DIY Flatware Caddy (on the cheap)

 
I just realized that I haven't done a DIY post in a while, and I've been meaning to share this trick as literally this flatware caddy cost me .50 to make.  Now mind you, I also had some of the materials laying around, but you could potentially put this together for less than five dollars (if you pay a higher price for the basket).  Which still beats what a flatware caddy will run you through a specialty catalog or at the store.

So, here you go folks!  One VERY easy DIY Flatware (Silverware) caddy.  And the best part?  You can take this apart and wash it.  Try to find a flatware caddy at the store that will let you do that ;).

DIY Silverware/Flatware Caddy (the easy and cheap way)

Materials:

• 1 basket or holding container (mine measures 5 inches deep by 8 inches wide by about five and a half inches high).  Make sure it is tall enough to rise above your jars so it looks pretty when you are done.
• 3 jars (I used two wide mouthed pint jars and one straight sided 1/2 pint jelly jar.  Make sure you use straight sided/wide mouthed to get the most room out of your jars and try to get as tight a fit with the jars in your container as possible for added stability for the jars)

Procedure:

1. Clean out your silverware drawer and organize your flatware/silverware into forks, spoons and butter knives.  Place aside (this step by the way, is merely to pad out the instructions, because otherwise it'd be really, REALLY short).
2. Place jars in the basket or holding container.  Make sure they are clean.
3. Place your silverware/flatware in the jars within the holding container and put it in an easily accessible place on your counter.

And, done!

When you feel a need, remove the jars and put them through your dish washer.  This is a GREAT way to use chipped jars that are no longer suitable for canning (what I did).  Don't have canning jars to use?  Use some old condiment/jelly jars.  Don't have those?  Look at the used stores.  I run into donated canning jars a LOT when I go there.  If you can't find a basket you like at the used store (where I got mine for .50) I'd go to Michaels or Jo-Ann fabrics when their baskets are on sale or you are armed with a 50% off one item coupon and get a container you like a LOT cheaper than paying regular price.

I love using a flatware caddy vs. having a silverware drawer by the way.  I got the tip to use one out of a Pottery Barn catalog (I am such a nerd about this stuff) and decided to give it a try.  I love having my silverware easily accessible on my counter right above my dishwasher.  Makes putting silverware away a lot easier too!

Enjoy!

This post is part of Gluten Free & DIY Tuesdays on Allergy Free Alaska and The Baking Beauties