemade bottle of vanilla with their name on it.”
— Miranda, Queen of Cozy Crafting & Kitchen Sorcery
At Crowded Table by design, we’re all about moments that make people feel seen, celebrated, and warmly welcomed. And that includes how we give. These vanilla jars? They're not just gifts—they're invitations. To gather. To savour. To remember that something small, done with heart, can leave a big impression.
What You’ll Need to Set the Table for Flavour
Aka: your vanilla-making toolkit to create pure magic—for your table and theirs.
Before we dive into slicing beans and channeling our inner kitchen alchemists, let’s gather your crowd of supplies. This isn’t a complicated project (we love that for us), but a few key ingredients and tools will make your vanilla dreams come true.
We’ve made this list oh-so-scannable so you can click, cart, and create. No stress. No Pinterest rabbit holes. Just what you need—because you’ve got a gathering (and maybe a glass of wine or tea) to get back to.
✨ Jars with Foil Seals, Funnel, and String
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Grab them here
These come with all the bells and whistles—lids, seals, a mini funnel (you’ll be thankful for this later), and twine for that Pinterest-worthy final touch.
Miranda used: 2 boxes (for 24 bottles)
✨ Vanilla Beans
→ Shop the beans here
The main event. You’ll need two beans per bottle, so stock up accordingly. These ones are rich, fragrant, and split like a dream.
Miranda used: 2 packs
✨ Vodka (80 Proof)
Stick with something unflavored and mid-shelf. No need to break the bank—your beans are doing all the heavy lifting here.
Used: 3 x 26 oz bottles
✨ Brandy (just a splash!)
A little bit goes a long way. This adds a deeper, rounder flavour to your extract and gives your gift a je ne sais quoi quality.
✨ Funnel, Labels & Sticker Paper
Design your label in Canva (free and fun!) and print it on this sticker paper using a regular printer.
Pro tip: Keep it cute and useful—don’t forget to include the bottling date. These beauties need time to steep, and that little date helps everyone know when the vanilla magic is ready.
🎁 Hosting Pro Tip: Keep a set of these supplies on hand all season long. They’re perfect for last-minute gifting, host thank-yous, or even tying onto a loaf of banana bread like a cozy, edible hug.
✨ Everything for your table—and theirs.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Vanilla Jars
Like a recipe. But with more vodka.
No need to overthink it—this is one of those dreamy DIYs that’s just as easy as it is impressive. Follow these steps and you’ll have a countertop full of cozy, heartfelt gifts before your coffee gets cold.
🫘 Step 1: Slice & Prep the Beans
Use 2 vanilla pods per 5 oz jar.
Take a sharp knife and gently slice each bean lengthwise to expose all that glorious vanilla goodness inside. Don’t slice all the way through—we want the pods to stay intact like little flavour boats.
✨ Tip: You’ll know you did it right if it smells like cookies and joy.
🍶 Step 2: Drop the Pods In
Place both split beans straight into the jar. They might curl or twist a little—totally normal! That’s just the magic getting cozy.
🥃 Step 3: Add the Splash
Pour in a splash of brandy (about a teaspoon or so).
This adds a little richness and roundness to the final flavour—like putting velvet curtains in your flavour theater. Optional, but fabulous.
🍸 Step 4: Top with Vodka
Use your funnel (this is not the time to freestyle) and pour vodka into each jar until the beans are completely covered.
Leave a little headspace at the top so the liquid has room to move when steeping.
✨ Tip: The better the coverage, the better the flavour. So tuck those beans in like it’s bedtime.
🔒 Step 5: Seal It Tight
Screw on the lid, then use a blow dryer to shrink the foil seal over the top.
Once cooled, tie a bit of twine or string around the neck for that rustic, homespun look. Pretty and practical.
✍️ Step 6: Label with Love
Head to Canva and create a sweet, simple label. Print on sticker paper and slap it on.
Be sure to include:
Bottling date (so they know when it’ll be ready)
Steeping instructions (just a quick note like: “Ready in 3–6 months. Store in a cool dark place. Shake monthly for best results.”)
🎁 If you’re gifting it, this label becomes the love letter. So make it charming and clear!
That’s it! No boiling, no fussing—just a few easy steps to elevate your next gathering or gift exchange. Bonus points if you pour yourself a little something while you work. You deserve it.
Steep It Like You Mean It
A little patience, a little alchemy, and a whole lot of vanilla-scented joy.
Let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t instant magic. You can’t shake it up and call it extract by dinnertime. But oh, is it ever magical over time.
Once your jars are filled, sealed, and dressed to impress, the real transformation begins. It’s the slow, quiet kind. The kind that reminds us good things are always worth the wait.
🕯️ Here’s how to steep with intention:
Store your jars in a cool, dark place—a cupboard, pantry, or even a tucked-away corner of your kitchen. No need for anything fancy. Just a little space to rest and transform.
Flip or gently shake each jar once a month. (Put a calendar reminder in your phone or turn it into a ritual—your own little “vanilla moon cycle.”)
Let it steep for 3 to 6 months. The longer you wait, the deeper, richer, and more complex the flavour becomes. You’ll know it’s ready when:
The liquid has turned a rich, amber brown
The aroma is bold, sweet, and unmistakably vanilla—like walking into a cozy bakery at golden hour
🌟 Steeping is where the magic settles in—quietly, slowly, deeply. Just like the best conversations around your crowded table.
And here’s the best part: this vanilla never really runs out. As you use it, you can top it off with more vodka and even toss in another bean to keep the flavour going. It’s like sourdough starter, but sweeter (and you don’t have to name it. Unless you want to.)
So go ahead—tuck those jars away and let time do its thing. By the time the holidays roll around, you’ll be pulling out bottles that are practically singing with flavour. Your future self will thank you—and so will your guests.
Gift Ideas That Crowd Your Table with Joy
Because sometimes the best gifts aren’t store-bought—they’re stirred with love and sealed with string.
Whether you're preparing for a full-blown holiday hosting season or just love the idea of having thoughtful little somethings on hand, these vanilla jars are your secret weapon. They're the perfect example of how a simple, beautiful gift can carry big heart energy.
🎁 Pair your vanilla jars with one of these crowd-pleasing companions:
A mason jar cookie mix – Layer dry ingredients for your favourite cookie recipe in a jar and tie it with twine. Slip in a tag that says: “Add butter, eggs, and love.”
Mini baking kits – Bundle a vanilla jar with a whisk, wooden spoon, and your go-to sugar cookie recipe. Think of it as The Sweetest Starter Pack for cozy baking nights.
A tea towel & handwritten recipe card – Personal, practical, and so charming. Bonus points if it’s a family recipe or something from your table.
A bottle of homemade vanilla + a fresh loaf of banana bread – It’s like giving someone a warm hug wrapped in parchment paper.
A handwritten tag that reads:
“For your table. May it be full of sweetness, stories, and second helpings.”
(You're welcome to steal that. We’re into poetic moments over here.)
✨ Giving isn’t just about what’s in the jar. It’s about the story, the spirit, and the soul behind it.
💡 Host Tip:
Keep a few extra bottles tucked in a cupboard, gift bin, or even your pantry.
That way, when someone surprises you with a gift, shows up to dinner with wine in hand, or goes above and beyond as a host—you’ve got something ready that feels thoughtful, intentional, and oh-so-you.
You’ll look like the most gracious, wildly prepared host ever.
And the best part? These beauties cost only about $9.50 each to make. (Brilliant, right?)
Final Words from Our Table to Yours
At Crowded Table by design, we believe the little details make the biggest memories.
A ribbon-tied bottle. A spoon dipped in something steeped with love. A moment where someone feels thought of before they even take a seat.
These vanilla jars aren’t just cute—they’re a gesture, a story, and a reminder that inspired living begins at your table.
So go ahead:
Set the table. Stir the vanilla. Steep your intentions.
Let the scent of connection, comfort, and creativity rise like steam from a warm cup shared with a friend.
Whether you’re hosting the gathering or simply bringing a gift that says “I see you,” remember—there’s no such thing as a small act when it’s done with heart.
✨ From our crowded table to yours, may every gathering be steeped in sweetness—and every gift be a reflection of the love that lives in the little things.
Join Our Table and unlock a world of possibilities! Sign up for 20% off your first purchase. You'll also receive instant access to our latest recipes, expert gathering guidance, crowd-pleasing tips, and a curated tabletop finds to elevate your next gathering.
Crowd your table, feed your soul! Let's create memories that will last a lifetime, together.
